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

Reginald, appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Owning an apparel company has always been a dream of mine and once I gained the inspiration to do it, I fully submerged myself into the world of designing. I began running through a list of names, ideas, and concepts that would make a positive impact and be able to stand the test of time. The first few names on the list just weren’t permanent enough, they didn’t stand for anything and had no real value. The more I thought about a problem I see everywhere and the more I looked within myself, I had the epiphany that people need more perseverance in their lives. It’s far too easy to give up on things, small and big, but it’s way more rewarding when you persist to other side of any obstacle. My love and fascination for psychology influenced me to thought provoking designs and slogans. I know that EVERYONE goes through rough times, EVERYONE has had to fight through some type of battle, event, trauma, and EVERYONE could benefit from a brand encouraging them to not give up on themselves. Twelve Rounds is a brand that helps builds resilience and confidence, the apparel acts as an armor/cape and sole uniform for the fight of life.

Reginald, 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?

My love for style and fashion began at an early age, my love for art and creativity came even earlier. I was born into the longest operating Black-owned business in Baltimore City, East End Garage – an auto body repair shop, so I guess I naturally gravitated towards being a trailblazer of my own. English and Writing were always my favorite subjects and I even was voted best dressed in high school. All of these facts aren’t by coincident, I believe this path has always been forged for me. I just had to open my eyes and walk with purpose. I decided to make an apparel brand because I know my style is unique and tasteful. I know my art is eye-catching and makes a statement. Lastly, the way I use words can touch hearts and provide everlasting impact. Again, no coincident just more reason behind Twelve Rounds being the brand it is. A brand to inspire perseverance throughout life. Everyone experiences the highs and lows of life, no matter where you are, Keep Swinging. Things will come and go, Keep Swinging. You will rise and you will fall, get back up and Keep Swinging! When you need some extra encouragement to get through the day, wear Twelve Rounds and Keep Swinging! When life is just way too hard and you want to give up on it all, look in the mirror, think Twelve Rounds, and KEEP SWINGING!! That’s the bottom line. Twelve Rounds is expressed and exists on many mediums and means the same across them all – don’t quit/stop/give up and keep going. It’s been proven to help people get through some of their hardest battles, we know life will always throw them, but Twelve Rounds is here to keep you in the fight. That’s the way I built it, the way I intended for it to be perceived, and that’s what I’m most proud.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

When I first started I had absolutely no idea on how clothes were produced. I didn’t know where or how to start, so I started asking questions and doing research. When you ask the right people the right things you’ll find the right answers in no time. As a fan of the classic style of streetwear, screen print has the been my favorite process of manufacturing. I started off outsourcing my products to be printed, then during COVID I learned how to print for myself. Learning the skill got me a job opportunity and once you’re in the industry, you’re in. Everyone does things differently, there are different prices, some manufacturers have better relationships with certain customers, certain customers are disliked most manufacturers, everything varies. My best method is to build a good relationship with the ones that are manufacturing your product. It almost ensures quality and efficiency.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think what has built my reputation the most is repetition. Sticking with certain designs, slogans, colors has helped permeate the brand in the mind of consumers. I say all the time that you have to spoon-feed your audience, you have to guide them in the direction you want to lead them. Anytime you’re teaching something new, you have to repeat it over and over and over again until the student really understands it and becomes second nature. That’s why so many people today can and will repeat my various sayings, hand gestures, and think of Twelve Rounds the second they see the number 12 or even see the color red.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.twelverounds.us
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twelve.rounds/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FamilyofFighters/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-baylor-iii-26514b185

Image Credits
T. Brown Media AllRealHira