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From day one, REVOLT TV has always been a supporter of black entrepreneurship. After all, our very own chairman, Sean “Diddy” Combs, is living proof of this. It’s vital for black youth to understand that they have power and can shift the culture with their influence and passions. That’s why we launched our REVOLT Summit this year, as the first stop took place in Atlanta, Georgia in mid-September; and with our final stop going down in Los Angeles, California. There was a previous kick off event in Brooklyn, New York back in July, as well.
At the REVOLT Summit, aspiring bosses and moguls in the making are able to “learn, network and celebrate.” This way, as the youth — who want to become their own bosses — get as many gems as possible from movers and shakers — who are already in the music/entertainment/business industries — they’ll be empowered to put their lives and careers in their own hands, and build their own brands.
“The REVOLT Summit brings artists, creators and executives together to celebrate the culture and empower the community,” says REVOLT Chairman Sean Combs.
The press release for the REVOLT Summit continues: “The REVOLT Summit will offer young people an immersive experiential opportunity to learn, network and celebrate the world of Hip Hop and culture, and will ultimately help them develop and hone the crucial skills needed to grow their companies.”
In honor of the final Los Angeles, California stop, which takes place on Oct. 25 – Oct. 27, REVOLT spoke to a young entrepreneur from the city who’s the personification of everything that the REVOLT Summit represents.
Allow us to introduce you to 16-year-old Tobias “Tobey” Mcintosh, the owner of Crenshaw Skate Club (CSC), a clothing label that he founded in 2017. Almost immediately after its launch, kids across L.A. as well as stars began rocking it — and it’s been nothing but the sweet smell of success ever since.
Mega recording artist Justin Bieber was even recently spotted wearing a shirt, as he proudly told paparazzi to “take a picture of me…just get one here” with it on. Yessir, when we told you that Crenshaw Skate Club was the truth, we meant it.
So, without further ado, check out our interview and cop dropped gems from young bossman Tobey below.
Where are you originally from? What city do you represent?
I represent the Crenshaw District in Los Angeles. 90008, per Crenshaw Skate Club.
What made you want to start your own business at such a young age?
I have always been interested in business and the idea of being my own boss since I was in elementary school. I used to do yard sales as a kid to help fund my love for sneakers. I would sell my old toys and clothes to make money for sneakers. I remember at this one yard sale, I made enough money to buy a pair of De La Soul Nike SB dunks. Anyways, as I grew older, I became interested in having my own official business. But, I couldn’t find anything that stuck out to me at the time to name my brand and I’m not the type of person to force something that isn’t there.
In middle school, I started skating and would always skate with my homies on the weekend. This is when I came up with the idea of Crenshaw Skate Club to help my homies start and keep skating to keep them from getting in trouble on the streets. I [began] printing shirts and giving them to the homies, and selling them at the local skate shop. But, as more people found out about CSC, people really liked the tees. I would get DMs from people all over the world asking how to get the shirts. This is when I decided to open up a website. The brand has been growing ever since.
Crenshaw Skate Club
What’s the mission of your brand?
My mission for the brand is to represent inner-city skate kids. We often get overlooked in the skate industry and I just want to let people know we are here, too. Also, give back and enrich the Crenshaw community in any way that I can with my brand and message.
What are some obstacles you had to overcome to have such a successful business?
I’m very new to this and I am still learning new things everyday about the clothing industry. I don’t see any of my mistakes or bumps in the road as ‘obstacles.’ I see them as a learning experience.
What does entrepreneurship mean to you?
Entrepreneurship to me means being able to express my creativity without needing approval from anyone else.
If there was any advice you can give to others striving to ‘be their own boss,’ what would it be?
I am still soaking up knowledge everyday about the clothing business. But, if I could give advice, it would be to not be afraid to put yourself out there. You never know [who] you will meet and where that can lead to unless you go out there and do it.