Challenging Perceptions and Creating Inclusive Fashion: A Founders Q&A with Deshawn Pennix of 100 Brawn

Welcome to our latest edition of "Founders Q&A". Today, we are privileged to have an in-depth conversation with Deshawn Pennix, the ambitious and passionate founder of 100 Brawn, a pioneering streetwear brand tailored for the plus-sized male market. Deshawn's unique journey to fashion startup leadership offers rich insights into the founding process and the challenges of creating a business aimed at solving a personal problem. Join us as we dive into his entrepreneurial journey, understand the mission behind 100 Brawn, and explore the valuable lessons he's learned along the way.

Q: Can you tell us about your personal background and how it led you to founding your startup?

A: My background is in entrepreneurship and social work. I guess my entrepreneurial background led me to creating a plus size male brand, but it was ultimately my personal problem of finding clothes that led to it.

Q: What problem does your startup solve and how did you identify it?

A: Many clothing stores do not provide extended sizing. In my brand we provide sizing up to 5xl to alleviate that problem when navigating in the streetwear market.

Q: How did the idea of your startup first come about?

A: It came from within. Whenever I needed fashionable clothing to wear, I could not find any.

Q: What is your startup's mission and how does it drive your daily operations?

A: Our mission is to tackle the perception of brawn men and provide inclusive sizing. I align with my mission so for my daily operation to remain intact its a piece of cake.

Q: Can you share the story of how you gathered your founding team?

A: I am a one man show at the moment. I would love a team, but it is just me.

Q: How did you go about securing initial funding for your startup?

A: I utilized my stimulus check.

Q: What were some major obstacles faced during the early stages of your startup, and how did you overcome them?

A: Finding manufacturers who are well versed in creating clothing for bigger guys. Networking helped out tremendously, because an old college friend gave me someone who could assist in productions.

Q: Can you tell us about a time you failed and what you learned from it?

A: A time when I failed is when I ordered bulk clothing without ordering samples. The clothing did not match the tech pack and it was horrible!

Q: How does your startup stand out from competitors in your industry?

A: We are one of the few who provide streetwear in sizes up to 5xl. Most streetwear brands do not.

Q: What has been the most rewarding part of being a founder so far?

A: The messages from customers who expressed they now have another e-commerce store to shop at.

Q: Can you describe a typical day in your life as a founder?

A: Research, tik-toks, and designing.

Q: How do you stay motivated during challenging times?

A: I just continue. Motivation isn't always there.

Q: What is the best piece of advice you received and who was it from?

A: Someone once told me to make a way and that has been my mantra ever since.

Q: How do you manage work-life balance, especially during intense periods of work?

A: AI and delegation!

Q: What strategies have you found effective for managing your team remotely?

A: Using services and AI has helped tremendously. I do not have to do some of the tasks I am not good at because it will do it for me.

Q: How has your leadership style evolved as your startup has grown?

A: My leadership style is still growing. Since it is still me I am figuring out what best suits me.

Q: What does success look like for your startup, and how do you measure it?

A: Success looks like longevity. I am in it for the long haul. I measure it by the response and the market.

Q: How do you encourage a culture of innovation within your team?

A: Simply by just exploring. When you allow your mind to explore it cultivates from deep within to facilitate innovation.

Q: Could you share any pivots your startup had to make and the reasons behind it?

A: Scaling back has been a pivot for us in order to adjust to the current market. The recession is making it hard for everyone.

Q: How have you leveraged technology to grow and improve your startup?

A: Ai has allowed us to be more efficient in order to work on other areas of the company.

Q: What is one thing you wish you knew before starting your business?

A: That success doesn't happen overnight !

Q: Can you discuss a time where customer feedback directly influenced a decision or direction for your startup?

A: We have lots of them, but the common feedback is always "Thanks for thinking about the big boys"

Q: How does your startup contribute to social responsibility and sustainability?

A: We do not produce fast fashion which can hinder the environment, but we also practice social responsibility by being inclusive.

Q: How do you see your startup evolving in the next 5 years?

A: Hopefully, we can get to the point of working with a large retailer.

Q: How have you adapted your startup to changes in the market, especially during crises?

A: We adapted by listening to the market and making changes where we see fit.

Q: What are the key qualities you look for when hiring new team members?

A: We look for individuals who support the mission and understand why it is needed.

Q: Can you share an instance where your team had to go above and beyond to deliver on a project?

A: I always have to go above and beyond on a project because the brand is so unique in who we serve.

Q: Can you tell us about a significant partnership or collaboration that has greatly benefited your startup?

A: We have collaborated with some of TikTok's and Instagram's funniest and smartest plus size men. Their charisma and audiences showed us how much the brand was needed.

Q: What advice would you give to someone considering starting their own business?

A: Do your research!