Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian
Hi Brian, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey began at the age of 9 when I started acting at a very young age. I auditioned for numerous work which eventually led to gigs with companies like Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, HBO, Plan, United Way, and more. Being a child actor forced me to mature quickly and take on adult-like responsibilities early on, and for that, I am truly grateful. I learned about the importance of things like commitment, professionalism, punctuality, and consistency. I also had to face rejection and hear “no” often, which is common in the acting industry. These early lessons shaped my character and set me up for success in all my future endeavors.
While working as an actor throughout high school, I also excelled as an athlete in track and field. I started receiving offers from different universities and ultimately committed to Lamar University where I was awarded a full ride NCAA Division 1 scholarship. I majored in business, and it was there that I began to feel a strong urge to start my own clothing line.
After earning my bachelor’s degree, I pursued a Master’s in Business at Lamar as well. During my graduate studies, I made the decision that I will launch my clothing line as soon as I graduated. I knew I could apply the knowledge and skills I gained from my business program directly to this new venture. In 2020, at the age of 23, I graduated with my MBA. It was no easy feat, but I stayed focused and challenged myself to complete my graduate studies as quickly as possible. Five months after graduating, I launched my clothing brand, UPPROVE.
I founded UPPROVE, a lifestyle streetwear brand, on October 4th, 2020. Having always had a passion for clothing, starting my own brand was a long-time dream of mine. I wanted to create a brand that everyone could relate to, using my approach to life to define its meaning. UPPROVE means to go UP in life in all that you do and to ensure you APPROVE of it. The support I received when I launched was overwhelming—orders and positive feedback flooded in from people across the United States. That’s when I knew I was onto something special.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Although I am incredibly grateful for the consistency and ongoing support that UPPROVE receives, I would be lying if I said the journey has been smooth. One of my biggest challenges is finding the balance to juggle everything I do. Being both an entrepreneur and a professional actor is no easy feat—it requires long hours, late nights, and early mornings. There are times when I feel exhausted, overworked, mentally blocked, and creatively drained. Both entrepreneurship and acting demand my full commitment without knowing what the outcome will be. I can spend days preparing for an audition, only to not get the role. I can spend weeks or months designing a new clothing product, only for it to not sell the way I expected. It can get really tough.
But despite all of that, I love it. I love the process and the journey. The struggles make the victories so much more rewarding and enjoyable.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about UPPROVE?
UPPROVE is a lifestyle streetwear brand that was founded in 2020. UPPROVE means to go UP in life in all that you do and to ensure you APPROVE of it. We offer high-quality and stylish streetwear which includes hoodies, sweatsuits, cargos, tees, and more. We are known for the comfortability our clothes bring as well as our unique and standout designs that set us apart from other streetwear brands. We aim to incorporate distinct elements into each piece, ensuring our customers have something they can’t find anywhere else.
What I’m most proud of is how UPPROVE has been embraced and appreciated by so many people. Our customers connect with the meaning behind the brand, and the fact that it inspires and motivates them is what I’m most proud of.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is to focus on my own lane. We all have our own unique path, and focusing on your talents, your “why,” and your passions will take you further than comparing yourself to others. Another key lesson is learning to handle failure and setbacks with resilience. There will be times when things don’t go as planned—whether it’s a design not selling as expected or not landing a role. In those moments, I’ve learned to be persistent, to adapt, and not to let failures define my journey. I now see challenges as opportunities for growth in everything I do which has made me a stronger business owner, actor, and person.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.upproveclothing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upproveclothing
