Today we’d like to introduce you to Ralphie Gianni
Hi Ralphie , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story is one of resilience, ambition, and perseverance. Growing up in Cleveland, I refused to be trapped by the cycle of poverty, driven by a vision of success. A talented artist and writer, I earned 64 scholarships, including full rides to Harvard and the Cleveland Institute of Art. Music became a passion, and me and my brother built a movement, performing at venues like Peabody’s and The Agora.
A pivotal moment came when we met Chris Weathers at NEXT, who mentored us in branding, merchandise, and industry knowledge. My designs gained traction, leading to a partnership with NEXT, where my clothing brand outsold major names like Jordan and Tackma. This success led to the opening of Team North Clothing Store in Richmond Mall in 2017, selling out on opening day and drawing massive crowds. The Brands influence revitalized the mall, even leading to a lease reduction.
However, tragedy struck in 2019 when my best friend, Johnshae Boyd, lost his life to gun violence. Shortly after, I served time for a gun case. But even after setbacks, I refused to let my circumstances define me. In 2023, I came home, bought a new store in Cleveland Heights’ Coventry area, and now Im preparing for its grand opening.
My story is proof that success isn’t about avoiding failure but overcoming it. Ive shown that no matter the mistakes or losses, resilience and belief in yourself can take you far. My journey is an inspiration to the youth, proving that circumstances don’t dictate destiny—mindset does. Keep pushing, keep creating, and never set a ceiling for yourself. Much love—Ralphie.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My Major Struggles was overcoming the Help me mindset, feeling like I didn’t have enough resources, I grew motivation just seeing others in less fortunate situations make it happen , like Lebron with duck tape on his shoes in school, Oprahs big wins after years of abuse, Donovan Mitchell overcoming grief with the death of a friend , 50 cent being shot 9 times, these are big things that happened to people and they didn’t let it stop them.
losing Johnshae was big for me and I still battle grief to this day, but it also pushes me because he always pushed me and saw the greater good in me, he always told me I was the mastermind, you the genius Brody, nobody think like you , nobody can design like you, nobody can take it where you can take it, no excuses you can do it with out him. He was a big purpose believer and pushed me when I was overwhelmed having so much on my shoulders.
His murder is still unsolved, leaving a tear in his mothers heart and that hurts every day, every picture, every thought , I feel that pain to because he was so real, so motivational in a different way, he had tough love. That real grit and grind kind of love that makes you better. He just wants the best for you. You not gone always like his approach but you will be better.
I will never get over it, but I will always strive to make him proud over and over
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Im an all around creative. Im an artist, I do music. Rap and R&B. I design and make my clothing brand as well as many others. I also do financial wellness and Credit building , Managing and creating portfolios. Im mostly known for NRTH. Team North . The brand . Im most proud of the way I respond to adversity, and being resilient because Life will never be perfect, every day will never just be good, there will be small things, big things, random things, that we can’t control. We can only prepare and control our responses and mines have changed and Ive grown in a major way. My mindset is what im most proud of. What sets me apart from others? Im a life hack. I make everyone around me better, and if not I give them the opportunity to be better. Im one of their greatest resources. I show them the way I don’t just talk the talk. I do it
What makes you happy?
Breaking barriers. The resistance is always felt, so you know how much is against you, you know all those feelings, all those failed attempts, and then you work hard, stay consistent and your 2 years ahead of any where, any one could’ve ever imagined you’d be. When I make something happen that’s not supposed to happen. Im suppose to lose, yet I finally win.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nrthstore.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialralphie
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialralphie
- Twitter: https://x.com/officialralphie
- Youtube: https://YouTube.com/officialralphie
- Other: https://www.7daycreditplay.com
