Conversations with Brandon Casey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Casey.  

Hi Brandon, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Brandon Casey. I am 21 years old I am the creator of”Wavesforkids.” I am from Saginaw, Michigan the youngest of five here is my story on how I started my brand. I started “Wavesforkids” back in my sophomore year in high school. The idea itself came from me just wanting to create a brand to inspire others to be their true authentic self or “find their own wave” I initially didn’t have any content out from the age of 16-18, but I was always coming up with ideas, so when the time comes, I will be ready. As soon as I graduated high school, I made the Instagram page for it, and I was only posting just music videos at the time. I wanted to gain some type of following as time went on, I eventually started a podcast where I talk about music and interview upcoming artists to give them a platform to show people what it’s like following your own wave. August 20, 2021, is when I first released my own clothing line to expand the brand the t-shirts was handmade airbrushed t-shirts for my summer release, I had a pop-up shop at a black-owned art museum called the “Muse” I had a Dj for the event as well. I opened as a vendor for art prizes here in Grand Rapids and learned a lot from my first release. In December 11, 2021, I dropped my second release which I opened up my online store and made a few sales from it I had decided to change things up for my third release. I took more time planning everything, I hired a different photographer and graphic designer, and everything was a lot better compared to where I was at the beginning. I opened up the pop-up shop at the same location I just learned how to Dj, so I Dj at my own pop-up shop. I am currently trying new things out which I currently can’t wait to share. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. I faced a lot of obstacles throughout this journey of mine when I first started; I had a lot of laughter and banter coming at me because of the name of the brand, a lot of lack of support; even now, I still struggle receiving support, I haven’t had a lot of people show up to both pop-up events as well. The first and second releases I had to delay because of the design was never finished by the deadline, it was hard to find people to model for me, but I’m grateful for my friend Taj; he is the first model for me, the 2 out of 3 releases I had has just been me and him. I learned the hard way about inventory that has been a trial and error for me which costed me a lot of money, but at the end of it all, its a lesson at the end of the day; none of the obstacles I faced didn’t leave me discouraged or wanting to quit it’s more so motivation to me. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I do a lot of things I have a podcast where I play music from upcoming artists, and I also interview them as well, I just learned how to Dj, which would lead to a lot of open doors for me because of what I have in store for the future. I create all of my designs and the ideas for the shoots. What makes me stand out from a lot of brands is the ability to be authentic I have plan where I will have a space to combine music and fashion together, and every release that I’m going to do will have a story behind it so the audience can different ways to connect with it. My goal is that my pop-up events will be events that will inspire people to do the things that they love to highest capacity. I just learned how to Dj due to my love for music and being inspired by the late great Virgil Abloh and Jerry Lorenzo I am very excited to do this to sell clothes and Dj while I do it. That’s what’s going to make me stand out is having a space where I can do both things at once; it’s rare to see that in Michigan, so I’m willing to be the one to do it! 

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was always curious about everything; I loved music as a child. I got my nickname (Boogie) from the song “Boogie Wonderland” by Earth Wind & Fire I believe when I was three years old, I would always dance and try to sing the song. Growing up, I use to create beats and made a little music; I played the guitar my sophomore year in high school. I always read books; I love movies and tv shows. My favorite movie while growing up and still is till this day is “Goodfellas.” I was straight A student was ahead in every class; I was invited to Harvard Science program in my freshman year in high school. I had the opportunity to graduate early because I had all of my credits before my junior year. Personality wise I was shy, and eventually, I learned how to be more outgoing I learned how to adapt due to me always switching schools. 

Pricing:

• W4K T-Shirts $30
• WFK hoodies $40

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wavesforkids.myshopify.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/wavesforkids?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/wavexrb

Image Credits
Cartierant_
HIrez_irl
Mr.Katsu_tt