We had the good fortune of connecting with Aamir Tinwala and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aamir, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My idea of “balance” has shifted a lot over time. I don’t really believe in the traditional work-life split—if I’m labeling something as “work,” that usually means I shouldn’t be doing it. The things I commit to, whether it’s building Ascynd or running conservation initiatives, are things that actually fulfill me. They energize me instead of draining me.

As I’ve grown, I’ve stopped chasing balance and started chasing alignment. When your priorities, values, and projects all point in the same direction, you don’t feel like you’re constantly switching between two different worlds. Everything becomes part of one life you genuinely enjoy living.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Ascynd is a car-inspired gym clothing brand, born directly out of my two favorite hobbies: cars and lifting. I couldn’t find automotive-inspired apparel that you could actually train in—something that wasn’t just merch, but high-performance gymwear with real design intention. So I decided to build it myself. Every drop takes cues from automotive design language, but the focus is always on function: fabrics that stretch, breathe, hold up under weight, and still look clean outside the gym.

What sets Ascynd apart is its obsession with quality and accessibility. I’m constantly testing fabrics, running wash cycles, checking shrinkage, and refining embroidery so every piece feels premium—but the price stays as affordable as possible. I can do that because I’m not a big corporation squeezing margins. I’m a student building something I genuinely care about. Yes, I want Ascynd to be profitable, but the deeper motivation is the experience, the learning curve, and the joy of creating something that blends my passions.

Getting here wasn’t easy. The hardest part hasn’t been the product—it’s been the marketing. You can have the best designs, the best materials, the best idea, but if you haven’t figured out how to communicate that to the world, none of it matters. Learning how to tell the story, reach strangers, and build trust online has been the steepest but most rewarding lesson.

What I want people to know is this: Ascynd is built with intention. It’s not fast fashion, it’s not merch, and it’s not rushed. It’s the output of someone who loves cars, loves the gym, loves building things from scratch, and refuses to release anything that isn’t the best quality he can make.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to town, I’d build the trip around food, cars, and experiences—basically the things that make up my day-to-day life. The first stop would be Hutchins BBQ, because there’s no better introduction to Texas than brisket that practically falls apart on contact. The next day, we’d go for something lighter: poke bowls at my favorite spot, which have become my go-to reset meal after long work or gym sessions. And at least once that week, we’d swing by Tiger Sugar for boba—sweet, cold, and absurdly good after a long day out.

We’d definitely hit Grapevine Mills Mall too. It’s not glamorous, but that’s what makes it fun. We’d wander around, look at sneakers, play a few arcade games, and just take in the chaos. It’s one of those rare places where it’s impossible not to people-watch.

Outside of eating, I’d show them the parts of Dallas that feel most “me.” We’d spend time at Legacy West or Uptown, walk around, hang out, and probably hit a couple of local car meets because cars are a huge part of my life—and a big part of the inspiration behind Ascynd. If they’re into nature, I’d take them to a couple of the trails I used while building the Backyard Bird Project to show them the quieter side of the city.

By the end of the week, they’d get the full picture: the food that defines Dallas, the car culture that drives a lot of my creativity, and the spots—both lively and peaceful—that make this place feel like home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe a huge part of my journey to my parents. Every project I’ve taken on started with their quiet, unwavering support. When I launched the Backyard Bird Project, it was my mom who spent countless afternoons driving me around to deliver nesting boxes—often for free—to families all over the community. She never questioned why I cared so much about birds; she just backed me because she believed in what I was trying to build.

And when I started Ascynd, my dad showed me the same level of trust. Even though it was a big personal investment and a risk for someone my age, he supported me with partial seed money and, more importantly, with confidence. He never doubted me—not once. Having parents who don’t just allow you to test big ideas but actually encourage you to chase them has shaped everything I do. They’re the quiet force behind both my ambition and my ability to take risks.

Website: ascyndclothing.com and backyardbirdproject.com

Instagram: https://aamir.tin

Linkedin: Aamir-tinwala

Image Credits
Spencer Schedler
Aamir Tinwala

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