Meet Lil Bandít (Destiny Isiguzo): Clothing Brand Owner & Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lil Bandít (Destiny Isiguzo) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bandit, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was solely to create something that couldn’t be taken away from me no matter what I was going through in life. And then it progressed to this larger project of showcasing that you can become something out of nothing. My thought behind the brand was that I needed to eat; no one was going to give me a handout and I didn’t expect anyone to. I got it out the mud on my own and along the way I met so many other people who were in the same situations as me which were college students experiencing homelessness and financial struggles. Hooded Bandíts was here to show that there are more people like me. We are going under the radar because we managed to still keep our appearances together. But Bandíts need to be seen and heard. We’re out there and we exist amongst normal society.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I got here today with my art because I didn’t let circumstances stop or prevent me from creating or doing what I love. At the lowest part of my life is when I could’ve given up. I had little to no money, no art supplies whatsoever, and all I had was a 15 year old kids’ watercolor set someone gave me when moving out of their home. And with those extremely old paints I created something. And from there I was able to sell some of the art and purchase more supplies and as the months went by, I no longer was the artist who didn’t have enough for canvases. Now I was working on canvases so large that the old me would’ve been intimidated by.

One lesson I learned along the way was, if you want it, you can get it. If YOU want it, no one can stand in your way. I’ve had so many obstacles come into my path along this journey and instead of sulking and feeling sorry for myself I made sure I found a way. One thing I want the world to know about my brand is that Bandíts don’t take shit lying down. Part of my success I think is the fact that I don’t take anything lying down. Sure something terrible happened; lost my family home of many years and became homeless. But that was the start of all this. Without that happening to me, I wouldn’t be Lil Bandít today who had to struggle and make a way for myself when there was really no way at the age of 19. So I don’t take anything lying down, and I don’t take no for an answer. I believe we receive a lot of no’s in our life because of two reasons. One being, the person absolutely doesn’t know but yet is too prideful to say “I don’t know” so in return they reject you. And the second reason being, the person sees you as a threat and/or intimidation . And they don’t want you progress and know the right answers so they shoot you down and discourage you. Both reasons are enough to go inquire by myself and do it all by myself. So that’s what I want the world to know about Hooded Bandíts, you finesse the bullshit life throws your way and you keep going. Do not let anyone or anything stand in your way. You can do a lot in this world with empty pockets and a dream.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I personally love the Downtown LA fashion district. Even if someone isn’t familiar with fabrics and the clothing industry, I think it’s a great experience to show them the behind the scenes of where a lot of LA businesses get their supply. Just the entire feel of downtown and the different districts, I think there is always something to find. As well as any and all thrift stores are a ‘must visit’ when coming to LA.

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?
I wanted to thank my Hooded Bandíts Brand Ambassadors and the skaters on HBXSB for contributing to my dream and helping me bring the vision to physical life. All the Hooded Bandíts supporters that continue to believe in me.

And I would like to give so many thanks to my dad and my professor Samantha Fields. Without the constant reassurance and encouragement they give me, I don’t think I would have come this far on my own.

Instagram: @kingdesyonce @hoodedbandits @hoodedbandits.sk8 @bby.bandits

Image Credits
Joshua Pacheco – @jp_img Lamont Roberson – @lamontphoto Marielle Brown – @x.bareyes