Today we’d like to introduce you to Godwin Thurton.
Hi Godwin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Los Angeles, CA. I grew up in the 1990’s off Adams Blvd and Western. I lived in a neighborhood full of love, creativity, and support. My neighborhood was very diverse and family-oriented. My area has a pure soul and although, it was known for the common urban label of being ghetto and dangerous.
My neighborhood made me who I am. When I was able to complete my K-12 courses and make it to college, I was able to take an African American course that taught me about ownership. My first red flag was big organizations that we spend money with and don’t see it come back to the community or let alone provide for my community. I attended college in 2008 and the culture of designer clothing was losing its value due to the styling era that made clothes more popular on how you wear them rather than who was the designer. I noticed I loved t-shirts my whole life and I created my first t-shirt labeled Iamwest and the rest was history once I put it on the market.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
This road has not been tough but I do it because I love to see my clothing on my people. I also was able to put myself in a position to style and give back to people who may not have nothing to wear and bless them with my clothing.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have worked in education for 10 years. I currently work as a college counselor. I have been in a college and high school setting before being a counselor for about 7 years doing outreach helping students get into college.I have also worked as a behavioral therapist with in them 7 years along side with students with disabilities. I have done outreach, student peer mentoring, residential advising , and student tutoring , since I was 20 years old. I am now 30 and working as a professional college counselor in the CSU system. I attended CSUN to obtain a Bachelors degree in Social Behavioral Science, and also a Masters in Educational Leadership. I love to help my peers , youth , and anyone who needs help to set goals for themselves. I am a family man of four I have three sons and one daughter, and I am also happily engaged. Something else interesting is , I am first generation everything when it comes to furthering my education. I’m the first to graduate high school in my family and college and also go higher and beyond to obtain a Masters degree.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I would like to see everyone receive free financial aid in my career field. In addition to the industry of clothing , I would like to get my clothes on all the highest paying actors, singers, and rappers one day. I would also love to sign a deal with Supreme clothing or Barney’s, like YG 400!!! My biggest goal is to get Snoop and Dr. Dre in a shirt. I would also love to see YG 400!! and Mustard in a shirt one day , when the time is right.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Iamwest’s.com
- Instagram: @_iamwest
- Twitter: @_iamwest
- Other: https://www.spreaker.com/user/thegoodnews/the-black-barbershop-fake-real-friends
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