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

Hi Arrington, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Although I am a young adult, my life has taken me down many paths that have left me forced to make difficult decisions. Starting my clothing brand at the early age of 14 was a much larger risk to take on than I could have imagined when it was only a dream in my head. Funding a startup in my early teenage years would be an enduring task as I spent months on end working for $6 an hour to scrape up the change to pour $400 into creating my first ever garment to put out to the public. Although $400 may seem small to some, taking every opportunity not spent in a classroom to yet again risk every penny for a dream that could have left me empty felt like spending a fortune to an 8th grade student who had faced many financial hardships growing up. With the possibility to lose it all, this situation opened my eyes to not only the chances offered in the business world but everyday life. Since that day my outlook has changed and allowed me to envision what could become of the chances that we take.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My clothing brand “Royal Fifty Two” is a streetwear clothing brand striving to evoke a sense of empowerment to all customers through our slogan “Own Your Empire”. Our mission to bring high quality clothing and accessories at an affordable price point while selling pieces without specific labels sets us apart from other brands. As I design each piece myself, I am very proud of how the brand has developed thus far and how it will continue to grow in the near future. Beginning in 2017 selling t-shirts from my athletic bag in the school hallways, the brand has evolved to reach supporters across the nation through the message spread. Although the process of growth has not been easy, I would not trade it in for anything as it has taught me valuable lessons that are not offered within classrooms in schools. Overcoming the challenges experiencing negativity face-to-face daily felt crushing, yet staying persistent only strengthened my hunger to watch my work flourish even greater. I want the world to know that despite anything you have been handed in life that there is a way out. Situations may test your will, but it is the struggles that shape you and allow you to use them to your advantage as time progresses.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Growing up in the DFW, I have always had a love for the city of Dallas. I would first take them to Deep Ellum to check out some of the amazing art, and maybe grab some inspiration for a new piece to work on. Next stop would be Klyde Warren Park to grab a bite to eat at the food trucks and enjoy the great views. Finally a trip to Northpark Mall would be the perfect stop, as I love to shop for new outfits and maybe even take some pictures in the garden.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, to my mother, for adding the fuel to my passion. From the start she has listened to me ramble about my creative ideas while providing support when I needed it the most. She has always been the first by my side whenever I needed anything imaginable.

Also, In my 8th Grade year, my English teacher Mrs. Stefanie Huber. The absolute support she gave through viewing my earliest sketches, uplifting words for success, and also having faith in my dream will always stick with me.

Website: https://royalfiftytwo.com/

Instagram: @arringtonc

Youtube: youtube.com/arringtonc

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