Connect
To Top

Meet David Garay of PirateWorldWide in Downtown LA

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Garay.

David, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Creating Pirate was a constant evolution that dates back to 2014. We were a group of determined and educated men that wanted more. For not just ourselves, but those closest to us. One project and idea led to the next until ultimately Pirate was born. For the last couple of years, individuals on the team have been perfecting their crafts whether it be design, business, music, photography, marketing, etc. and turning around and bringing those learnings back to the brand where we’ve been able to build on those skill sets. Pirate is really a story of endurance. We’re building something for the long run of things. We’re figuring ourselves out and trying to build an innovative and sustainable business model as we preach what we believe in, which is to unlock and unleash your own potential in getting after what you want. Producing over-consuming. Mamba mentality meets the marathon continues. We’re gritty over here.

Has it been a smooth road?
Furthest thing from smooth. It’s an uphill battle everyday on a rocky road. It’s a blessing and a curse to have a tight-knit team and we wouldn’t want it any other way. From our perspective is it more time consuming to do certain things the way we do? 100%. But ultimately, it’s how we accumulate real scar tissue. Skin in the game. We now understand how the game is being played and not just from what most people see from a social media perspective but from the weeds; dealing with the factories and mills, strategizing 6-12 months out, pricing, etc. All these things that don’t get much attention, we’re learning first hand so that we can stick around for 2025, 2030, and beyond.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Pirate is an apparel brand that builds meaningful product for creatives inspired by vintage wear. Designed in our home town of LA. We specialize in graphic design, apparel creation and storytelling. Every product in every collection is coming from a deeper meaning. What we’re most proud of is the platform that we are developing and the growth of our community. We have real fans, people that are stepping out of their comfort zones and chasing their dreams because of Pirate. When you hear “I’m now a head chef at so and so restaurant because of Pirate” or “I just designed my first graphic in Photoshop because of Pirate” that’s what were most proud of because that means we’re responsible for the next generation of creatives in what we believe will be the era of creativity. What separates us apart from others starts with our mental approach. As mentioned before were thinking long term. We’re experimenting with different business models. We already have things planned out till 2025 and goals for 2030. Are things going to go as planned? Hell no. But we have an intention and desire for what Pirate is to become. We know where to put our attention in order to grow and make these things happen. And we ultimately detach ourselves from the “expected” result which means we are surrendering ourselves to what the universe has to offer.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Los Angeles is a great place for creatives or anyone looking for diversity and access to resources. For our journey so far, it has been a great location to create, network, and find inspiration daily for our projects. However, anyone starting out shouldn’t be defined by their location, if you are passionate about something you can find a way to have a voice from wherever you are. Eventually finding a way to put yourself in a high energy place like LA can be really beneficial. Gaining access to more resources than you might have elsewhere, and being able to build connections with like-minded people is beautiful.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Shopping with my Mom at Ross learning how to find the gems in the midst of all the chaos. That and staying up every other night cheering my heart out watching the Lakers. Kobe going for 81 and dunking on Yao. Damn, rest in paradise mamba and Gigi. Also, unboxing a pair of Jordans at an early age embracing the colors, materials, cultural impact, and smell of the shoes. Nothing like it.

Pricing:

  • Clothing pieces starting at $34.99

Contact Info:


Image Credit:

PirateWorldWide

Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in