Meet Will Brown | Owner of The HOOD Project

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

Hi Will, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My initial thought process was to create something that I did not see , I always saw creative cool catchy brands but not brands that shared an actual message or story. I wanted to share something more purposeful with the world and instead of putting it on a flyer I wanted to put it on a garment which serves as a better flyer to share my message.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art for this company HOOD Project is defined as “streetwear with a purpose”, I know what inspires me is everything is derived from my life and the places and spaces I have been in. I have always been a hustler by nature so I wanted to create pieces that speak to empowering your hustle. I am most proud of my resilience , there are a lot of silent battles and overcoming that no one can handle but you. I got where I am because I had a plan and stuck to it. it sounds simple but it is far from easy, the world is ever-changing and I had to learn how to adapt to times but keep the plan the same. Overcoming doubt of self and being strong enough to not listen to others but wise enough to not be oblivious to what is real is how I was able to overcome. Lessons I learned along the way was stay true to you both in life and in art, work on your race on your pace you can’t do what the next person is doing and honestly you don’t want too and lastly keep your faith and work ethic , you can plant a seed today but you’ll have to maintain it to actually reap that harvest. I want the world to know Invest in Yourself is for the everyday hustler , whether you have a corporate job , create your own business , attend classes as long as you are working to better yourself this is for you because YOU are your greatest investment.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It’s Chicago man so I hope they have time , with a week we are going to hit up some of the staples ; Harolds and Portillos are mandatory. It’s always something going on in the city so I know we will find an event or attend a Bulls/Bears/Sox game. I enjoy shopping so we have to hit the MAG Mile and Rush/Oak street also. We also have to hit up the MCA / Art Museums. Honestly Chicago is a beautiful melting pot of a city so there is something for everyone so there are too many to name and with the summer time approaching this is when the city is at its peak. It doesn’t win award for being the best for no reason.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
God first, but Its a few people that come to mind ; Bri who has always been a rock in my life keeping me on point and remembering who I am , Love her forever for that. Corey from LDRS for exposing me to the actual BUSINESS side of retail , Joe (joefreshgoods) who answers all my random calls and questions for years, Al from fashion geek who gave me the game with operations and staying consistent.

Website: https://www.hoodproject.us

Instagram: @officialhoodproject @thpbossjigga