Meet Duane Bowen of Brick2billboard in Compton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Duane Bowen.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am Owner of Brick2billboard. I was born and raised in Compton, CA and since I was a kid, I’ve always had a passion for Streetwear/Sneakers and being creative when it came to the two. Entrepreneurship has always been at the forefront of my life as well. My Pops and uncle the late Terry “TC” Carter who passed in 2015 set the precedent for what that looked like and always preached ownership from the time I can remember. My High School art class was where I began creating; while my classmates was turning in paintings and sculptures, I painted on shoes and Made clothes for my projects. I started using Brick2billboard back in the early 2000s to pay homage to Compton rapper  “Billboard” who was someone that had a bright future in the rap game but was killed before his career had a chance to take off. Brick2billboard to me means overcoming obstacles and adversity. The BRICK represents the struggle or low point; while the BILLBOARD is symbolic for making it out of that situation. Creating a brand has always been a goal of mine. I didn’t know which direction I wanted to go in but I knew I didn’t want to just be any other brand, I wanted to tell a story and create pieces that the people would feel. So I took a look at my life and I Already had that in Brick2billboard so I ran with it and launched officially in June this year.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t been easy by any means. When I first started out, I had a vision, notebook and a pen. I jotted down concepts for the brand but had no one to bring them to life. Everybody I reached out to ended up flaking on me and I was back to the drawing board. This kinda created self-doubt because I couldn’t get anybody to work with me but I kept pushing because that’s what Brick2billboard is all about; Overcoming adversity. I knew it would eventually work out. Coming into this game with no experience, it takes time to get your feet under you and it can be overwhelming at times but you gotta stay the course.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Brick2billboard story. Tell us more about the business.
Brick2billboard is a Streetwear brand based in Compton, Ca. We aim to speak to every individual who faces adversity. Whether internal or external, we all have a story to tell. Each piece has a symbolic meaning and message from my life. I’m most proud of the way the “City Pride” collection has blown up. This peace was special to me because of the different phases in my life. The quote “Take Pride In Who You Are; Take Pride In What You Represent” is something that is near and dear to me. I use this on a daily. When I was playing football in High School and College this was the first thing I saw in my locker and what I told myself before I stepped on the field. Never forgetting who you are and where you come from. Twitter had a filled day when Xian Bell posted a photo during BET Weekend this year. A lot of interesting comments about the cities I chose and different things like that but it was great to get the conversation started and Brick2billboard had a buzz. The thing that sets us apart from everybody else is that we are a brand that aims to not only outfit the customer but to tell a story that will resonate with him or her as well.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I feel like there is no better place for a business like Brick2billboard in a city like ours. LA is a big melting pot and full of creative individuals. Every brand has a unique intent and that fits well with how diverse our culture is out here. You just gotta find your lane and put your foot on the gas. There’s enough for everybody out here.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.brick2billboard.com
• Phone: 5627563282
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brick2billboard
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/Brick2billboard

Image Credit:
Jelissa Holder

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