Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Conlon.
Hi Ryan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My entrepreneurial journey began in 2016, when I launched Blackguard Clothing—a brand fuelled by creativity and vision. It started as a passion project and quickly evolved into something that connected with people hungry for originality and attitude.
In 2018, I expanded into media and content with Blackguard Productions, offering services like videography, photography, and graphic design. This allowed me to support other artists and brands, especially within the music scene, giving their stories the visual edge they deserved.
2021 marked a significant milestone: I opened my first barbershop. Running the shop solo for two years taught me resilience, leadership, and the power of community. In 2023, I took the leap and moved into a bigger space, where the business has continued to thrive ever since.
In 2024, I launched the Blackguard Fashion House, which specializes in printing uniforms, merch, and apparel for businesses. We also formed a partnership with a company that handles business cards, leaflets, and other essentials—making us a one-stop shop for brands wanting to make an impact.
And most recently, in 2025, I expanded into sports by founding AFC Blackguard, a football team that brings people together through the game and reinforces the community spirit that runs through everything I do.
Also this year I have started working along side a charity aimed to tackle the next generations mental health. We started with our first event and did a football event (soccer). We hosted a penalty shoot out getting the community together. Raising money and having fun together.
From fashion to barbering, production, and now sport, Blackguard has always been about creating culture, building community, and pushing boundaries.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has been far from smooth. At one point, I found myself burnt out—mentally and physically—after juggling too many responsibilities without giving myself the time to breathe. It took a toll on my mental health, and I had to learn the hard way about the importance of balance and self-care.
Staffing has also been a challenge. Not everyone has shared the same commitment to the vision. Some have treated the business as a stepping stone, which can be disheartening. But those experiences have taught me how to spot real passion and loyalty—and protect the culture I’m building.
Then there’s the reality of running a business in the UK today. Bills keep rising, taxes add up, and every month brings new financial pressures. Scaling up while staying afloat isn’t easy, especially when you’re reinvesting into your goals and planning for the future.
But through it all, I’ve kept pushing. I’ve learned to adapt, stay focused, and trust that every obstacle only makes the journey sharper. I’m still standing because I believe in perseverance—and in the vision I’ve built from nothing.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At my core, I’m a creator and a community builder. I run multiple businesses under the Blackguard umbrella—each one built to empower, inspire, and support others.
Through Blackguard Clothing, I design bold garments that connect with people who live with attitude and authenticity. With Blackguard Productions, I specialize in visual storytelling—offering video, photo, and graphic services to artists, brands, and businesses who need their message seen and felt. I have amazing artists I work with/ manage including. Sarg, Kbiz, Drey Cartie, Datyutedreads
My barbershop is more than a grooming space—it’s a hub for conversation, connection, and confidence. It’s a place where people feel seen and respected, and that’s something I take pride in.
The Blackguard Fashion House has become a one-stop solution for clothing production, uniform printing, and business branding. It’s about giving businesses the tools to look professional and stand out. And with our recent partnership for print media—like business cards and leaflets—we’re expanding that support even further.
I’m also proud to say I founded AFC Blackguard in 2025—a football team that’s become an expression of community energy, teamwork, and ambition. It’s about sport, yes, but also about belonging.
What sets me apart is that I’m not just building one business—I’m building an ecosystem. Everything I do is connected, and every project feeds into the other. I’m driven by passion, not just profit. I care about the people behind the work—the staff, the clients, the creatives, the communities. I’m proud that what I’ve built feels real and grounded. It’s raw, it’s independent, and it’s growing every day by staying true to the vision
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
My city is Dudley, which is close to Birmingham. I mean the culture is there and there is alot of opportunities. However it does feel closed off sometimes
No matter what business it is in, around our area there seems to be limited support. It kind of feels like no one helps each other grow
Same with the music too. When we go out of town we seem to get so much more support. Doing shows in London and everyone in crowd in a huge supporter and actually there to help us grow.
But that’s a learning curve. Sometimes the strangers will be your biggest fans and supporters and those who are closest secretly don’t want you to do better than them
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.blackguardclothing.co.uk
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryan__conlon?igsh=Z3FhOHZueGdyNjJr&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackguardproductions432
Image Credits
Photos and pictures were all done by someone related or alongside blackguard productions
Charity photos – Zanx
Artwork / cover arts- Kade
Pull up freestyles – CamBehindTheCam
Photos cover the charity event we hosted. Pics of AFC Blackguard in kits. The barbershop location. Artwork for the artists we done. Flyers for performances from our artists
