Too Rad & Too Hot
A look into the new collection by The Rad Black Kids
Hi lovelies! Happy Tuesday! The most potent aspect of my life is my family. I am such a die hard for my brothers and I am no fun and games when it comes to them. I am super blessed to have them and more so, I am so blessed to be surrounded by brothers who have a strong entrepreneurial spirit within themselves. As my mama always says, you are the company you keep and with them, I am in good company. Thulani, my 2nd oldest brother, is the Creative Director and co-founder of The Rad Black Kids; a powerhouse street wear brand out of Long Beach, CA. Fun fact: I too am a co-founder. Scroll down for more...
I don't know about you guys, but my favorite type of blog posts are those that mix a bit of business with pleasure. I am always interested in small businesses but more so, in the people behind the small business. You see, it takes ALOT of courage and perseverance to own a small business because failure is always a looming threat even when there is success. In addition, more than selling products, you have to consider branding, social media presence, product development and more. It really takes a motivated and strong individual to run a small business.
ABOUT THE BRAND
Thulani is not only my brother, but also the visionary, owner, and designer of The Rad Black Kids along with Chief Strategist, Tasha. His latest collection was shot in the Malay center in CapeTown, South Africa. As Africans living in the Diaspora, identity has become one of the aspects in life that holds high importance. This brand breaks many social and political 'norms' especially as it reshapes and defines the black experience on a global level. The name itself causes you to stop and think as "Rad" and Black are typically not words used together. The most notable pieces from this new collection are the Zimbabwe Surf Team gear. The most 'controversial' aspect of this is, Zimbabwe is a land locked country with no oceanic beaches. In actuality, many Zimbabwean surfers reside outside of Zimbabwe as is the story of many Zimbabweans generally. This part of the collection bridges the gap between those still in the motherland and those living in various places in the diaspora. TRBK began in 2014 with longboards and apparel and has now expanded with Sneakers and Guitars in addition to apparel and longboards. TRBK believes in being ethically responsible as they continue to a plant tree for every purchase sold. The Rad Black Kids represent Style, Identity, Lifestyle, and Culture. Contact Info below:
TRBK INSTAGRAM | TRBK FACEBOOK | TRBK WEBSITE
Business tips courtesy of Thulani below...
5 TIPS TO RUN A SMALL BUSINESS
1. Time is the most important resource! More so than money!
2. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you actually enjoy it.
3. Use as much of your own money as possible, for as long as possible.
4. Put your best foot forward everytime you do something involving your company.
5. Have fun! This is all pointless if what you do is not fun.
Remember guys, go for the gold! Life is way to short to live in mediocrity. You can do anything you put your mind and heart to. Surround yourself with like minded individuals and put your ideas into the universe and watch your stars align and you channel that energy into success. It takes a lot of hard work to make magic happen but there is also a small element of alchemy involved. Special thanks to Thulani for just being so inspiring to those around him and also to Thami K. aka Witness by Lens for shooting this incredible collection! Until next time, Big Bisous!
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