Meet Russ White of OSOM Ventures in Crenshaw District

Today we’d like to introduce you to Russ White.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Russ. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve been fascinated with shoe culture since I was a kid. All of my sketches were in a small notebook, capturing only the side profile of each shoe design. At that age, and even now, I will easily forget a shoe concept if I don’t quickly jot it down. The idea of creating a clothing brand didn’t materialize until I was in school in the Bay Area. A couple of friends and I agreed that we collectively had enough creativity and the work ethic to match to create a successful clothing brand. That plan ultimately fell through, and it wasn’t until I was a few years into my career that I would revisit this idea. Flight Clothes is now the “final product”, a clothing brand that aims to represent the misrepresented. We want our customers to know that they are buying a brand that embodies resilience.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not at all. When I created OSOM Ventures, the intention was for it to serve as a parent company for any brand or business I would create in the future. Throughout the process of creating Flight Clothes, we had gone through several phases of re-branding. The first name we considered was “OSOM Imprint”. Unfortunately, we quickly discovered another clothing brand was associated with OSOM and decided on switching to “Free Will Clothing”. This re-branding effort was brief, once we discovered another clothing brand using an almost identical name. We finally decided on “Flight Clothes”, and while we have recently run into similar issues like before, we stand by our name and product line. We believe we offer something that is truly unique.

Throughout the re-branding process, we were not only trying to figure out the right name of our brand but the right variety of products to sell. We began with selling graphic t-shirts and hats. I created all of the graphics myself and each piece in a collection connected to a common theme. Each theme was based around the importance of peace and individuality. With the help of my partner, we shifted into manufacturing our own shirts and accessories with locally sourced fabrics.

I’ve learned the value of patience and persistence within entrepreneurship. Whenever I have rushed into a decision personally, it is rare that everything goes according to plan. I realized that I must take this same approach in business. Consider all factors and scenarios before making any decision, especially when time is on your side.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about OSOM Ventures – what should we know?
OSOM Ventures is a conscious-driven, grassroots design and marketing company focused on sharing stories and facts of the misrepresented. Our mission is to create products and content that shed light on the importance of building self-sustaining communities globally.

Flight Clothes is more than just trendy shirts. Our threads tell rich stories, with distinct patterns you cannot find anywhere else. We source our fabrics locally and pay above market rates for manufacturing costs. We believe in being ethical and serving the community. We rely on a community of professional tailors to create our products. In return, we advocate for communities near and far from California, directly or indirectly facilitating opportunities for others to benefit. We would like to expand in this area moving forward, collaborating with community organizations and leaders to create meaningful change.

In addition to taking an ethical approach to our product line, we are also focused on paying it forward. We do this by donating $5 from each shirt sold to MAGIC Dance Arts. MAGIC is a non-profit organization teaching dance to students with autism and special needs. It is an organization that is near and dear to our hearts. We are currently collaborating with them to expand their reach with virtual classes.

We are trying to be the change we want to see.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Many people deserve credit and I would hate to leave anyone out. There have been so many people who have not only contributed to OSOM Ventures and Flight Clothes, but to my personal life in general. In all honesty, there are countless amounts of people who have made an impact. I have been fortunate enough to meet some great people in my lifetime.

There are some people to personally thank though:
Katrina – My fiance, partner, friend, and muse. She has been there through every stage of the ride. She has made the vision much clearer and has really contributed toward many elements of the business (ex: sourcing fabrics, social media management, and organizing our first photoshoot meet-up).

Lou Prime – This story would not have been told without my brother Lou Prime. I’ve known him since high school, and he is one of the smartest people I have known. He is even more relatable, and can strike up a conversation with virtually anyone.

Q & Lex – Their photos have revamped the brand. They embrace what makes OSOM Ventures / Flight Clothes unique, and can turn visions into reality.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.osomventures.com/
• Phone: 408-641-8553
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flight.clothes/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/osom_ventures

Image Credit:
Katrina Thai Ramos, Marquis Bentley, Alexis Estioko

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