Creative of the Week: Lefty

IG: @withthelefthand

Hey guys, I'm here for another segment of Feature Friday to disucss a talented young man from Jersey, whose recently been expanding his brand throughout the states. Lefty and I have only known each other from this past summer but he's been working ever since we met. It's wonderful to see your friends follow their dreams and goals, and be able to stay motivated despite the times of today. I recently attended Lefty's popup shop here in NYC and it was a complete success. He nearly sold out of everything! I took this opportunity at his popup to learn more about him, his brand, and his vision for its future. The conversation went as follows!

Interview

Me: “Hey Lefty. So congrats on being able to have a pop up here in the city. For starters, please tell us your name, age, and where u were born?”

Lefty: “My name’s Lefty, I’m 25, born in jersey.” 

Me: “Okay, so why & when did u start withtheleft?”

Lefty: “I been designing clothes since 2016 because I didn't like a lot of clothes other people were making; I started withtheleft in 2019.”

Me: “Makes sense, I here that from a lot of people who go down the design route. So obviously your brand name is a play on your name, but what does the brand name mean to you? Can you elaborate on how the name came about?”

Lefty: “Yes it does come from name lol. With the left is a lifestyle brand and that's what I try to portray in my pieces, my shoots, campaigns etc.”

Me: "Okay, simple enough. So I think the people wanna know, including myself... are you actually a lefty though?”

Lefty: “Come on now, lol. Yes”

Me: “Ahhh me too, lefty's do it better! So you've recently been traveling back and forth a lot from NY/NJ to LA. How has business been in LA? Which location has been better for you (NY/NJ or LA)?”

Lefty: “LA 100%, business is BOOOMING. It’s great in La. People buy my shit over here (NY) but LA is a bigger demand.” 

Me: “That's a good thing though, to be able to bring your brand through different states. Love that for you. What are some goals you have for the brand?”

Lefty: “Short term would be to create a real store front, in LA first. New York too, but I’d start in LA. Long term goals is to be a competitor with Nike, Lacoste, Prada & Adidas.”

Me: “With your work ethic and motivation that's definitely attainable. What’s been your greatest success this far? Biggest struggle?”

Lefty: “Greatest success has been the execution. I had the vision for so long and I’m now making it tangible. The biggest success for me is just getting it done. Biggest struggle is marketing, because the vision I have requires a lot of work. A lot more than just taking pictures and posting them on IG. I have to travel so much, meet different photographers. Also tough because were not really supposed to be traveling right now.”

Me: "I agree, actually executing and making your brand a real tangible thing is the best part because it's usually the hardest. So besides sweatsuits, bucket hats and shorts, do you see yourself adding more products to your line?”

Lefty: “Everything that's a sport garment, I try to go with the season of each sport, whatever sport is in demand I go by that. I’m definitely gonna touch on every sport and put my own touch on it.”

Me: “How was the popup for you (10/20)? How does it feel to be able to have one?”

Lefty: “Popup has been great, its been a blessing. Being able to pull it off with little to no staff. All the hands on help is in LA, so its been hard to take it on myself. I been moving merchandise and reception has been really well, I’m building a clientele.”

Me: “Well you damn near sold out of everything so congrats to you on that! We love to see it! So these last two questions I ask all my interviewees. What’s your best trait about yourself?”

Lefty: “My ability to adapt, it helps me in different situations and environments. It helps me understand people better and helps them better understand me.”

Me: “Okay cool. So last and final question... words of advice for people reading?”

Lefty: “Execute, don’t just do the idea. Execute it, make it actually happen, it’ll fulfill you more.” 

*end of interview*

Thank you all for tuning in! I hope you all learned a lil' something about a friend of mine with a really cool brand. His success at the pop up was truly great to see and makes me happy to have such talented and motivating friends. Talk soon guys!!