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

Hi Christian, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Hello everyone, my name is Christian Leal, the owner of Spinny Brand Co, the clothing line created to Enable the Disabled. If it’s okay with you, I’d like to start from the beginning.

Spinny Brand Co. is an idea I’ve had in my head for about 3 years. Back when Covid and lockdown was going on, I had a lot of time to think about life, my career, my legacy. For about 4 years before this, I have been selling toys and collectibles. I was already the owner of my Toy business, called Spinners Toys & Collectibles. I had grown somewhat of a following by that time, but nothing crazy. I was in a place where I wasn’t sure if I was going to continue doing this, once life went back to…”normal”. So I started brainstorming new ideas, things I wanted to do, things I would be proud of. I already was doing design and graphic work on the side. But, somehow it’s not as fulfilling doing work for other people, besides the proudness you feel, when you see in that logo or design being used by the client. Eventually I started thinking about possibly starting my own clothing line. Partially because I had released a new logo for myself, and sold shirts containing this logo. I enjoyed the feeling of seeing my logo on a shirt, and it made me start looking into the idea a little more. After some light brainstorming, the idea of starting a clothing line, marketed toward those who are disabled and handicapped. I wanted to create something for us. For people, who were like me. Dealt with limitations their whole life, pushed through, and continued to go on. Yet, somehow didn’t always feel fully part of society. Eventually, I spoke to a friend about the idea, and he hit me with those hard questions. Who’s your target audience, how am I going to do it, what exactly was the brand going to be. Ultimately a bunch of questions, that I didn’t have the answer too. I ended up putting the idea on the back burner. Things in the world started to normalize a bit. Toy shows started up again, and business began to pick up. Fast forward to December 2022, about 2 years later, and my toy business is thriving. Since then, I’ve attended a bunch of conventions, throw my own events, cross items off my bucket list, and overall found success, and began to be too busy to even think about a clothing line. But this past November/December, something was different. For some reason, I felt like I wasn’t doing enough, even though I was fully booked for the final quarter. But I realized, I didn’t mean doing enough for me, but for society. For my community. For the people like me. Out of nowhere, the clothing line popped back into my head. This time, it was a serious idea. I realized that I had built a following that could truly help me start something special. Through my career, I’ve never fully ignored, but never embraced the “being in a wheelchair” aspect of it. I tried to not draw attention to it. Even the name “spinners” of “spinny” wasn’t exactly intentional in regards to me being in a wheelchair, it just kind of worked that way. But, I feel as time has gone on, I’ve grown and see the world differently.
What I’ve seen is that, there aren’t many organizations, businesses, clothings brands, movies, music, etc, run by, marketed to, or accommodating handicap or disabled people. Now, I’m saying that accommodations aren’t met, but the requirements met, are always the bare minimum.

In addition, there’s a lot of assumptions placed on handicap people, from people who aren’t handicapped. Just a few examples of that are, that disabled people don’t exactly live lives, the way normal people do, or perhaps maybe not even at all. Assumptions such as we don’t go out or have fun, or stay out past a certain time. That “we can’t feel our legs” even tho there are many factors as to why we are chair bound. That we don’t have a voice, when it comes to speaking up for ourselves. Yet when we do, we come across as bitter or feeling sorry for ourselves. That we can’t be independent and accomplish things on our own. That we aren’t mentally sound enough to be our own person and separate ourselves from our disabilities. These and so much more.

The thing is, the disability itself doesn’t define us, it’s just a characteristic of us that we can either ignore or embrace.

So with that I’ve chosen to embrace it. A new brand is upon us. Directed, marketed, towards and for, those disabled. An accumulation of jokes, slogans, taglines, graphics, and even stories told on clothing from people who are disabled or handicapped in some way. Doesn’t have to be physical. Any disability under the sun. The stories deserve to be told. Whether it’s by them or a loved one. A clothing line where those who are fortunate to be blessed with the gift of being different, can feel represented. Representation isn’t just about being seen, it’s about being chosen. Chosen to show that there is more to be offered to this world than your societal norms. A clothing line created to enable the disabled, spark confidence in those who feel like the are being held down by their disability. Show representation in society, and rewrite those assumptions that are put onto those that are disabled. That boundaries can be broken, and those different can make an impact. Actions speak louder than words, but words can be a haven for those unable to act themselves.
You do not have to be disabled to support. You just have to have an open mind and believe that changes can and need to be made. I have high hopes for this, and whether it takes off or not, I am glad to be able to say I tried. By spreading this message, we hope to rewrite those assumptions that negatively connotate those that handicap, disabled, and blessed to be different.

