Meet Jose Kercado Jr. | Streetwear Designer & Brand Executive

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jose Kercado Jr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jose, what do you attribute your success to?
Other than authenticity and transparency, I’d say that the simple act of caring has allowed Wise Mind to succeed in the way that it has, because it provides connection with our consumers. Caring about the customer is extremely important to me. From providing a great quality product to following up with a customer if they tag us on social media. I believe heavily that if a person takes the time out of their day and life to purchase our product, it’s our duty to make sure we not only provide the best service and product, but also carry out that same energy all the way through to the point of the customer wearing the product. Not only that, but showing we care through outreaches and givebacks. Just caring about people, humans, can help you succeed.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What would set Wise Mind apart from other brands? Thats a tough one, but I’d have to say that where we come from there’s nobody really orchestrating a dope quality brand, with great quality product, and connection to customers. Aside from that in itself, I know for a fact that the creative direction for the flagship store is something I have not seen done before. Our story and who we are makes us different. Most proud of, I’d have to say our pop-up shop at Privei in Fayetteville, NC. It was a huge success for us. Most excited about, I’d have to say that the wheels are finally turning on the dream of a flagship store. More details on that eventually.

I got this far through several trials and tribulations. Like I said on the Put Me On Game Podcast, there was several times early on where I was spending bill/rent money on Wise Mind collections. That’s how much I believed in myself, even when I didn’t know even the closest amount to what I know today. My wife, girlfriend at the time, mentally helped me through those times. I had to believe in myself and connect with myself to get through the rough patches, the days where I’d buy a pizza and live off of eating a slice in the morning and a slice at night and making that last several days.

The toughest these days has been consistency, but over the last year it’s gotten a lot better. I’ve learned to keep something in motion while a current product releases, so that it’s a consistent workflow of material. While also pacing myself and making sure I’m living, because its through those experiences that I’m able to be inspired to create what we put out.

What do I want the world to know about me or the brand’s story? I would want the world to know that I’m an empathetic human, that understands time, as well as life and death. I know that nothing is a serious or to be taken as serious as a persons time. I appreciate people in general. I try to be as understanding as possible and to strip myself of an ego. I’m pure and genuine, while remaining true to myself at all times.

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 probably a terrible friend to vacation with, because one of my most favorite things to do on a vacation is to wake up early around 7-8am and hit the gym. I feel like hitting the gym and feeling good about yourself can really set your tone for the day. It can allow you some mental clarity as well. After that I’d take them to either Potholders or Omlete Inn off of Pine in Long Beach to grab breakfast. Both of those spots hit every time. After a shower, we’d leave to hit LA to visit a dope art exhibit. LA has some of the most dope exhibits when it comes to well known artists or we could even hit an LA Dodger game. As a huge MLB fan, I can say that Dodger stadium is one of the most beautiful ballparks to visit as it embodies so much of the LA culture. A great dinner spot to hit late in the day would have to be MVPs Grill & Patio on 4th street in Long Beach. I haven’t had one menu item there that disappointed me. It’s a small burger spot that I take my friends/family to every time they visit. For dessert, we’d slide by Afters Ice Cream to grab warm doughnuts filled with ice cream.

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?
First and foremost the Wise Mind team! There would be no brand of this caliber if it wasn’t for the team. So shoutout to Wise Mind Collyn and Wise Mind Ash. Collyn is the creative director and graphic designer behind the brand and Ash is currently helping in fulfillment, but soon with be the store manager for our first flagship store. Other than that, I owe a huge thank you and shoutout to my parents, Jose and Michele Kercado. As I get older, I’m realizing how many life experiences I got from them that play an important role into who I am today. I owe so much to them, so shoutout to them, love y’all. Also, to my younger two siblings for their constant support on and off social media, sharing of the brand on social media, and for showing up for the brand when it mattered. Love you Christian and Amanda. Other than that shoutout to all of our long time supporters/customers. Because of y’all, we’ve been able to rebrand and take off the way we have. Appreciate y’alls love and support. To everyone that’s ever helped bring this vision together for us over the years, thank you! Thank you Mark, Brandon, Javi, Dolph, Eli, Redyn, Mav, Co, Trees/Zay and so many more! To my wife Ashley, the things you’ve done for me and this brand are out of this world. Thank you for keeping this dream alive, love you

Website: WiseMindMovement.com

Instagram: @WiseMindMovement & @WiseMindJose

Twitter: @WiseMindMovemnt & @WiseMindJose

Other: TikTok: @WiseMindMovement

Image Credits
Eric Chan, Adolfo Suarez, Chris Weaver, Timothy Baso, and Courtney Cheatham