By Roxanne Ashley | Associate Editor 3RY Magazine
Photo Credit:
Shawn Walker | Stay Focuss Photography
Photo Credit: Shawn Walker | Stay Focuss Photography
The City of Detroit produces all manor of innovation, from the still booming automotive industry, the premier events and venues, and as always, the trendsetting fashion that never seizes to take the world by storm. Someone who embodies the industrious inertia of the city, who has allowed his environment to mold him in the most rewarding ways, is owner of well-known Cuzin Promotions and the best brand to hit the city since Detroit vs Everybody, Cuzin Apparel. If you are looking for quality, comfort, and style. Something you can transition with effortlessly from work to leisure, Cuzin Apparel is your brand. Specializing in “Blue-Collar Gear” and lead by its founder and CEO Shane Baldwin. Father, Auto Industry and UAW Veteran, entrepreneur and pioneer for cultural empowerment. Shane has taken his vision and made it into a reality. Devoting his time and efforts to creating something that can be passed down to his 3 sons. A legacy that they can be proud of.
Shane has culminated his experiences being an inner-city youth into a pre-destined empire, that truly speaks to the importance of image, and representation. If it isn’t known by now, it should be noted that Detroit has and always will be a port for the fashion industry and its citizens do not take their styling needs lightly. From Dapper Dave Customs, to Al Wissam. There are no rivals to what Motown has contributed to the runways. Now Shane and Cuzin Apparel is here to take that torch and light the way to even more dynamism. Being from both sides of the tracks and having been influenced by the hardworking people he was blessed to be made privy to, Shane’s long-awaited dream, is now a solid and tangible reality.
Photo Credit:
Shawn Walker | Stay Focuss Photography
3 Reasons Why Magazine had the honor of taking some time to sit down with the man behind the brand, and find out more about him, and the future of Cuzin Apparel.
Hi! Thank you so much for taking time out to talk to 3RY. I’d like to start by asking where are you from in Detroit, what high school did you attend
Well, I’ll answer that like this. I was born and raised in the Puritan and Livernois which is on the Westside of Detroit also known as Yae Yae, but around my 9th grade year moved to Southfield, also Known as “The Field” and while there attended Votech. I went to school alongside people from Oak Park, Ferndale and Detroit, and I just so happened to be able to make friends with all of them.
Do you think your experiences with those different environments and people from so many different demographics helped shape you into who you are today?
Absolutely. I was very blessed to live on both sides of 8 Mile. My experiences definitely gave me a wide and broad view of people and personalities. I have been almost everywhere and can strike up a conversation with all types of people. I believe that’s because of my upbringing and those I was destined to be around.
Photo Credit:
Shawn Walker | Stay Focuss Photography
What and or Who influenced you when you started this brand?
Whew! It’s a lot!
That’s fine, we want to hear it!
Well, I have been in the Auto Industry for almost 20 years, working at 2 of the Big 3, Chrysler for 7 years, and GM for 9. I initially was inspired by the custom-made Varsity type jackets and joggers that my coworkers would get made, and then there is of course Kathy, the owner of world renowned “Strictly Sportswear” I remember watching her and her mom selling cloths on greenfield, and then when she got her store, I and so many others shopped faithfully, until it became stores, and that was a major inspiration. Then of course you have your Maurice Malone’s, and Karl Kani’s. I am very much pro-black, so anything that has to do with my people succeeding. I love it! You know, your Fubus. Cuzin Apparel has always been on the table, and I’m proud of my city and those thriving in it. D Wear, Three One Third, and so many others I’m continually inspired by.
Photo Credit:
Shawn Walker | Stay Focuss Photography
What would you say to those in your community looking to you as representation, and aspiring to be entrepreneurs?
Exemplary customer service. You have to take care of your people. If there is an issue, identify the problem and fix it. With Cuzin Apparel this is a lifeline for me, it isn’t a hobby, I am all in. So, make sure you’re in it for the long haul, and that you aren’t weary or fearful. Once you set out don’t let up and stay focused. To often the black community isn’t servicing one another in the capacity that is deserved. That’s why Cuzin Apparel makes it known that we are looking for 100% customer satisfaction. That’s what we aim for. This has been 20 years in the making. So, my advice to them is trusting in Divine Order and making sure your taking care of those who choose to support you.
Where do you see Cuzin Apparel in the next five years?
It’s going to be BIG! E-commerce has made it to where so many things are easily accessible, able to be shipped straight to your doorstep! So international is where I see us going in the next five years, but within the next 2years, we plan on dominating the US. Because of my seniority and activism within the UAW, I have a network there alone that will have that industry in Cuzin Apparel in no time. This is something I plan on passing down to my kids, my family. This is a legacy business.
Where can the people find Cuzin Apparel?
We are on Facebook with the brand name and follow us on Instagram @CUZIN_APPAREL and browse and shop our website CUZINAPPAREL.COM.
We here at 3RY Magazine are confident in the success of Cuzin Apparel, as the man behind the vision has proven to be integrally sound, forward thinking, community minded and legacy driven. We wish Shane and his endeavors nothing but all the blessings it deserves as we watch this brand take over the fashion world! Don’t forget to check out the website Cuzinapparel.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram. I am always honored to recognize and bring light to the beacons of the City of Detroit and grateful for the people who continue to pave the way to positivity and empowerment. We tell a different story. We tell the best stories, because we tell your stories.
