Meet Lorenzo Lewis | Social Entrepreneur/ Best Selling Author/ Public Figure

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lorenzo Lewis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lorenzo, what do you attribute your success to?
I believe the most important factor behind the success of Street Diplomat is our unwavering commitment to authenticity and our mission to turn pain into purpose. From the very beginning, my personal journey of overcoming adversity has been the foundation upon which Street Diplomat was built. This philosophy resonates deeply with our community, fostering a genuine connection that goes beyond just fashion or business.

At the heart of the Street Diplomat brand is a dedication to blending the raw grit of our street culture with the polished edge of the corporate world. This unique fusion allows us to create products and programs that not only look good but also carry meaningful stories of resilience, creativity, empowerment and success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work is deeply personal and driven by a philosophy that has guided me through every step of my life: turn your pain into purpose. This principle has been the cornerstone of my endeavors, transforming personal struggles into a mission that empowers others.

What truly sets Street Diplomat apart is our commitment to blending the raw grit of street culture with the polished edge of the corporate world. We operate on four foundational pillars: online education, fashion, media, and music and entertainment. This multifaceted approach allows us to reach and impact a diverse audience in meaningful ways. Whether through our streetwear that tells stories of resilience, our educational platforms that provide essential skills and mentorship, our media content that highlights transformative stories, or our music and entertainment events that celebrate creativity and diversity, we create a holistic ecosystem that fosters community and personal growth.

I am incredibly proud of building Street Diplomat into a $20 million company that not only thrives financially but also serves as a platform for social change and mental health advocacy. Seeing our community embrace our mission and use our products and programs to express their true selves is profoundly fulfilling. What excites me most is the continuous growth and the opportunity to innovate within each of our pillars, pushing boundaries to create even greater impact.

My journey to where I am today has been anything but easy. Born into adversity, I spent my earliest days in jail alongside my incarcerated mother. Battling depression, anxiety, and anger, I was on the brink of succumbing to the cycle of mass incarceration that marked my beginnings. However, a pivotal moment at the age of 17 redirected my path from the depths of despair to the forefront of mental health advocacy. My academic journey began at Arkansas Baptist College, where education became the first step toward confronting and overcoming my emotional challenges.

Building Street Diplomat was filled with obstacles, including securing funding and maintaining ethical production practices in a highly competitive industry. These challenges were daunting, but I overcame them by leveraging my extensive network, seeking mentorship from industry veterans, and staying true to our core values. Resilience and adaptability were crucial; every setback became an opportunity to learn and grow.
Embracing collaboration was also key, as working with diverse partners enriched our brand and broadened our impact.

Throughout this journey, I’ve learned the paramount importance of authenticity and staying true to one’s vision. Building a brand that genuinely reflects your values attracts a loyal and engaged community. Collaboration is essential in working with diverse partners not only enriches the brand but also amplifies its impact. Additionally, adaptability is crucial in an ever-evolving industry. Being open to change and innovation has allowed Street Diplomat to stay relevant and continue thriving.

Street Diplomat is more than just a brand; it’s a movement that celebrates resilience, creativity, and the power of duality. Our story is rooted in the belief that personal struggles can be transformed into platforms for advocacy and community building. We are committed to creating products and programs that not only look good but also do good. Through sustainable practices, community initiatives, and collaborations that highlight important social issues, our goal is to inspire and empower individuals to make a difference.

As a globally recognized mental health advocate, I use my personal journey to inspire and empower others to overcome barriers, embrace their truth, and forge connections across different walks of life. My mission is intertwined with Street Diplomat’s vision to promote mental well-being and resilience within communities. By fostering open conversations and providing support, we aim to break down the stigmas surrounding mental health and build stronger, more connected communities.

I call everyone to join the Street Diplomat movement. Whether through our online education programs, wearing our apparel, engaging with our media content, or participating in our music and entertainment events, you become part of a community that values authenticity, empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Together, we celebrate the strength that comes from embracing our diverse backgrounds and harnessing our collective power to create a better, more inclusive world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Piedmont Park
Ponce City Market
Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
Georgia Aquarium
Krog Street Market
High Museum of Art
Stone Mountain Park
Centennial Olympic Park
Sweet Auburn Market
Little Five Points
The Works

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to give a special shoutout to someone incredibly important in my life, Jordon, my wife.
Jordon has been my unwavering support system, my confidante, and the driving force behind much of my journey with Street Diplomat.

From the very beginning, Jordon believed in my vision and stood by me through every challenge and triumph. Her strength and resilience have been a constant source of inspiration. She has an incredible ability to see the bigger picture and keep us grounded, ensuring that Street Diplomat remains true to its mission of fostering resilience, creativity, and community empowerment.

Jordon’s insights and perspective have been invaluable in shaping the direction of our brand and initiatives. Whether it’s brainstorming new ideas for our fashion lines, developing content for our media platforms, or planning events that celebrate our community, her contributions have been instrumental in our growth and success. Her creativity and strategic thinking complement my efforts perfectly, making our collaboration seamless and highly effective.

Beyond her professional support, Jordon has been there for me personally, helping me navigate the emotional and mental hurdles that come with building a company from the ground up. Her unwavering belief in the philosophy of turn your pain into purpose has reinforced my commitment to this mission, even during the toughest times. Her empathy and compassion extend beyond our immediate circle, influencing how we engage with our community and the way we advocate for mental health and social change.

Thank you, Jordon, for everything you do. Your support means the world to me and continues to drive our mission forward. To everyone listening, never underestimate the power of having a strong, supportive partner by your side.

Website: https://www.lorenzoplewis.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenzoplewis/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenzoplewis/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lorenzoplewis/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thestreetdiplomat

Other: TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@lorenzoplewis

Image Credits
I own all rights and credits to all images provided.