We recently had the chance to connect with Ezra and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Ezra, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Being nominated by Forbes for the Entrepreneur of Impact , was pretty huge for me. I was super excited about it, I didn’t expect that at all. Seeing all of the support from my friends, and family made me feel proud of myself. Working with Rico Nasty had to be one of the most iconic moments that has happened throughout my career.
Making it to ABC News, and Good Morning America was crazy. I grew up watching both, in the mornings before heading to middle school. To make it to such a big platform made me feel like all of my hard work was finally paying off.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ezra, owner of LacedByEz and VntgByAriel. I create and customize human hair wigs. I also curate, and style vintage designer fashion.
I started testing my hair vendor in the summer of July 2014, and I’ve stuck with them ever since. During my teenage years, and twenties most of my friends wanted me to style or dress them. Growing up I was told that I dressed ghetto for wearing Jordan’s, and that thrifting was for poor people. Years later those same exact people dress like me talk like me, and even ask what stores do I shop at and what are some good stores.
Street wear is oftentimes labeled ghetto when black people wear it, and trendy when people who aren’t black wear it. I’ve owned my vintage business for a decade, and didn’t let that discourage me. People speaking negatively about or to me has never stopped me from making my money.
My parents owned/ owns their own businesses , which inspired me at a young age. We both like expensive things, so that taught me how to work to maintain the lifestyle that I wanted live. I have a collaboration coming up in October 2025 that i’m excited about. I also have a podcast that’s in the works.
I would love to give people a platform to speak on challenges that they’ve faced. I want to do some community service for the coummuity that I was raised in. I want the youth to know that you can make it by being yourself, and portraying or pretending to be something that you aren’t. I currently plan on expanding and growing an empire.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents. My dad owns a paint, and auto body shop so growing up I got to see what that world was like. My mom was a DJ, and owned an LLC all while being a public school educator for 20 years. Seeing them navigate for twenty plus years, inspired me so much that I wanted to start my own businesses.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There were multiple times where I wanted to quit, recently I stopped drinking alcohol six months ago. That wasn’t a challenge for me, but I knew I had to stop in order to be level headed. I’ve always had the best self control.
I stopped drinking , because I wanted to feel better overall. Not because of anyone else but, it was time for me to focus on my bigger picture. I’ve went through so many hardships, and battles I’m still here though. You can’t get rid of me!
I’m not even at my fullest/highest potential, and people are still envious towards me. Having hate in your heart for the next man that’s making money won’t make you richer doesn’t get you a job, or make you a better person!
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire Nicki Minaj she’s inspired me since middle school (2009). She taught me how to not take no for an answer, and to stand up for what’s right. Growing up I was often told “she doesn’t know you and doesn’t know you exist” Last year she gifted me VIP tickets to her concert. She also mailed me PR packages from her brands.
Being a huge fan that made me feel noticed by my favorite artist, and person in the world. Most recently she’s been fighting against unfair treatment that she’s received in the music industry. She paid for my bestfriends college tuition in 2018, they gradauted too. Her sharing her platform shows her heart , and character.
No matter what the media or general public has tried to label her, she still speaks up. That’s the type of person I am, I love to speak up on my personal experiences even if it ruffles feathers or makes people uncomfortable.
Throughout my whole life I’ve been put into certain situations where people have tried to make me feel uncomfortable. Most recently I dealt with sexual harassment, and racism from guys who I thought were my friends. Nobody spoke up or said anything against it, so that’s why I try to make it imperative to stand up for myself, and for what I believe is what’s right.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
That being a decent human being espeically during this day, and age pays off. It’s better to treat people how you would like to be treated. I’ve always stood on business, and my morals since a child. Both of my parents were involved in my early adolescence years. Those days shaped me to become the man that I am today.
My parents taught me when I was young that not everyone was going to like me. They also taught me how to have respect for everyone, no matter what race they were!
I wouldn’t be who I am if I didnt fight the battles that I fight on a daily. I don’t just fight battles for myself. I fight for the voices that aren’t being heard, and are being marginalized and silenced! Being black, and growing up gay is a tough battle . Thankfully I have thick skin, and have always been a fighter.
Why be homophobic, racist, transphonic, and envious when you could mind your business? I understand what it’s like to feel misunderstood, and like the whole world is against you. I never let it get to me, because I would be miserable just like the people that secretly want to trade lives. Being an ignorant hater doesn’t get you anywhere, I’m the friend that always tries to put my people onto business.
I didn’t come this far, just to come this far and not be happy! I take all the punches and roll with them so other people don’t have to. My purpose is bigger than me, whether people realize it or not. I’m not here to be liked, but i’m willing to fight behind my respect!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Instagram.com/iamkidretro
- Instagram: LacedByEz
