Not every business needs to be cause driven, but having a cause can definitely drive business.

Today we talk to Jameel Mohammad, founder of the Afro-futurist luxury brand Khiry who was just recently named one of Forbes 30 under 30: Arts and Culture. Mohammed launched Khiry from the couch of a friend’s dorm room while studying poly-sci at the University of Pennsylvania.   In his own words he started Khiry “with the goal of subverting the conventions of luxury positioning to make pointed statements about the value of black life and culture.”  People are listening and his client list is impressive.

While he may not have expected the venture to grow the way it has, his success is encouraging for all those who are more than ready to see real change.

In today’s show we talk about Mohammed’s inspirations for the brand, how he managed to catch the eye of key buyers and decision makers at Barney’s NY and Vogue. He walks us through how he balances the creative process while attending to business needs all while staying true to his mission. We also had a great conversation about how we, Jill and Amelia, two white, middle(ish)-aged, suburban moms can be responsible consumers and supporters of retail goods that have strong references to African culture and art.

We are so grateful to have had Jameel on the show so early in his career and can’t wait to follow his success. Hope you enjoy the show!