Meet RJ “Token” Harris of Above The Norm in The Valley/Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to RJ “Token” Harris.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, a place in which I always felt I really didn’t fit in. Not in a weird way like I had friends and did the normal high school stuff but just felt like I was always thinking above the norm while my classmates were worried about parties, gossips, pointless relationships, etc. To me, Kansas City was always like quick sand and the longer I stayed, I would get sucked in. Not necessarily in a bad way, but just in the forced to grow up way that I knew I didn’t want in my life. Don’t get me wrong I love my city but just knew there was so much more out there for me.

In 2013, I remember chilling in my dorm room, back in college, just listening to songs on shuffle. A song called The Star Room by the late and great Mac Miller (RIP) came on. In that song, he states a line “Difference between love & war, for me I’m above the norm…” After hearing that line, I just feel in love with the phrase and could feel that would impact my life. From that day on, I kinda just adapted “Above The Norm” as my brand name/lifestyle, and a year later took a stab at releasing actually garments under it (Phone Home Collection).

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As you can only imagine it HAS NOT been a smooth road along this journey. Even though I created ATN in 2014, I finally feel in a good space to consistently create & produce quality above the norm garments.

From finding the right screen printing shop, stressing over staying consistent, deciding what garment to print on, & actually brining an idea to life were what i thought were my biggest struggles. After getting a hold of that I soon realized that I, myself was my biggest struggle. Before I spent a lot of time overthinking on a game plan and how others would perceive. Once I got over that and saw the results/feedback that feeling propelled me to an ultimate level or determination & motivation that I felt like I never had or maybe I did and it was brought out of me. Either way, I love the space I am in, motivated, determined, and just ready to share all the dope garments, ideas, etc. with my fan base.

After I finally decided and embraced that, I could finally see that “Above The Norm”, was my way out in a sense. Being from Missouri creatives like myself are looked down upon, but that smaller city mindset pushed me to go explore what else was out there.

Above The Norm – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I own an underground streetwear clothing brand by the name of “Above The Norm”. I pretty much specialize in all types of garments but I would say excel in most of the basics: tees, hoodies, jackets, hats, pants, & shorts.

Being an underground, upcoming brand called “Above The Norm” I strive to create garments that are not only comfortable & affordable but also make designs that resonate with every consumer. Whenever you see an Above The Norm design, just know there’s more too it than just a design printed on a shirt or garment. Every design I have EVER made has a meaning or purpose deeper than the surface.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
To me success is just truly whenever you accomplish the goals you set or exceed the expectations. For me, I have a few long term goals for my success:

– Above The Norm Storefront (LA, KC, NY, all).
– Keeping the brand identity/focus in the midst of the rise.
– Big Collaborations w/ brands that I actually care about not just for clout.
– A lot more than just garments. Like I said before Above The Norm is more than a brand. I wanna build it into the entertainment field. Maybe directing movies/videos, throwing events/parties, etc.

After all of that, I then will feel truly successful & content on how far my brand has come.

Contact Info:

• Website: abovethenorm.us
• Email: family@abovethenorm.us

Image Credit:
All photos taken by Austin “Irrelevant” Smith (IG: @irrelevant.atn)

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