In this exciting episode of the Smokey Mirror Podcast, I’m joined for the very first time by my friend and business partner, Justin Agustin. Together, we recently launched our own clothing brand, SKUT, and had the incredible opportunity to showcase our designs at New York Fashion Week. The experience was unforgettable—our first fashion show in such a legendary setting—and we’re thrilled to share some behind-the-scenes moments from the event with you.
While at NYFW, we connected with some of the most talented and inspiring creatives in the industry, including our guest for this episode, Vert, the visionary CEO of Youngest N Charge (YNC) Clothing. Vert’s journey is one of grit, ambition, and bold ideas, and we immediately bonded over our shared passion for creating brands that stand for something bigger.
In this episode, Vert takes us through the origin story of YNC Clothing, explaining how he built a brand that represents empowerment and resilience, especially for young people. He talks about the challenges he faced and the determination that pushed him to make YNC a reality. From humble beginnings to becoming a movement, Vert’s story is a masterclass in building a brand with purpose.
But that’s not all—Vert’s friend and YNC’s go-to photographer, AC the Shooter, also joins the conversation. AC reveals a surprising twist in his journey: his run for mayor in his hometown. He opens up about the motivations behind his decision to step into politics, what he learned about leadership, and how that experience influences his work today.
This episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in fashion, entrepreneurship, or making an impact in their community. If you’re dreaming of starting your own clothing line or looking to disrupt your industry, this conversation is full of valuable lessons and inspiration.
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0:00-3:25 Intro
3:25-11:30 Runway 7 NYFW
11:30-24:27 Vert’s Origin Story, how YNC Started, maintaining confidence,
24:27-55:06 AC Background, being a fine artist, running for mayor, community work
56:06-59:17 YNC DNA, Logo story and inspiration
59:17-1:17:40 Vert’s Design Process, FIRE YNC shoes
1:17:40 -1:21:29 Jersey Swap and Outro
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THE SKUT SHOP: https://www.skut.shop
IG - @skut.smoke
Twitter - @skutsmoke
