Garrett James: From Athlete to Designer with Ryoko Rain Streetwear

The Genesis of Ryoko Rain

• 💡 Garrett James, a former collegiate basketball player and real estate broker, founded the streetwear and luxury fashion brand Ryoko Rain during COVID-19.
• 🎯 The company was established as a love letter to his daughters, with the brand name derived from their middle names.
• 🚀 James pursued this passion to push his own limits and to set an example for his daughters, demonstrating that anything is possible.

Brand Identity and Influences

• 🎨 Ryoko Rain is characterized by loud, unique, and distinctive clothing with Japanese and athletic influences.
• 💬 The brand aims to tell stories through its designs, creating pieces with emotion and a unique narrative.
• 🇯🇵 Garrett James intentionally incorporates his Japanese heritage into the designs, emphasizing the importance of visibility and representation for the Japanese American community.

Growth and Collaborations

• 🤝 Early support came from athletes like Jason Tatum, who regularly wore the brand, paving the way for future collaborations.
• ⚽ The brand has since collaborated with Angel City FC and the Clippers, marking significant growth and recognition.
• 👟 Ryoko Rain's initial success was partly due to its unique shorts, designed to be fashionable for both on and off-court wear.

Entrepreneurial Journey and Advice

• 🛠️ James initially slept in the warehouse and actively reached out to people via direct messages, asking them to take a chance on his brand.
• 🌱 The philosophy behind Ryoko Rain is that if you create something people organically like, they will return, and belief in the product is magnetic.
• 🗣️ James advises aspiring entrepreneurs and young people to keep going despite challenges, as the journey will always be difficult but rewarding.

Community Impact

• 💖 Ryoko Rain is committed to giving back to the community, with a focus on uplifting women and youth in sports.
• 🏀 The brand actively supports youth through initiatives like basketball camps.