Lanny Smith

Lanny Smith, a former professional basketball player and founder of Actively Black, shares his inspiring journey of turning purpose into profit. Before launching, he built a community of 10,000 followers, showcasing the power of demand-first thinking. Lanny discusses how purpose-driven branding led to $55,000 in first-day sales and $2 million in the first year, despite facing inventory challenges. He highlights key partnerships with brands like Marvel and emphasizes the importance of aligning values with investors and fostering long-term customer trust.

Lanny Smith, founder of Actively Black, creates a Black-owned athleisure brand that reinvests profits into the community, driven by a passion for cultural excellence. Tommy Johnson, founder of Made with Black Culture, utilizes blockchain to ensure creators receive fair recognition and compensation for their work. They share their personal journeys, discuss the need for ethical trade standards, and highlight the importance of moving from mere representation to true ownership. Together, they envision a future where Black culture is valued and protected in commerce.

Lanny Smith, former athlete turned fashion mogul, discusses building Actively Black, market segmentation strategies, and the importance of supporting black-owned businesses. He shares insights on direct-to-consumer sales, creating a movement of excellence, and navigating challenges in the fashion industry.