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

Hi Thulani, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
A few years ago, I graduated from my first masters in Energy Management as the graduate speaker (valedictorian) of my class in New York, then moved to LA. It was a cataclysmic point of my life. I had read that names that “are not the norm” make job searching in America problematic. I applied to approx 500 jobs and with a name like Thulani Ngazimbi, had a struggle finding a job.

At my lowest point my little sister came to visit, and I broke down in front of her. She suggested starting a company, I suggested calling it The Rad Black Kids, because I knew more people were going through exactly what I was.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Rad Black Kids are the anti-monolith crusaders. We have been lucky enough to create meaningful supplier relationships. These have enabled us to create world class, artisan clothing, shoes and longboards.

We seek to represent people not seen or acknowledged in a genuine way by the mainstream, through the mainstream.

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?
Black women have been the basis for the growth and recognition for The Rad Black Kids since day 1. From the ladies at Essence Magazine publishing the brand in the print edition gift guide, twice!

Linda Carlson who supported the brand in a meaningful way since it’s very inception.

My mentors: Ken Crow, Chris Manley, Darin Kaye, Steve Larosiliere, and Selema Masekela. All of you, through your insight have given me more that I could ever get from anywhere and anyone else!

Brian Hecht, an Atlanta native who was the first to reach out to the brand to get into tradeshows, who’s friendship and advice has been key to the brand.

My little sister, Nonhlanhla Ngazimbi for giving me such key support in the early days that added so much value to what The Rad Black Kids has become.

My mum, who taught me to not only believe in myself, but to see myself as the same as everybody else. My mum supported me in every step of the brand, from hearing my rants to buying my products as a way to keep going.

Website: www.theradblackkids.com

Instagram: @theradblackkids

Facebook: www.facebook.com/theradblackkidsofficial

Youtube: www.youtube.com/theradblackkids

Image Credits
@shootmepanda @isadoragrs

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