Hey Alan, tell us a little bit about yourself!
Hey, 23-year-old designer out of NYC. We make clothing that makes you feel like A KING.
I’ve been blessed to get a chance to work with or see some of my favorite artists rock the brand already such as Steve Aoki, Tyga, Lil Baby to name a few. I’ve also been really fortunate to have met a lot of people through social media that have helped me along the way as well. Huge matcha / green tea guy.
Can you tell us what you do as the CEO of AKINGS for those who are unfamiliar?
As a startup CEO you wear at one point almost every hat. Right now Im in the middle of training and hiring, working on growing and wearing less hats so to speak so I can focus on growing the business.
How did you decide to create your own clothing brand?
I started designing and making clothing when I was 15 out of high school because I was tired of wearing Asian hand me downs. Did a ton of buying and selling random things from hyped goods like sneakers to hoverboards growing up to make money while working at a medical malpractice law firm. Realizing I did not want to pursue law out after high school I decided to go all in on my brand AKINGS. In an overly simplified manner I would say - we make luxury future-wear. Clothes that make you look fly as hell 😎 and feel like A KING. 🌟🤞👑
What programs & tools do you use everyday for work? What do you like/dislike about these programs?
I use monday.com, whats app, Imessage and Gmail the most. Design wise Adobe - but nowadays I give the final OK for things.
Our team uses Klayvio for email marketing.
Any advice on how to get started for those wanting to be entrepreneurs?
Just start, build your life resume.
What are some must-have resources (books, tools, podcasts, etc.) you would recommend for your industry?
Tony Robbins, Zero to One, Start with Why, Good to Great
What are 3 character traits that would make someone excel in your field?
Attention to detail, Communication, Relationship Building
Most satisfying & difficult thing about your job?
Most satisfying is seeing happy customers who are obsessed with the brand and our designs. The most difficult would have to be wanting to run full speed at 50 different fun projects sometimes but having to choose a few to focus on.
What would you like to say to your younger self?
Follow your gut. You miss 100% of the shots you dont take. You got this.
Best advice you've received/heard?
Success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure