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

Hi Jason, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my company, A Leading Role, because there was a void in the market of dress up. All of the existing companies (including the one I was working for at the time) were in a race to the bottom–servicing mass market retailers and not paying much attention to quality. So, with the experience I had gained from working at corporations and an array of resources to produce my designs, I started A Leading Role in 2018. Since then, we have worked with FAO Schwarz, Disney, Universal, Hello Kitty, Netflix, and numerous other boutiques.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Our mission at A Leading Role is very different from others in our market, but it’s very simple–we will always choose quality over quantity. Our approach to design is truly unique and we strive to create lasting moments for all ages. Those attributes are what helped secure licensing deals with Disney, Universal and Netflix, and they are why we have been approached by luxury retailers to carry our brand.

The team is comprised of industry leaders and professionals with extensive experience in their fields. I have been working in the costume industry for almost 15 years—starting in the costume department at Disneyland. I oversee all aspects of the business to ensure that every detail has thoroughly been considered when crafting products, packaging and marketing—establishing A LEADING ROLE as a leader in the industry.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love going to the Getty Villa in Malibu, hikes in Griffith Park, jazz concerts on the lawn at LACMA, or meeting up with friends for drinks in DTLA.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a lot of people that I’ve worked for and alongside in my career that have been instrumental in leading me to where I am today. However, the one person that has unconditionally loved and cheered me on since I picked up a pencil to draw and turned on my very first sewing machine—my mother. She is always on my mind when things are looking up or down. Remembering her encouraging words and undying support makes me keep reaching for my dreams!

Website: www.aleadingrole.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aleadingrole

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAznmadXqgQ-VQE3noXVtDQ

Other: https://www.amazon.com/aleadingrole

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