Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Freeman.
Joshua, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Having been into fashion throughout high school & college, it was always a little dream of mine to create a street-wear brand and share it with as many people as I possibly could. I was just never quite certain how to go about it. I never met anyone that was doing it or had done it for me to go to for advice.
I started building “tuner” like modified vehicles and gained a reach on social media as I toured and attended automotive social events in 2013. Flash forward to 2015, it came to me to create an automotive lifestyle brand. It just made sense at that point. I was super into cars, modifying them, creating style with them, and expressing myself through them. So, I figure what better way to dust off an old dream of mine by combining my love for fashion with my love for the automotive industry?
At that point, I spit-balled the idea to a few close friends, while presenting them my “Vaded Mob” business plan which showed how I would execute this idea. After breaking it all down to the homies with a dry erase board & a Microsoft word document, we all looked at each other, smiled and agreed that this idea could work as a business.
I quickly learned that this wasn’t just a business idea, but something that I could pour my passion into.
From here, I pretty much hit the ground running. I was hungry, so I immediately started working with designers to help create my vision, while also networking with like-minded individuals across the world to create custom cuts for my first release. All while juggling designs and logos, I was producing windshield banners for my vehicles as well as my friend’s vehicles. I had the name down at this point, so we put “vaded mob” loud and clear on these banners with a goal to show people what Vaded means.
This took a lot at times, and the hardest part was pushing myself to do it. I knew I wanted it to be perfect so after countless hours, days, weeks and months. I finally felt like I was ready to confidently share what I had created with people & my reach. This date and time would be almost exactly three years ago, September 2016. I had a completed website, fresh designs, two styles & fit with limited production numbers, and some accessories.
While this 2016 release now seems small, I’ve humbly learned that the ripple effects of small things are extraordinary.
This Fall/Winter (FF16) release quickly turned into regular seasonal releases throughout spring and summer as well as fall and winter. These limited releases would include designs that proudly showcase a vibe, new creations, and what vaded stands for.
Flash forward to 2019, Vaded has become something I would have never imagined. My team and I have completed goals, set bigger ones, hosted our own events, continued to push meaningful products, we set bigger goals each year, and even donating to a few charities and foundations.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t been a totally smooth road, but in the whole span of things, I feel like a very lucky person. I quickly learned that you really can’t please everyone. This was a tough hill to climb, and at times it left me broken and fearful to continue. I tried to do my best to not get distracted by negativity. I kept it pushing & continued to see the light in things.
I’ve learned that fear limits you and your vision. It serves as blinders to what maybe just a few steps down the road for you. The journey is valuable, but believing in your talents, your abilities, and your self-worth can empower you to walk down an even brighter path.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Vaded exists to be a positive force that advocates uniqueness and encourages unity. A brand that strives to create a community influenced by achieving the highest standard whether it be revitalizing builds, style, or being. One can uncover Vaded in any phase of their expeditions and support the movement that this brand aspires to be.
Vaded proudly brings people together while specializing in creating a passionate lifestyle street-ware brand.
I am proudly known for creating unique and meaningful products.
Creation wise, I am most proud of how far it all has come. I went from producing simple t-shirts to internationally shipping custom jewelry pendants and custom produced wallets.
I always try to give back to the community and supporters, whether that be donations to charities, or hosting a free event with an awesome atmosphere.
What were you like growing up?
I touched on this a bit in the first question but I’ll dig a little deeper here.
I was a little wild growing up, I would say I was the different one of my friend group(s).
Outgoing and always pushing the envelope one way or another.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vadedmob.com
- Email: info@vadedmob.com
- Instagram: @vadedmob
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vadedmob/
Image Credit:
Taylor Galster & Brandon Deuster
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