The Business of Fashion Podcast

James Whitner on Culture, Community and Building Brands with Purpose

11 snips
Feb 28, 2025
James Whitner, founder of The Whitaker Group and visionary behind A Ma Maniére and Social Status, shares his journey from Pittsburgh to becoming a leader in community-focused retail. He emphasizes the importance of empathy and intentionality in business, aiming to uplift marginalized communities. Whitner discusses his philosophy of prioritizing emotional connections over profits and highlights the role of innovative retail spaces in fostering community. He advocates for proactive engagement among young entrepreneurs, underscoring a commitment to cultural authenticity.
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ANECDOTE

Childhood in Pittsburgh

  • James Whitner, growing up in Pittsburgh, found school easy initially but later struggled due to family challenges.
  • He discovered sports as an outlet, teaching him the correlation between work ethic and tangible results.
ANECDOTE

Life-Changing Moment

  • In 2004, Whitner was shot while protecting a friend, who was ultimately killed.
  • This experience led him to realize the need to change his environment to make better life choices.
INSIGHT

Early Vision

  • Whitner's early entrepreneurial vision was driven by a desire to create spaces that evoked positive feelings, like those found in barbershops.
  • He recognized the social currency tied to looking good and feeling good.
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