Today we’d like to introduce you to Donte Bryson.
Hi Donte, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Donte Bryson Jr; I’m a 23-year-old born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. I grew up loving all things creative and knew I would grow to do something within the field eventually, just unsure how or when. I always used my creativity as a way to escape and deal with tough times during my childhood. My mother moved my siblings and I out of the inner city and closer to Maumee, Ohio, where we were able to attend their schools. Best thing that could’ve happened for me specifically because prior to, I was lost and going down the wrong path.
Eventually, I ended up attending Penta Career Center for my junior and senior year of high school, enrolled into the Criminal Justice program. That program changed my life; it taught me discipline, respect, honor, leadership, and so much more. I was even named Captain of the program my senior year. When I graduated in 2018 from Maumee High School with my diploma & also Penta with my program certifications. I was still unsure with the direction I wanted to take career-wise, so I decided to enlist into the U.S Navy.
The goal was to provide myself more time to decide my career. I began my Navy contract actively serving in San Diego, California. During my time in the Navy, I started building myself up as sailor and even more as a man. I was thriving, becoming one of the go-to leaders on the ship and one of the most qualified sailors within the department. Although things were going well, I knew what my end goal was. In 2020, to get myself back into my creative side, I started testing out different softwares and taught myself how to graphic design.
Within a couple months, I freelance designed for 50+ businesses and eventually started to study fashion design in honor of my father who passed away in 2020. My dad told me that I always had fashion in me and that I just needed to tap into it. When he passed away, everything came full circle for me. I then realized I could do all things I loved the most. Create, lead, inspire, and honor all in one. I became a Navy Veteran in 2022 to begin pursuing my career as a Fashion Designer with hopes of building a team of other amazing creatives.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not; starting a business while actively serving in the military was a task I wasn’t completely ready for. But I kept myself focused on the end goal, which ultimately kept me motivated throughout the journey.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My brand, BRYLIFESTYLE is a unisex streetwear brand that stands on bravery and resilience. I want to spread the message that through faith, vision, and hard work, you can do anything. All of my garments have inspirational messages on them that I’m anticipating will resonate and empower people that are working towards their dreams.
What I’ve learned is you can do anything with some bravery and resilience. You may have style, but are you in BRYLIFESTYLE?
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Of course, my amazing mother, who instilled the confidence I have in myself at such a young age. The woman who never made excuses and always made a way. She was my very first example of what it meant to be brave and resilient. My mother is my rock, been rooting for me my entire life and still going doing so. I owe her the world.
Pricing:
- Rain On Your Dreams Varsity Jacket – $250
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brylifestyleapparel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brylifestyle/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/brylifestyleapparel
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/brylifestyle
