We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mike Wright. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mike below.

Mike, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The idea for my brand, Michael Wright, came from a deep appreciation for storytelling through fashion. Born and raised in Inglewood, California, and now based in New York. I’ve always been fascinated by the way clothing carries history—whether it’s a family heirloom, a vintage fabric, or a unique trim that reminds you of a past era. One day, I was surrounded by these intricate upholstery fabrics, that reminded me of my grandma and it hit me—what if I could take these nostalgic, ornate elements and translate them into modern streetwear?

That’s where the concept of “bringing your grandma to the modern day” was born. I knew this idea had legs because fashion has always been cyclical, but no one was quite doing it this way—taking something traditionally associated with home decor and transforming it into wearable art for the streets. It excited me to create something that challenges norms and sparks conversation. Plus, in a world oversaturated with mass-produced, trend-chasing fashion, I wanted to offer something that felt personal—something that evokes emotion, nostalgia, and individuality.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a designer, creative director, and entrepreneur with a deep-rooted passion for storytelling through fashion. My journey into the industry has been anything but conventional—it’s been a mix of hands-on experience, corporate product development, and a relentless drive to push creative boundaries.

I started my career in fashion over a decade ago, working across product development, merchandising, and design for brands like Calvin Klein, Fila, Ralph Lauren, and Talbots. Those experiences gave me a strong foundation in understanding how to take an idea from concept to finished product. But I always knew I wanted to create something of my own—something that wasn’t dictated by corporate trends but instead felt personal, unique, and intentional. That’s why I launched my fashion brand, Michael Wright Collection. The brand is built on the idea of fusing nostalgia with modern streetwear—

Beyond my fashion brand, I also founded Dream with Vision Creative Agency, which focuses on product development, creative services, branding, and creative direction for fashion and music artists.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

There was a pivotal moment in my career when I was working under a creative director at a previous job. I knew I had talent, but as a Black creative, I often felt like I had to fight harder to be seen and valued, even though I was just as qualified. One project, in particular, was a turning point for me. I followed the creative director’s direction exactly as instructed, but when our bosses hated the results, all the blame fell on me.

That moment was a wake-up call. I realized that while I respected leadership, I couldn’t silence my own creative instincts. I had a strong perspective, a unique approach to storytelling, and a vision that deserved to be heard. From that point forward, I made a promise to myself: to trust my gut, to speak up in those rooms, and to stand by my creative choices.

That experience didn’t make me a creative director overnight—but it pushed me to create my own opportunities. I launched my own brand, Michael Wright Collection, and built a name for myself as a creative director on my own terms. If there’s one lesson I took from that, it’s this: never let anyone tell you what you’re not. If they won’t give you the opportunity, create it for yourself.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I’ve built my audience on social media in a very organic way. My network naturally played a big role—many of my friends are DJs, producers, and creatives who travel frequently. Whenever they wear my hoodies in airports, clubs, or different cities, people take notice and ask, “What brand is that?” That kind of word-of-mouth exposure has been a major driver in growing my brand’s presence.

For anyone just starting to build their social media presence, my biggest advice is: let your audience find you naturally, but make sure you’re giving them something to talk about. Create work that stands out, stay consistent, and leverage your personal network. If people genuinely connect with what you’re doing, they’ll spread the word for you. Also, don’t be afraid to put your work in the right spaces—whether that’s on social media, in real-life settings, or through collaborations that align with your vision.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://michaelwrightcollection.com
• Instagram: Business: @michaelwrightcollection Personal: @mike_wright_