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February 16, 2021

A Unique Apparel Brand That Supports Cultural and Ethnic Diversity

BizWorld launched it’s winter cohort of the exciting, life-changing YES! Program where high potential young entrepreneurs create and develop thriving businesses. YES! builds confidence and breaks down barriers to propel youth businesses to success.

We had the pleasure of interviewing 15-year old JeNoah, founder of URBAN Stereotype, a one-of-a-kind apparel brand that supports positive cultural and ethnic diversity globally. Learn about how the founder’s strong and resilient attitude propelled him to launch “US” which is not only the acronym for his company but also signifies unity among all diverse ethnic groups. Way to go, JeNoah!

Tell us a little bit about who your company is and what interested you in starting Urban Stereotype?

My company is URBAN Stereotype, a unique apparel brand and movement supporting positive cultural and ethnic diversity worldwide. Most of our clothing is designed with uplifting quotes, so that all racial groups feel good about who they are. An important aspect and focal point of our apparel is our iconic and uniquely designed logo I created myself. I mention this, because our logo not only stands for our company name URBAN Stereotype, it also spells out the word US.

The US is extremely significant, because it bridges the gap between those who experience ethnic stereotyping and those who are against those negative behaviors. I really want to get the point across that my brand is about unifying all diverse ethnic groups in an uplifting way.

What interested me in starting my company is quite a story. I started URBAN Stereotype as a positive response to the racial bullying I endured at school. My dad fought for three years seeking justice on my behalf. However, I didn't want to continue going that route. So I asked my dad to stop all proceedings to help me with my business idea. And even he will admit, he's glad he did. We are currently working on bigger concepts regarding our business model. However, my company will always be a reminder that negative situations can be for the greater good.

What do you hope to learn and get out of the YES! Program?

I hope to learn more about myself and my business model. I'm excited to take full advantage of this process and opportunity. I also appreciate having access to all the wonderful business mentors who are a part of the YES! program. Ultimately, I'm looking forward to receiving assistance with creating a solid business plan that can help me secure a spot at Demo Day.

What do you feel has helped you with launching URBAN Stereotype?

First, I'd like to mention that my dad has been a huge support system in helping me to launch my business. He's a long time freelance entrepreneur and his encouragement has made me feel like anything is possible. In addition to my family's support, I've been fortunate to receive lots of media attention, as a result of my positive story and business idea. This has helped me gain confidence and create awareness for my brand, and we've been able to get some sales as a result.

Can you share a fun fact about yourself?

A fun fact about me, is that I'm a vegetarian. The funny story about how I became a vegetarian, is that it started off as a challenge. I wanted to see how long I could go without eating meat. Little did I know this it become a permanent lifestyle change. I was influenced to live this life by my mother who has been a vegetarian for over 10 years. My parents taught me the importance of a healthy diet and I'm so glad I have followed this path.

What is your superpower? And how has it guided you in developing your business?

I'd say my superpower is my ability to be resilient in almost any situation. My resilience and tough skin is the foundation of my business. It's the reason URBAN Stereotype was started and I believe it's the reason we will stick around for the long term.

I also wanted to share a recent magazine article that was published about my business. If you want to see more on URBAN Stereotype, please visit the media section of my website.

What a creative logo you have for URBAN Stereotype, JeNoah! We look forward to offering you mentorship and coaching during your entrepreneurial journey in the YES! Program. Good luck in preparing for Demo Day - you’ll have a solid business plan, no doubt!

The YES! Winter Cohort opened on January 25th, and is scheduled to run until April 8th, 2021. The summer cohort application deadline is May 14th, and is scheduled to run until August 27th, 2021. Both cohorts will have the opportunity to participate in the YES! Demo Day and pitch for start-up investment scheduled on September 17, 2021.

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