Chief Influencer

Since our interview with Daniel Buezo last year, Kids of Immigrants has announced exciting new collaborations with Nike and Hasan Minhaj. To coincide with New York Fashion Week, we wanted to reconnect with one of today's most influential fashion entrepreneurs, Daniel Buezo, the visionary Founder and CEO of Kids of Immigrants, a trailblazing streetwear brand born in Los Angeles. Alongside his Co-Founder Weleh Dennis, Daniel has taken the fashion world by storm, teaming up with powerhouse brands and icons like Apple, Nike, Vans, and the one and only Bad Bunny. In this exciting episode, Daniel sits down with Host Anthony Shop to share the captivating story behind the brand’s rise from humble beginnings, reveal why his most pivotal meeting is with himself, and discuss how they remain true to their mission despite their phenomenal success. 

Takeaways:
  • A major factor behind the launch of Kids of Immigrants was the goal of bringing people of all backgrounds together. This was in contrast to the often exclusive attitude proliferating the world of fashion and streetwear. 
  • Daniel and Weleh wanted to create clothing that genuinely represented who they are and their experiences. This was something they found lacking in many of the popular and readily available clothing brands in the United States.
  • When launching the brand, Daniel and Weleh realized that even if the brand evolved, there would be a constant factor tied to the company: they were “Kids of Immigrants.” Their roots and community are interwoven into the initial creation of the brand and its continued evolution. 
  • Daniel says that his most important meeting of the day is with himself. Taking a moment to reflect or meditate gives him a chance to communicate with his inner self,  which helps him find a sense of calm, make tough decisions, and become inspired. 
  • Recognize that productivity and inspiration are two separate things. While Daniel’s days can get very busy, allowing him to be very productive, he knows that to find inspiration, he needs to get out of the office and have time alone. Taking the time to find what inspires you is crucial. 

Quote of the Show:
  • “We were kids of immigrants yesterday. We're kids of immigrants today, and we'll be kids of immigrants tomorrow. We knew that wouldn't change.”

Links:

Creators & Guests

Host
Anthony Shop
Anthony Shop believes in the power of people-centered branding and marketing to create a bright future. He chairs the National Digital Roundtable, the premier convener of digital innovators, leaders and policy shapers. Anthony also is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Social Driver, a digital services firm that helps companies and non-profits establish winning strategies with social media, websites, creative, and advertising. An enthusiastic presenter and teacher, he has led executive-level training for Amazon, PepsiCo, NASA, The British Embassy and the Bipartisan Policy Center. He has been recognized as an “OUTstanding LGBT Role Model” by The Financial Times, “40 Under 40” by The Washington Business Journal, and Business Leader of the Year by the DC Chamber of Commerce. A former newspaper reporter, Anthony was the first new media professional elected to the National Press Club’s Board of Governors. He currently serves on the boards of Leadership Greater Washington and LearnServe International. He earned his MBA from The George Washington University School of Business, where he teaches as an adjunct lecturer.
Producer
Amanda Goyette
Amanda loves bringing people's visions to life through podcasting!
Producer
Robert Krueger
Robert is an Executive Director for The Communications Board, an organization with the mission of providing high-quality professional development for every communicator in every location. He is also the Global Lead for Partnership Communications at Gensler, the world’s largest architecture and design firm. Prior to his current role, he performed executive and CEO communications for Gensler, and was the senior director of public relations and social media at the Urban Land Institute. He obtained an MA in Communications and an MA in History from George Mason University. He did his undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri-Columbia. In addition, Robert has taught communications at universities including George Mason University, West Virginia University, and the University of Florida. Robert currently serves as Immediate-Past President for the Public Relations Society of America’s National Capital Chapter (PRSA-NCC) -- the nonprofit’s largest chapter.

What is Chief Influencer?

Chief Influencer is a podcast that explores how today’s successful leaders inspire and influence others to make an impact in the world. They aren’t just Chief Executives, they’re “Chief Influencers.” We interview a range of leaders and uncover how they build authentic connections - both inside their organizations and beyond. Your next breakthrough idea may come from a Chief Influencer facing similar challenges in a completely different sector.