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age:18 At a young age, Keon Wiggins-Saunders had a message to share and found an effective way to get it across. At age 14 , Keon’s stepdad and mentor, Donz ell P owell, told him that he needed to create something that he could truly own. “I came up with the idea to either make clothing or music,” said Keon. “I felt like clothing would be a more effective way to get my message across.” The clothing brand became R ich Kid Nation. The name derived from an old nickname of a group of friends that was more like a brotherhood to Keon growing up. The group of young boys called themselves “The R ich Kids.” After growing apart, he realiz ed he was the only one still using the nickname and checked in with the others to use it for his brand. After drawing up a logo, he ordered the first round of 4 8 shirts in February 2 0 18 . The message of R ich Kid Nation is to “be rich beyond monetary gain.” According to Keon, this wealth can come through beauty, encouragement, bravery, intelligence or other positive q ualities one
has. The message is that no matter where someone may come from, everyone can be part of the “R ich Kid Nation.” “I felt like the best way to tell this message is by putting it on clothing as a brand for all to see,” said Keon. Today, Keon is 18 years old and studying marketing at Howard U niversity after recently earning his associate degree from P aul D. Camp Community College. The brand in the past few years has already grown exponentially. The R ich Kid Nation logo can now be found on hoodies, masks, baby clothes, crop tops and more in a variety of colors and styles. He hopes to extend the brand into something more significant to proclaim his message about true wealth. This young entrepreneur already has many ideas to accomplish this. “I want to grow this brand from just a small business to a major one,” said Keon. “I want to use music and other resources other than just clothes to get my message across.” — Rac h el W ar t ian
What kind of music do you like? Oldschool music What’s one thing you want people to know about you? I am very big on family. I am the oldest of eight siblings and the first in my family to go to college.
Keon Wiggins-Saunders
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