Today we’d like to introduce you to Daryl Riley

Daryl, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

I grew up in Newburgh, NY, and my journey has been defined by innovation, resilience, and a deep commitment to making a positive impact. I founded Tendaji in June 2020, a fashion tech company that integrates sustainability and cutting-edge technology. Our flagship product is a solar-powered wireless charging jacket, which is currently patent-pending. This venture has garnered recognition and landed me a nomination for the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in the Retail & E-commerce category. Alongside Tendaji, I lead a nonprofit called GiveBLK, which focuses on empowering the Black Diaspora through educational and professional development programs. Through these initiatives, we’ve partnered with major events like the Invesco QQQ Legacy Classic, which was founded by actor Michael B. Jordan.

My achievements include winning Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition Prize Competition, being recognized in Hampton University’s 8th Forty Under 40 Class, and being featured in industry publications for my work. I hold a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Hampton University and an M.S. from North Carolina A&T State University. My journey is a combination of pushing boundaries in both fashion tech and social impact, and I remain committed to inspiring others and creating opportunities for meaningful change.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

My journey hasn’t only been marked by professional challenges but also deeply personal losses that have profoundly shaped who I am today. During my time at Hampton University, I experienced a series of devastating losses within my family. In 2015, a day before my birthday, I lost my grandmother to cancer, which was a crushing blow. Just a year later, in 2016, my grandfather passed away from complications due to diabetes. In 2017, my family suffered another tragedy when my aunt took her own life. And as if that wasn’t enough to endure, in 2018, my cousin was tragically killed in a homicide. Each of these losses brought immense grief, and coping with them while trying to focus on my education was incredibly difficult.

After graduating from Hampton, I faced another heart-wrenching loss during my time at North Carolina A&T. In 2021, a close friend of mine was also a victim of homicide. That hit me hard, especially as I was trying to focus on my studies and build Tendaji. The emotional weight of all these tragedies compounded over the years, and it’s something that I still carry with me.

On top of that, I faced a financial struggle that pushed me to my limits. My personal property was damaged, and I had to use my credit card to cover the costs, maxing it out in the process. That financial burden was yet another challenge in an already turbulent time, making it even harder to focus on my goals.

Despite these hardships, I’ve continued to push forward. These losses and struggles have taught me resilience, and they serve as a reminder of how precious life is. They’ve strengthened my resolve to create meaningful change in the world through my work with Tendaji and GiveBLK, honoring the legacy of those I’ve lost.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I’m the founder and CEO of Tendaji, a fashion tech company that combines innovation and sustainability to create products that push the boundaries of both fashion and technology. Our flagship product is a solar-powered wireless charging jacket, which allows wearers to charge their devices on the go while staying environmentally conscious. I’m also the founder of GiveBLK, a nonprofit focused on empowering the Black Diaspora through scholarships, mentorship, and advocacy. My work spans both the tech and social impact spaces, where I aim to merge innovation with purpose.

The recognition and impact we’ve achieved in a relatively short time is admirable. Being nominated for the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, winning Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition Prize Competition, and having Tendaji featured in Essence Magazine are just a few of the milestones that affirm the work we’re doing is meaningful. Additionally, through GiveBLK, we’ve been able to uplift and provide opportunities for marginalized communities, making a tangible difference in people’s lives. While I’ve accomplished a lot professionally through Tendaji and GiveBLK, what I’m most proud of is being a Man of God and striving to be a good son, brother, boyfriend, and friend. My faith has been my foundation through all the ups and downs, guiding me to lead with integrity, compassion, and purpose. No matter how far I go in my career or what accolades I achieve, it’s the relationships I’ve built with my loved ones and the way I carry myself in those roles that matter most to me.

What sets me apart is my ability to bridge the gap between innovation and social responsibility. I’m passionate about developing products that aren’t just cool or groundbreaking but also have a purpose and a positive impact. My journey is also deeply personal, shaped by loss and resilience, which fuels my drive to make every venture meaningful. Whether it’s in fashion tech or philanthropy, I’m committed to creating sustainable solutions that empower others, making sure that everything I do leaves a lasting legacy.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?

What I like best about Los Angeles is the energy—it’s a city that’s always alive and full of possibilities. I visited LA for my 24th birthday, which was extra special because it was my “Kobe Year,” and my birthday (May 12, 2021) fell on the same weekend Kobe Bryant was being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Kobe was one of my favorite players growing up, so being in LA during such an iconic moment made the trip unforgettable. There’s a certain magic in LA, where you feel like anything is possible, and I definitely felt that during my time there.

As for what I like least about LA, I’d have to say the traffic. During that trip, it took me 2 1/2 hours to get from one place to another, which would have been a one-hour drive anywhere else. The traffic is something you have to plan your entire day around, and it can be pretty exhausting. Still, the city’s vibrant energy makes it worth the hassle.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.darylrileyjr.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_dr.jr/

Image Credits

Charisma Caldwell, Kerrion Campbell, Haniyyah Sharpe-Brown (Accenture), Black Ambition, 2024 NPHC SEPA Greek Gala