Daymond John on The Power of Broke - with Lewis Howes

Influences

Daymond John credits his mother as the most influential figure in his life, teaching him invaluable lessons through experience. He recalls how she allowed him to make mistakes, fostering his growth and resilience. John's journey was also shaped by a diverse array of mentors, including a neighborhood store owner and his stepfather, who taught him to embrace diversity and respect all cultures. These early influences instilled in him a sense of confidence and equality:

I also never thought anybody else was better than me, but I never thought anybody had it better than me, too.

--- Daymond John

John's business acumen was further honed by mentors like Jay Abraham, who played a crucial role in his entrepreneurial journey 1 2.

   

Fashion Start

John's passion for fashion was sparked by the emerging rap music scene in the Bronx, which influenced his sense of identity and style. He began creating and selling hats, a venture that marked his entry into the fashion industry. This entrepreneurial spirit was evident from a young age, as he engaged in various business activities like selling pencils and shoveling snow. His first major success came when he sold $800 worth of hats in an hour, realizing the potential of his creations.

I made this with my own hands. I went and sold this to individuals and nobody was in my way.

--- Daymond John

This experience laid the foundation for his future endeavors, including the creation of FUBU, which became a cultural phenomenon 3 4 5.