Meet Tyler Smith | Fashion & Inspiration advocate

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

Hi Tyler, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
There were two distinct events that lead me toward owning my own business. The first realization came when my mother fell ill and as a result her job let her go. My mother was a nurse for many years and I couldn’t understand how the person that takes care of people for a living, when they’re sick they aren’t taken care of properly by that same institution. It just showed me how replaceable you are and jobs really don’t have your best interest at heart. So I knew it was vital to be my own boss and take care of myself.
Additionally when I was in college there was a professor that made us watch a documentary called 13th. The documentary discusses the injustices African Americans face and also highlights mass incarceration and other negativity we have to overcome especially as black males. It’s a very eye opening documentary, in which if you haven’t seen it I encourage you to watch it. It inspired me to create something that promotes positivity and brings people together.
I feel like fashion gives you the unique opportunity to express how you feel and who you are without actually saying it. Which is why I created a clothing line called Juntos Le Soir. Juntos means together in Spanish and owning this business allows me to fulfill my original aspirations of promoting positivity and bringing people together; I just do it through fashion.

What should our readers know about your business?
Juntos Le Soir was created to bring what I love about fashion, having a voice, and making an impact together. I believe we are to use our gifts and abilites to serve, inspire and ultimately lead others to Christ. I’m proud of the fact that I was able to bring something into fruition that means something to me and my family. Overall this is my third business attempt so I wouldn’t say it was hard but just something that you have to be persistent in. Also the way I overcome challenges is through passion I know that the reason I’m doing this is bigger than the challenges that I’ll face. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to never give up, you’ll never see what you can be if you quit before you reach where you are supposed to be.

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?
I’m definitely not the itinerary person, when I travel I always like to just see where the day leads us. So I wouldn’t be the one with a strict schedule especially after having kids! Sometimes people just like to relax but I do know there are somethings we must do at some point in time during the visit. I would have to take them to Toast on Lennox. Depending on the season either a Falcons, Hawks or Braves game. The Hive, cigar lounge or wine tasting. Lastly we would have to go to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National historical park and house. I think the most exciting people are the people that can be spontaneous, that still value culture and history.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! In terms of my actual clothing line I have to shoutout my wife. When we first started dating every time we would go somewhere or do something she would always say juntos. She kept saying it so I finally asked what it meant and she told me it meant together in Spanish. When it came to my brand I wanted it to have meaning and a message behind it for people, but also something that reflects importance and value in my life. So shoutout to my wife for helping me come up with a dope clothing line.
In terms of pushing me as a person and entrepreneur I have to shoutout my boy Sam. Sam has always been that friend that encourages you but forces you to “get uncomfortable with yourself in order to take that next step. Regardless of what it is if you have a dream you have to do it because nobody else is going to do it for you”. I can clearly see this mindset playing out in his life and business. So i appreciate not only all the advice but example as well.
Of course I have to shoutout my family for all the support they give me and a special shoutout to my mom for always listening and getting me back on track

Website: https://Juntoslesoir.com

Instagram: Juntoslesoir & T__Smith7