'90s Nerd now 2011 Hipster

If you checked out the Branded Baron tumblr, you would've seen this lovely photo. It's such a funny and true photo, that it had to be posted on this main blog. Now I liked Family Matters and this brought me back when I was younger, because you don't get too many Urkel references anymore. Anyway, it's amazing how style has changed since the 90's. Hipsters definitely rock some crazy gear and sometimes they look like the only nerd. Now, if you're a nerd that's great, because you're smart and chances are you'll be going places. Being nerd is fine, but dressing like one was NEVER cool. If that's YOUR thing, cool, I respect that. Looking like that would have gotten your ass kicked or picked on. Yes, people are cruel, but there's a version of "cool" and looking like a nerd was never one, but being smart like one was fine(depending if you're friends didn't think so and you acted dumb, which was completely stupid). I remember having a conversation with my dad where he mentioned that low top Chuck Taylors were not the cool sneaker and was the pair that would get your butt picked on, because the hi-tops were the style. That was then when Converse first produced the Chuck Taylors, now it doesn't matter. Fashion is a very funny and it does come full circle. Somethings will never fly while others will. Rock what you want, stand out, just be you. Being You will always be stunningly fresh.

Stay no less than Stunningly Fresh,
     Joe

Sneaker Con D.C. 2011 Recap

Hey Everyone! Been busy busting my ass trying to promote the Pop Up Shop, so sorry for the late recap. I'm going to try and keep it brief. First, it was fun and I was told D.C. has a better sneaker culture than New York and it seemed to be true. I tried to plan accordingly and arrive early, but that didn't happen. The GPS didn't recognize the address and I ended up in a residential area in some suburb outside of D.C., which totally made us miss a good table. I'm glad I got the table we did, because hopefully you should see some Branded Baron in a Maryland sneaker boutique store in the future. Yea, I just said that. Brand expansion is a reason why I wanted to bring Branded Baron apparel over to Washington D.C. Since, our table was the first table, then second table at the event I felt we were going to get brushed off and at first we did. I will admit that I was quite upset, but I stuck through it and eventually people came by and bought some of the tees. We did quite well and the lesson to learn is never give up. I was thrilled when some sneakerheads came to match their kicks with Branded Baron tees. The Baron Crown in Black went well with a couple people who decided to get that tee to match their Space Jam SB's. One new Branded Baron supporter came by with his sneakers, saw the tee, asked for the size, and made his purchase.

Overall, I had fun even though I was upset and nervous about the outcome. Branded Baron was very well received from the D.C. crowd, especially since our style is New York based such as the Statue of Liberty Gangsta tee and tank. It was good be in D.C., because I got to check out the monuments and it made me feel like a true American. I'm a fan of history and I happen to know a decent amount of U.S. history, so it was cool. I've been to the capitol 14 years ago when I was in eight grade, so it was cool to be there again when I'm older. Plus, Tiff never went to Washington D.C., so I was happy to take her there. I wanted to show her the Lincoln memorial, since I remembered that was a great deal when I was young and it was still cool. I never went to the White House, but I finally saw it in person. Of course there was someone protesting, but I expected more people rather than one person. Actually there was a bold Muslim, who decided to pray towards Mecca in front of the White House. I understand that fanatic Muslims are to blame and not all Muslims are crazy or bad, but that's a pretty bold move right there. The whole time was really cool from Sneaker Con to just visiting all the monuments, I enjoyed it. I definitely look forward to participating in Sneaker Con D.C. again.

Below are some pictures and don't forget to see the quick recap of Sneaker Con D.C.

Stay no less than Stunningly Fresh,
     Joe

Protecting his kicks from the rain.

Tiff in front of the Capitol Building.

Myself in front of the White House. WHAT UP OBAMA?!

Protestor speaking to people. I think he was protesting about Nuclear weapons. Is it me or is it hard to take someone serious with a crazy beard like that?

What is that pilot on the right doing?

Lincoln Memorial

Korean War Memorial

Freedom is Not Free....It's funny as I wear my Statue of Liberty Gangsta tanktop.

Sneaker Con June '11 Recap

Hey everyone! I'm back with a quick recap about the Sneaker Con that happened this past Saturday. First, I want to say that I'm not sure if I'll be able to put together new video recapping the festivity, but I will try. Second, thanks for all the people who came by and bought some Branded Baron items.  I really appreciate it and I'm glad I can provide you with product that is worth the money spent.

This time around I had my fellow reoccurring supporters Chi and Jamal come through and help me out. In return they were allowed to sell their sneakers and yes, money was made. In the beginning I felt a bit rushed, looking for parking even though I left early and made good timing. Luckily I met up with Jamal beforehand and he was able to bring in my bucket of tees while I parked. I felt rushed, probably because I was, since I entered with 10 minutes left before the doors opened. I hate rushing my presentation, but I had to make the tees look presentable in the time I had. I usually continue working on it until I get a few sales. I don't know if I want to stay busy or if I get a bit nervous.

First hour was slow, but then it started to pick up. I'm a competitive person and being in an over saturated t-shirt market, I'm even more competitive. I honestly hate seeing a table next to me, who is also a t-shirt company make sales before I do, but I'm fine when sales start rolling in. My friend Anderson from Bluu Dreams was selling there too and even though I've known him from college, there's still friendly competition. I'm all about supporting others and helping other brands where I can, but we're all competitive. If you have a business and you're not in it to make money, then you're lying and get out the way to those who are. The love and passion for what you want to do is there, it's time to put in the work. Anyway enough about that little rant and let's talk about the heat and yes they're a bunch of cry babies. lol

 The heat inside was ridiculously hot, that I was happy to step out of the building for a bit to catch the warm air outside to be cooler and I loved it. I'm glad Chi came in with water bottles, because you were sweating like whore in church. That was really the only downside, because it made the day feel longer.

Overall, it was good. I was able to chit chat with some of the other vendors and I found out from Alan, who runs Sneaker Con, that there will be a 2 day event in the winter and that the D.C. crowd is better than NY. I was shocked about the D.C. crowd being better than NY, but I'm also excited since I plan on attending that show. Check out the pictures below and I'll give you a brief comment on some of them.

Stay no less than Stunningly Fresh,
      Joe

There was a huge blank Adidas sneaker that everyone could tag up and Jamal went over there and put a Branded Baron sticker on it. Awesome indeed!

Packed house

Chi and Jamal chillin and sweating. It was so hot, Jamal was about to pass out, but he sold a couple pair of sneakers.

We had to get some food, since we were hungry and some New York pizza hit the spot. YUM

Here are a couple people who are now Branded Baron-

Shout out to Dez of Fly Kickz. She creates very cool sneaker art and custom jewelry(below). This picture doesn't do her justice, but she's attractive and has posters for those sneakerheads who love chicks with kicks.

Outside

This is what Chi wanted to sell.

Kicks for Sale