Exploring Life & Business with Donte Bryson Jr. of BRYLAMAR

Today we’d like to introduce you to Donte Bryson Jr..

Donte, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I stumbled into fashion while serving in the Navy, after teaching myself graphic design. I developed an eye for style and decided to try fashion design and quickly knew it was for me. I dropped my first collection on Christmas Eve 2021 and kept sharpening my skills from there.

In 2024, I designed my first handbag, something people had been asking for and released it in March 2025 for Women’s History Month. It became my biggest drop to date, with nearly 1,500 people signing up for the drop in less than three weeks.

That moment showed me what was possible. BryLamar will become a global brand one day, and I want to be an example of what it looks like when you chase a dream and turn it into your reality. Our slogan is “For Dreamers Who Do” and I hope to inspire others to live that too.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’ve bumped my head a lot being self-taught, but I’ve also grown tremendously within those setbacks. From wasting money on the wrong manufacturers to navigating production delays, the lessons never stop. Most recently, new U.S. tariffs delayed one of my biggest shipments, which pushed back customer orders and added unexpected costs. It was out of my control, but I had to adapt quickly and still deliver. I’ve learned that you won’t ever feel fully ready when you’re doing something new. You just have to keep moving and learning as you go.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about BRYLAMAR?
I’m a Fashion Designer and the Creative Director of my own fashion label, BryLamar. We specialize in handbags and outerwear, with plans to expand into denim and jewelry. I’m most recently known for the Carlatta Bag, an asymmetrical handbag design that went viral and is set to change the entire trajectory of the brand.

I’m extremely proud of myself for having this dream and following through, even when things got tough or setbacks came my way. One day, when BryLamar is a global brand with a full team behind it, I’ll be able to look back with pride knowing it all started with just one idea in my 120 square foot barracks room and an iPad.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’ll always say my mother is a huge reason I’m the man I am today. She made sure I understood, even at a young age, that I could become whoever I wanted to be and that nothing was out of my reach. I carry that confidence with me everywhere I go.

So when I designed my first handbag, I named it after her. The Carlatta Bag, her middle name, is my way of honoring the woman who made me believe in myself from the beginning.

Pricing:

• Carlatta Bag $177.00
• Daydreamer Biker $250

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.brylamar.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/brylamar
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/brylamar