DOPE AS USUAL Podcast - Episode: Running the Streets w/ Blazzy!
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Hosts: Marty O'Neill & Thomas Araujo
Guest: Blazzy (Miguel Angel)

1. Introduction & Personal Achievements

The episode kicks off with Blazzy sharing his early achievements, humorously displaying a homemade "certificate of achievement" from his middle school days.
Blazzy (00:00): "I gave myself a middle school certificate of achievement award on the back for development of products and signed it myself."

2. Blazzy’s Entrepreneurial Journey

Blazzy recounts the inception of his first successful product—a piggy bank—which sold over a thousand units. This success inspired him to celebrate his milestones more openly.
Blazzy (00:30): "This was the first piece I sold a thousand units of, so I was like, I need to get that."

3. Evolution of Blazzy’s Brand: Nothing Personal

Blazzy delves into the creation and growth of his brand, "Nothing Personal," emphasizing his transition from designing cover art to creating unique clothing and product designs. He highlights the challenges and learning curves involved, especially mastering Adobe Illustrator for screen printing.
Blazzy (19:35): "I've been doing this professionally, paying my rent since 2018, and I've learned so much about myself throughout the process."

4. Inspiration from Streetwear Giants

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Blazzy’s admiration for brands like Supreme and their impact on streetwear culture. He contrasts their restrictive drop model with his own approach, which focuses on accessibility and community engagement.
Blazzy (40:31): "Supreme is like the Simpsons of clothing—done pretty much all the ideas under the sun."

5. The Hype Market vs. Community-Centric Branding

Blazzy critiques the scarcity-driven hype model popularized by brands like Supreme, arguing that it alienates consumers and fosters a reseller market. Instead, he advocates for a community-centric approach that emphasizes continuous engagement and accessibility.
Blazzy (102:05): "Once you make it available, then you're really able to embrace your community."

6. Weed Culture and Its Intersection with Branding

The podcast touches on Blazzy’s personal experiences with weed, discussing its influence on creativity and his lifestyle. He shares anecdotes about his struggles and how weed intersects with his entrepreneurial endeavors.
Blazzy (10:29): "From a blunt every other day to, you know, where we're at now with half an ounce or something like that."

7. The Role of Technology in Design and Marketing

Blazzy and the hosts explore the impact of technological advancements like Adobe Photoshop and ChatGPT on design and branding. Blazzy expresses enthusiasm for Photoshop’s generative features and its availability on mobile platforms, highlighting how these tools have democratized design.
Blazzy (22:56): "Once you really start to understand how to use it and articulate your ideas, then it just makes it really, really fun."

8. Future Plans and Product Innovations

Blazzy reveals upcoming projects, including limited-edition releases and collaborations. He emphasizes his commitment to creating innovative, tangible products that serve as conversation starters and art pieces, moving beyond traditional apparel.
Blazzy (142:34): "We're releasing products every month, and the stash box and wall clock have been our top sellers."

9. Community Engagement and Authenticity

A recurring theme is the importance of authenticity and community in building a successful brand. Blazzy stresses that true authenticity cannot be bought and must be developed organically as the brand grows.
Blazzy (27:52): "Authenticity is important, for sure. That's something that you cannot purchase."

10. Challenges with Brand Imitations and Scalability

Blazzy discusses the challenges of brand imitations and the difficulties in scaling while maintaining quality and creativity. He shares frustrations with counterfeit products and the complexities of managing a growing brand without compromising his creative vision.
Blazzy (145:43): "I've seen a vendor have a fake version of our thermal. It was a cool moment, but it hurts when you see your own ripped off."

11. Reflections on Urban Culture and Personal Growth

Towards the end, Blazzy reflects on urban culture, the evolution of neighborhoods like Fairfax and Melrose in Los Angeles, and his personal growth as an entrepreneur. He emphasizes the balance between maintaining street authenticity and embracing broader community values.
Blazzy (150:10): "We try to focus on solving for X and ensuring quality while keeping creative control."

12. Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with Blazzy expressing gratitude for being part of the podcast, reiterating his commitment to creative innovation and community connection. He encourages listeners to engage with his brand through his website and Instagram.
Blazzy (150:43): "Follow me on Instagram at blazzy_sbllazy and visit nothingpersonalshop.com."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Blazzy (00:00): "I gave myself a middle school certificate of achievement award on the back for development of products and signed it myself."

• Blazzy (10:29): "From a blunt every other day to, you know, where we're at now with half an ounce or something like that."

• Blazzy (22:56): "Once you really start to understand how to use it and articulate your ideas, then it just makes it really, really fun."

• Blazzy (40:31): "Supreme is like the Simpsons of clothing—done pretty much all the ideas under the sun."

• Blazzy (102:05): "Once you make it available, then you're really able to embrace your community."

• Blazzy (145:43): "I've seen a vendor have a fake version of our thermal. It was a cool moment, but it hurts when you see your own ripped off."

Conclusion

In this extensive episode of the DOPE AS USUAL Podcast, Blazzy offers an in-depth look into his journey as an entrepreneur and designer within the streetwear and urban culture landscape. He shares personal anecdotes, critiques prevailing industry models, and outlines his vision for a brand that prioritizes community and authenticity over transient hype. The conversation seamlessly weaves through topics of design innovation, weed culture, technological impacts, and the evolving dynamics of urban neighborhoods, providing listeners with valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of building a meaningful brand in today's fast-paced market.