In addition, 5% of sales annually will go to two different medical institutions. Both Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, and Children’s Health in Dallas, will receive 2.5% each. These are great institutions that truly care for their patients. They are where I went as a child. If we can somehow help these institutions in some way, in order to help the children that need the treatment that these institutions provide, we will make that effort.

We believe we can be a pillar of change. This is our goal, and together, disabled or not, we can make a difference.

What should our readers know about your business?

I’ve been running my toy business for about 6 years now, but seriously for the last two years. I started up at small, one day, few hour events here and there. Just as a side hobby, something fun for me. As time went by, the business grew, and 6 years later I am now at events that I couldn’t fathom attending as a vendor. It’s truly been a blessing and an experience, that I wouldn’t trade for the world. It definitely wasn’t easy. I had to learn to talk to people, understand people’s thought process, negotiate, bargain, sell, and so much more. But, one thing I’ve never wanted to shy away from was authenticity. I will always be me. No matter what I do, I will not change, or be someone I’m not. I can definitely say I’m different. I won’t force a conversation with someone who doesn’t want too, I won’t put on a persona that is different, from when I’m not out there working. And I will always try to do right by people. As I believe other people should do by each other. That’s why I created Spinny Brand Co. To create something that can both encourage those, who maybe lack the confidence, or drive to put themselves out there. But also create a society where everyone is accepted by each other, and understand each other, without the pre assumptions.

Our brand is based off two ideas, consisting of “Enable the Disabled”, and “Rewrite the Assumptions”. We want to create representation for those who are handicapped, disabled, or have special needs. Building a brand for them, by someone in similar situation. In hopes to instill, and encourage those to take a chance, and embrace their disability. So that they learn who they are beyond it, and embrace their fullest potential. While helping them realize that this world is vast, and there is a place for them in society. By spreading this message, we hope to rewrite those assumptions that negatively connotate those that handicap, disabled, and blessed to be different.

MY MESSAGE TO THOSE IN SIMILAR SITUATIONS AS MYSELF

I encourage those living with the same condition (osteogenesis imperfecta) or situation as me, to take a “step” back and reevaluate. Are you living your life to the fullest extent, or are you holding back? Is there things you want to do but been too fearful to try? I invite you to take the chance on yourself. See how your life improves and what doors lie ahead. & to those loved ones, afraid to let go. It’s time. Let your loved one explore their limitations themselves, instead of deciding for them. Let them build the strength to challenge them. Because without trying, you’ll never know.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh we definitely going to a Mavs game. Spinny Brand Co. loves the Mavs, as well as the cowboys. Can’t go wrong with either of those options. I’m usually down to go anywhere. But I’m not someone who goes to a ton of places on the reg. I tend to go to twin peaks pretty often to get a beer and watch any fights or games going on. Another place I enjoy drinking and eating with the family is “La Margarita” in Irving. In between these outings, we’d probably go to freebirds, because chipotle sucks. I said what I said. Between all this, we could hit up Four Corners Brewery, Art Museums, and maybe get a tattoo!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I think the biggest shout out I have to give, is to my parents. They have both been very supportive, throughout my entire career. While there were concerns on whether my career choices were sustainable, they never down talked them, nor tried to force me in a different direction. I really appreciate them for that. Business has picked up this past year, and I kinda got them on their toes more than ever lol. I’m doing these 3 day long conventions now, that start usually on Thursday for a 6 hour set up, and run until Sunday night, after packing up and getting home. My mom stays most of the time with me on these longer shows. Running a 20ft x 10ft booth is no easy task. My dad now helps us load and unload. It’s definitely a grind, but it’s worth it. It wouldn’t be possible without them. I’m truly grateful, and I know sometimes I don’t say it enough. I will get better at it. Just know they raised a genius, and I hope to make them proud.

Website: https://spinnybrand.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spinnybrandco/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-leal-09aa331a9/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpinnyBrandCo/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@TheVendorSpotlight

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@spinnybrandco

Image Credits
Andy Hernandez

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