Community Highlights: Meet Bobby Donte of BDR Apparel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bobby Donte.

Hi Bobby, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always had a vision for my life for as long as I can remember. I remember telling my mom that I wanted to carry a briefcase and wear a suit, I wanted to be a businessman. I had a vision, I knew what I wanted to do but I didn’t have the resources and or mentors to put me in position of my dreams. My environment didn’t reflect the person I wanted to become. Growing up in the hood, we all looked up to the rapper and ballplayers, the entertainers. Jay Z was my favorite rapper his wordplay and knowledge inspired me, he was the closest thing to a mentor for me. I listened to all his music and interview he was literally the blueprint for the businessman I wanted to become. I didn’t have a father growing up, my dad died when I was six years old. Jay Z was my role model. I always had a love for photography, I was the kid at all the family events taking everybody photos, not even realizing it was a gift.

Furthermore, one day it clicked photography was going to be the vehicle that drives me toward my journey. I started doing photo shoots for local events and upcoming artists in the city and then I realized that I wanted to do more, I wanted to inspire and uplift my people. I thought about so many different ways to do that and how could I market it while marketing myself, so I asked myself and some of my friends at the time what are some characteristics of myself using my initials. We all agreed on BLESSED. DRIVEN. & RESPECTED. I’ve started making shirts and hoodies for my family and friends they loved the apparel, a few years passed and I started looking into manufacturing that wasn’t as easy as I thought it’ll be. I had a few setback with that but eventually, I got it down to a science on how to go about choosing the right manufacturer. I went from having someone printing hoodies and t-shirts for me to doing it myself to having a manufacturer do it for me. I then when on to create my own website (www.bdrapparel.com) in which I’m still adding different items to it today. It’s a really long process, being a business owner is hard work. I’m still at work In progress …

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it hasn’t been smooth at all, I’ve faced many adversity along the way and I’m still facing them today. There’s days I’m not motivated at all to do anything, but I have learned that the work isn’t going to do itself and you’re responsible for the outcome, so I had to become disciplined. I had to realize that whether you feel like it or not get the work done! I also had to realize that I had to remove some individuals from my life whether family or friends, if they weren’t in alignment of my vision that was really hard for me and still is to this today. I’m growing and learning everyday on how to be a better individual for me and my business. Don’t let IG fool you it’s a rough journey you just have to remain focused on the goal at hand and consistently remind you’re of the end goal, also know that your comfortable zone isn’t where you grow.

We’ve been impressed with BDR Apparel LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
BDR is empowerment brand, who’s mission is to empower future Dreamers those who believe in silencing the nay-sayers, those who believe they can achieve through hard work and dedication. The acronym B.D.R stand together as one while representing its own unique purpose. The B stands for BLESSED. Highly Favored, Divinely or Supremely. The D stands for DRIVEN; fiercely competitive, highly motived. The R stands for RESPECTED; Honored, A sense of worth or excellence of a person. None individual letter works without the other. BDR.

What sets me apart from others is substance, there’s a lot of brand and or clothing brand out here but a lot of them lack substance and purpose. I believe this is why my brand standouts and I can also add that my apparel is timeless, it isn’t just about a label it’s a feeling the individual makes the brand; this is what I am most proud of brand-wise.

What I want the readers to know that this is a brand of substance and purpose a brand that not only motivates you but makes you feel empowered In the clothing.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along the way is that you have to always remain true to yourself and your vision, never allow someone to come along and attempt to steer you out of your lane. Also no is the best thing someone can tell you, never look at a no as negative always see the positive in every no because it’s an opportunity for you to learn.

Contact Info:

• Email: Thebdrbrand@gmail.com
• Website: www.bdrapparell.com
• Instagram: bdrapparel