Meet Dedo Kwamina | Brand Owner & IT Project Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dedo Kwamina and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dedo, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The concept behind Urban Poison was rooted in a vision to create a lifestyle and clothing brand that seamlessly blends style, functionality, and purpose. By focusing on athleisure and athletic wear, the brand aimed to cater to urban communities with designs that promote not only physical activity but also a proactive approach to health and wellness. The emphasis on preventative healthcare underscored a commitment to empowering individuals to take charge of their well-being while looking and feeling their best. Urban Poison sought to redefine urban fashion by making health-conscious living both accessible and stylish.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Born and raised in the 303, my journey has always been intertwined with a passion for clothing, streetwear, and creative expression. After spending 10 years in retail straight out of high school, I took a leap and moved to NYC, immersing myself in the worlds of luxury retail and entertainment marketing. That experience not only broadened my perspective but also refined my sense of style and business acumen. Upon returning to Colorado, I revisited luxury retail, but soon realized it was no longer fulfilling my aspirations.

Seeking a new challenge, I transitioned into IT Project Management in telecommunications, eventually working across three different industries in this field. While IT sharpened my skills in leadership, problem-solving, and strategic thinking, my true passion always remained in fashion, fitness, and health & wellness. These interests have been the pillars of my life, driving me to create something meaningful and personal.

That’s how Urban Poison was born—a lifestyle and clothing brand that blends athleisure and athletic wear with a focus on preventative healthcare for urban communities. It’s a reflection of everything I love and believe in, a fusion of style, functionality, and purpose.

The journey hasn’t been easy—there were countless moments of doubt and challenges to overcome. But I learned to stay resilient, lean on my support system, and always trust the process. If there’s one thing I want the world to know about me and Urban Poison, it’s that this brand represents more than just clothing—it’s a movement to inspire healthier living while embracing the vibrancy of urban culture.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my cousin Nana Kofi was coming to visit we would eat at Lucille’s for breakfast, Cafe de France for brunch or the Original Pancake house. Katsu Ramen, Brian’s Dumpling House, Seoul BBQ, Welton Street Cafe, and Katsu Ramen for Lunch. Sushi Den, Eddie V’s, African Grill, Barcelona’s, Guard & Grace, and Venice for dinner. We would hangout in Cherry Creek North to pre-game and onto Broadway for bar hopping until the bars closed. Irie Fridays and Scatta for Afrobeats and Reggae. Afters is always Underground House from Treehouse Collective and Dirty Funk Squad. During the days heading to museums, the mountains for a few hot springs, Golden to walk around Clear Creek, and FoCo to walk around the campus. We would kick it with my friends and the rest of the fam so we can have a good time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The journey of building Urban Poison has been anything but solitary, and there are so many people who have played a pivotal role in my story. First and foremost, my cousin Nana Kofi has been my rock through it all—his unwavering support and belief in my vision kept me grounded and focused during the most challenging times. My best friend Mark has been an incredible source of inspiration, sharing my love for fashion, streetwear, and photoshoots, and always pushing me to stay creative and authentic. Chris from Idolize deserves immense gratitude for allowing me to use his wholesale account to bring the very first Urban Poison collection to life—his generosity gave me the jumpstart I needed. I also can’t thank Annex Da Truth Serum enough for doing my first photoshoot free of charge, capturing the essence of the brand with pure passion. Lastly, my friends and family have been the backbone of my journey, offering their constant love, encouragement, and support. Each of these individuals has played a unique role in shaping the Urban Poison story, and I’m forever grateful for their contributions.

Website: https://www.urbanpoisonup.com

Instagram: @urbanpoisonup

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dedokwamina

Youtube: @UrbanPoisonUP

Other: Threads: @urbanpoisonup

Image Credits
Annex Da Truth Serum