As a child, I always told myself that I would one day become a doctor and have a side hustle that I enjoyed. From that very moment, the idea of turning that dream into a reality stuck with me forever. I grew up around the era when me and my boys would camp outside of champs and footlocker all night for the latest Jays just so that we could wear them to school that following Monday. That week after every release always felt like a fashion show because people would strategically plan which day of the week they wanted to pull out their best fit for the sneakers. This really comes to show how important getting fly meant to us as kids, especially when going to a non-uniform high school at the time. This is where as teens, we began to express ourselves through our swag and how we dress. I worked at champs for four years, from my junior year of high school to my sophomore year in college which allowed me to constantly be surrounded by the latest kicks and hottest street wear fashion. Before starting my brand, I studied the history of fashion & the industry to get a better understanding of what makes a successful brand. For years, I studied some of my favorite street wear brands & high end fashion labels that inspired me with their stories. I knew that one day I would eventually start my own clothing brand but always kept in mind that timing is everything and that good things don’t come easy. I quickly learned the importance of taking time and enjoying the process every step of the way. My proudest moment right now would have to be my first release date that took place on August 5th, 2020. That day will always hold a special place in my heart as it was the first day I got to debut my brand with the world for purchase. The first release of my brand included my Vancol Packs, which were featured in 4 color-ways, the militant green, triple black, out the mud camo, and camel tan. When I got word that the bags sold out by 6:03 pm (in just 3 minutes after my website opened at 6 pm.). - Alex Vancol, The Creative Director & Owner of VANCOL @_stilldoinit @thevancolbrand Read the rest of Alex's story on VoyageMIA.com Image Credits: @vulture.visions @trevonnet