Today we’d like to introduce you to Todd Franklin II.
Hi Todd, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Todd Franklin II from Atlanta, Georgia. I’ve always been curious and driven, whether it’s writing horror and drama screenplays, surfing in California and Hawai’i, or playing basketball in Venice Beach. I love food, especially Italian, American, and Mexican, and I’ve been diving into languages for years, learning Japanese, Mandarin, Thai, German, French, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
I’m a proud father and love traveling. Some of my dream destinations are Greece, Brazil, China, Australia, Ireland, Egypt, Nigeria, and Ghana. I’ve driven from Florida to California three times and have visited 13 states. Recently, I moved to Vietnam after two years in Japan.
I started Cali Avenue in 2021 with Apollo Davar as a dropshipping store, but I always envisioned a full media company. In 2022 we launched Cali Avenue Co with Promotions, Apparel, Records, and Productions under it. I wrote Lake of the Woods, released music, and hosted events through the company.
In 2025 I launched AfroVibes International, an Afrobeats and hip hop party series, starting in Kyoto and expanding to Tokyo, Nagoya, Okinawa, Osaka, and Ho Chi Minh City. Next year I’m taking it to Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been smooth, and I don’t think it ever will be. Starting Cali Avenue and growing it into what it is today came with a lot of learning the hard way. In the beginning, it was figuring out how to balance creativity with business and understanding that not everyone you work with will have the same vision or work ethic. I’ve dealt with partnerships that didn’t work out, unreliable vendors, and the challenge of breaking into new markets in different countries.
Expanding events internationally brought its own struggles too—navigating regulations, finding the right venues, building trust with local teams, and sometimes just figuring out what the audience wants in each city. Language barriers and cultural differences added extra layers, but I’ve learned to adapt and use those challenges to grow. Every setback has taught me something and shaped how I run the company today.
The road hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. Every mistake or struggle is part of building something that lasts.
As you know, we’re big fans of Cali Avenue Co. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Cali Avenue is a mass media company built on the idea that Creatives Always Live Infinitely. We specialize in creating experiences, content, and platforms that connect people to culture, music, and creativity. Our core subsidiaries are Cali Avenue Promotions, Cali Avenue Apparel, Cali Avenue Records, Cali Avenue Productions, and since 2025, Cali Avenue Marketing. Through Promotions we produce events like AfroVibes International, which blends Afrobeats and hip hop with high-energy experiences across Asia and soon globally. Apparel gives us a way to bring our creative vision into fashion. Records allows us to develop and release music, while Productions handles films, literary projects, and creative content.
Cali Avenue Marketing provides website design and management, social media strategy, SEO, content creation, and graphic design. It’s our way of helping other creators and businesses tell their story while building a professional, engaging presence.
What sets us apart is the combination of creativity and structure. We don’t just throw events or release music. Everything is intentional, from branding to fan experience. I’m proudest of AfroVibes International and how it’s grown from one party in Kyoto to a global series connecting artists, DJs, and fans across continents. At the heart of everything we do is building platforms for creatives to live infinitely and make an impact.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I like best about Los Angeles is the energy and creativity. There’s always something happening, whether it’s music, art, food, or events. You can meet people from all over the world, and there’s a real culture of collaboration and innovation. The diversity in neighborhoods, food, and experiences keeps it exciting, and for someone in entertainment and media, it’s an amazing city to build and grow projects.
What I like least is the traffic and how spread out everything is. Getting from one place to another can take forever, and that can be frustrating when you’re trying to move fast or coordinate events. Beyond that, certain areas can feel expensive and competitive, but that’s part of the territory in a city that’s such a hub for opportunity.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.caliavenuepromotions.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/1toddthagodd
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JasqW4BZM/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-franklin-ii-a36181127?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@toddintheworld?si=plNt7A7-vKik_nBN
