Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cannon Jackson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Cannon, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

The second week of January I was fired from my full time job. I had just bought a vendor table at my local pop-up shop the week prior to being let go! The pop-up shop is scheduled for February, I still need items, and I no longer have the main source of funding behind my brand. Not to mention this would be my first in-person appearance selling my new merch.

At this point I had to make a crucial decision. I could not do the event, hold on tight to whatever money I had, and play it safe. Or, I could roll the dice and use that money to get the rest of my items. I chose the latter. It was something about the unknown outcome that enticed me. It also showed me just how confident I was in my brand.

Not only did I sell out of certain item sizes, I made WAY more than what I bought the vendor table for. The networking I did at this one event connected me to people in and outside my city of Tampa, in a way I wouldn’t have imagined. The best part is, Im doing something Im passionate about. None of this would have happened had I played it safe.

Cannon, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wi. I moved to Florida when I was 18. Im currently residing in the Tampa Bay area. My creativity stems from being a rapper originally. Then I started to see that I could be artistic in other ways. Other forms of expression. From directing videos, photoshoots, designing merch for myself and other artist. I started caring more about being a multifacted brand than just solely a musician. I took two key elements that Hip-Hop was known for and focused on those two. Fashion and creative expression. I started off just designing clothes and merch that I wanted to wear and use. Then that turned into other artist wanting to wear it to their shows and video shoots. Being a former rapper, I knew how hard it was to create the music, create the video, create the photoshoot AND pay for it all. So that’s where the media side of my brand came from. Not only will I provide you with the wardrobe for your project, I’ll direct all the visuals behind it too.

The problem we solve is helping artist and creators overcome self doubt by designing clothes they feel confident in while giving them an outlet to express themselves.

I think what separates me from others is the vulnerability behind my brand being viewed as a strength instead of a weakness. It’s tough being an innovator or being different when no one gets it at first. I can relate to that. But because it’s so much beauty in that, I just want to be a reminder to stick with it and see it through. Genuinely.

Honestly, Im most proud of being able to witness the connection people have with my brand. It all starts as an idea in your head. Then to bring it to life and watch it resonate with strangers is indescribable and puts you on a different type of high. It’s like every purchase, every like, every comment, every follow is someone saying “I get it”. That’s beyond cool to me.

As long as Im alive and able to do so Im going to create. Im going to watch others create and stay inspired. When it’s all said and done I want my work to live beyond me and be a constant reminder to be a disruptor when it comes to whatever art you’re in to. Be fearless and never compromise the art. Real legends don’t. My brand won’t.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

There’s a few books that helped shift my thinking in terms of marketing and brand building. The late great Nipsey Hussle put me on to a book called “Contagious: Why Things Catch On”. “The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing” and “Building a Story Brand” are two other books that put me in the right mindset.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Be more open minded when it comes to artistic expression. I understand if it’s not your thing or you just genuinely don’t like it. But that doesn’t make it bad art because there’s always someone else who thinks it’s good. Support the courage. Dont just focus on the execution.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.loosecannonclothing.net
• Instagram: @Theloosecannonclothing
• Facebook: @Theloosecannonclothing
• Youtube: @Theloosecannons
• Tiktok: @byloosecannon

Image Credits
Mykell Green Gabrielle Phillips Violet Marie Nia Lashae