Get ready New York Fashion Week, because here at Boys & Girls Club, Langston H.
While onlookers may be surprised to see the 13-year-old entrepreneur’s designs on the runway, his mother Jacqueline is not. Coming from a long line of successful business owners in his family, Langston is a natural go-getter who balances his passion for entrepreneurship with school, student council, basketball and track.
“When he started his fashion line, The Top, Langston asked me for help,” Jacqueline said. “I told him that fashion is not my area of expertise, but I can meet people who can help you.”
How to be an entrepreneur 101
Lanston found the network and rigor he needed to pursue his entrepreneurial goals at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Michigan.
Through a unique program called Industry Club, teenagers are given hands-on experience in industries such as fashion, risk management, urban planning, sports, eSports and entertainment.
“Our mission is to ensure our youth are employed, self-starters and homeowners,” said Shawn H. Wilson, president and CEO of the clubs. “Helping young people explore their passion for entrepreneurship is more complex than simply ‘teaching’ a curriculum. Entrepreneurship is environment, culture, language and network. Ultimately, we built an ecosystem where Langston uses all of these components.
Juniors must apply to join an industry club and participate in six weeks of after-school workshops to build real-world work experience. The program employs up to 200 Detroit-area youth each year, taking a holistic approach to understanding the many facets of working in the industry and connecting youth with paid opportunities, mentors and networks.
It was the impetus Langston needed to develop his understanding of the business side of the fashion industry and his passion for design. “My experience was great,” he said. “I enjoyed meeting other young fashion designers and got inspiration from the program directors.”
For his mother, Jacqueline, the industrial club is a door opener for all young people who want to build a better future on their contract. “This experience is equipping Langston with skills that will last a lifetime,” she said. “This program has helped my son and encouraged my family. Such programs create generational wealth and can change the course of a child’s life.
Although his initial interest was in the business side of fashion, Langston continued to learn and experiment with the design process. “I love being able to tell stories through color, pattern and texture,” he says. “Art allows for self-expression without the use of words or explanation. The process of crafting a piece requires hours of brainstorming and refining ideas until I get it right. Seeing the finished product makes me happy and proud.”
Celebrating black identity in fashion
The young black man is making his mark in the fashion industry and has a deep appreciation for the mentors he grew up with through the industry club’s “Black Men in Fashion” section, which connects club kids with black male mentors. Industry.
“It’s so important for our youth, especially youth of color, to have mentors they can relate to and have similar life experiences. “These people not only bring technical knowledge about the fashion industry, but they also give young people of color the tools to navigate the racial barriers that come with being an entrepreneur,” said Shawn.
Langston also pays homage to black designers who came before him with his fashion line, The Top, featuring prominent black Americans and themes of black identity and power in his designs.
“I always knew there was racism in America, but I never experienced it,” Langston said. “After the killing of George Floyd and the protests across the country, I have seen firsthand how much hatred there is in the world. My goal is to uplift and remind black people of who we are!”
“I think it’s powerful for young entrepreneurs to realize whose shoulders they’re standing on,” said Shawn, “but most of all, I hope it inspires Langston to take the baton and how to be a leader, that change maker.” One who lifts others up. We all have this responsibility.
Watching dreams come to fruition
Langston is immersed in the work and is now seeing it come to life, as well as representing himself and The Top at prestigious events. His design has already attracted the attention of two famous rappers – Babyface Ray and Big Sean.
Langston shares his designs with Detroit rapper Big Sean.This February, Langston and Jacqueline will head to New York City to see Langston’s work on the runway. “It feels amazing,” Langston said of the invitation to join New York Fashion Week. The opportunity certainly reminded me that my efforts pay off. He is looking forward to seeing what life as a designer in New York City is like and is excited to see his designs on the runway.
And while the young entrepreneur’s journey is moving at lightning speed, Langston’s biggest piece of advice for young entrepreneurs is to “slow down!” is that
He goes on to say: “When I started Top, I was in a hurry. I have completed the branding and am ready to launch in a couple of days. Then I realized I wasn’t putting in my best work. I decided to restart and give my full effort. This process took about three months.
Langston and his mother are eager to celebrate New York Fashion Week and a job well done, but the young entrepreneur’s success is just getting started. The Club member continues to network and looks forward to what’s next for his fashion line and beyond, as well as continuing to represent the Men’s and Women’s Club.
“This experience boosted Langston’s confidence,” Jacqueline said. It is having open conversations with adults while successfully conveying the purpose of the brand and explaining the benefits of a men’s and women’s club. It’s amazing to see my son show such confidence and joy. I am beyond proud.”
A great future begins here
Boys & Girls Clubs across the country help young people develop the skills necessary to become problem solvers, communicators and leaders, and help them find a job they love when they’re ready. Learn how clubs are preparing youth for college, careers and life, and how we can help you too.
