“Don’t introduce yourself. Present yourself.” That’s the mantra behind rising fashion brand Young Professionals from newcomer Preston Davis, a young African American entrepreneur from Oakland, California. With an aim to create fashion pieces that offer practicality, fashion, and streetwear statement, Young Professionals was established for the fashionable business-minded person.
A Fast Start
Davis saw a gap in the market and wanted to be the person to offer something new that had potential to be a winning product. Inspired by his time working with luxury store Bloomingdales, his signature creation was a backpack that also operates as a briefcase, allowing the user to swap between the two modes using retractable straps that conveniently fit inside the bag. In other words, entrepreneurs can head to a bar straight after a work day with a practical accessory that fits perfectly in both settings, without missing a beat.
“It all began with a sketch of a bag back in May,” Davis told USA Wire. “With my mentor teaching me the ins-and-outs of business and leadership, to finally producing my product with a team that has been with me from day one.”
In less than a year, Davis got his business up and running with the help of his close circle along the way. “The goal of Young Professionals is bridging the gap between high-end designer and streetwear with custom-designed limited edition products,” Davis says.
Where Quality Meets Fashion
“Young Professionals focuses on creating products for working professionals in their 20s to their 30s by providing items that can be carried to the office or worn casually,” Davis says. The brand released only 250 custom designed briefcase-backpack hybrids, with a goal to bring a fresh new perspective to the fashion industry and a unique approach to style and business.
Young Professionals’ signature briefcase is sleek, black, and made out of faux leather. It has particular appeal by young professionals in work environments such as San Francisco — which Davis refers to as “backpack city” — but has so far seen widespread appeal from all parts of the U.S.
As well as having a clean, smooth aesthetic, the neutral black color with gold embellishment means that it pairs well with almost any outfit. It has one large padded section for a laptop or document, and four smaller pockets for other work equipment. “If you are bold, you can wield such a powerful tool out in the professional world,” the brand website asserts. “So be bold, be a Young Professional.” Davis explained: “We hope to revolutionize the fashion industry and provide amazing products to working professionals at reasonable prices, while still maintaining the same sense of luxury that other big-name brands provide.
Living the Brand
Davis is living up to his brand’s namesake, encouraging other entrepreneurs to carry a fashion item that matches their lifestyle. “You hustle hard everyday and deserve a brand that’s made for you,” the website reads. “When wearing apparel or accessories from Young Professionals, you’re making a statement,” Davis adds. “You’re telling the world that it’s time to get that bag and no obstacle will get in between you and your future success. You aren’t just buying a briefcase or a t- shirt. You are buying into a lifestyle.”
Find out more about Young Professionals here.