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

Hi Ray, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I believe the most important factor behind my success and my brands success so far is our dedication to being the most authentic and inspiring as we can be. RabbitJax Clothing’s brand mottos are “Making self expression mandatory” and “Follow That Dream” two strong statements advocating for individuals to take care of the dreams we’re blessed with. The potential inside of each of us is unlimited and the dreams we have aren’t impossible to achieve. My brand is about inspiring others, as well as myself, to keep going and keep dreaming! The dedication to that authenticity and passion have been key to the success of RabbitJax so far most definitely!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
RabbitJax Clothing is first and foremost, my place to release my art and my passion for equality in the fashion industry. I created RabbitJax as a place to not only honor the dreams of the little kid in me that wanted to be a fashion designer and was told “that wasn’t for boys” but to write a love letter to the boys, girls, and they/themselves out there now that are looking for a brand that allows them to express themselves authentically and honestly without having to blend in by wearing the typical “unisex” fashion and I believe that’s truly what sets us apart as a brand. Professionally speaking, getting where I am today has been truly a great but difficult road. There are so many challenges that you come up against in the fashion industry, from finding your ideal customer and making designs that resonate with them while also staying true to yourself, to being brave enough, to getting rid of the imposter syndrome and making your mark. It is absolutely not easy! My advice to anyone is the same thing I remind myself everyday “Just. Go. Do it!!” There is enough space for you to do this! Your individual talents need to be shared and the only way the world can find it is to put it out there!
Some of the best lessons I have learned in this process of building my own business and following this “impossible” dream stem from releasing the doubt and understanding that I am going to be great no matter what or who gets in my way, including when I get in my own way! From the consistent No’s and the “gatekeeping” of this industry’s elite all the way to self doubt and negative talk within my head, be fearless and know that everything will work out for you. I want the world to know that I, Ray, use RabbitJax Clothing to show them my entire heart. I put everything i have into it everyday even when I don’t see my own successes. The little black boy from Tennessee knew he was meant for more and if I can find my way, so can you!!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I was excited for this question!

Mornings: Breakfast is always going to be at my house, I love to cook and breakfast is MY MEAL! I am from the south so we’d have a delicious breakfast! There’s also Breakfast in America in El Jebel, absolutely worth the drive! It’s actually one of the reasons I decided to move to Colorado so I’d have to share!

Lunch: So this one’s a little bit harder to be selective about, the 1914 House in Niwot is a delicious place for lunch and dinner and the drinks there are top tier! I’m in the Longmont area so I’d want to stop there. Longmont has a lot of incredible breweries so I know the entire week would be filled with stops to each one for the flights and tastings!

If we’re venturing down to Denver, which I hope we would, Union Station has a lot of very exciting restaurant choices and it’s an incredible place to visit! I’d also have to share the joy of eating at Crown burger! I love the burgers there!

My best friend is an artist so I know they’d have the best time visiting Meow wolf to experience the other worldly exhibits there. The different stations are so inspiring I was so inspired after my visits there! They also enjoy places that are super special to states so we’d be visiting Elitch Gardens no doubt for the fun!!

Visiting Estes Park,Pikes Peak, and the Manitou incline as well!!! We’d be all over the state and having a blast!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Though there are so many people that I can think to thank my parents, my sister, my friends, I have to give the thanks for my success to my business partner and friend Billy Leenheer. From the very beginning of trying to achieve this goal he’s been a consistent pillar and rock in my corner. It almost goes without saying that I wouldn’t be at this level of success right now if it wasn’t for him and everything he does to keep RabbitJax (and Ray!) running smoothly! So thank you Billy for being an integral part of my story.

Also a huge shout out to the guys at Rasersharp Productions, my go to photography and video team. Without them I wouldn’t have been able to present my brand in the way I felt it needed to be seen. Many hours of work, dedication, and communication went into the initial launch of RabbitJax and having a great team like them truly believing in the future of my business and my mission made it work out the best way I think it could’ve gone!

Website: www.rabbitjaxclothing.com

Instagram: @Rabbitjaxclothing

Twitter: @Rabbitjax1

Facebook: RabbitJax Clothing

Youtube: @Rabbitjaxclothing

Image Credits
Main photo credit: Snuffy Whipple (Rasersharp Productions) Additional photos: Scott Norby (Scott Norby Photography)

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