Today we’d like to introduce you to Rahim Adeigbe.
Hi Rahim, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Joints X Rahim aka JXR (Joints by Rahim) started as an umbrella brand for any and all creative endeavors I wanted to do, as I didn’t have a clear direction 11 years ago (2010). At the time I had an old (new to me) Sony handheld video recorder and a sketch pad that I would not leave the house without. I was recording everything from hangout sessions with my friends and family, to poetry and live music shows of my friends and family. Over next few years I upgraded my equipment and sharpened myself taught skills. I was shooting and editing music videos and doing event promo/recap videos by that time. I was at the point that I was ready to charge more for my services starting in the new year (2015). Two days before the New Year my camera was stolen and my heart was broken. In the next few weeks I tried to figure out a way to build up the money to recover my camera equipment. The GoFundMe campaign, although full of contributions from loved ones, was not nearly enough to replace the camera.
At that point, I decided to put the fund into another “fundraiser” that would encourage more people to contribute to my plans for my camera replacement. At this time I had worked in the restaurant industry years before and leading up to 2015, so I interacted with hundreds of people per week. I was frequently asked, “Where are you from?”. I thought the question came from the way I talked or the way I looked, “I’m from here, Austin.” People would always be so surprised by my response. It finally dawned on me that they were surprised because by that time most people in Austin were not from Austin. That “fundraiser” was the first Original Austinite (Austinite OG) hat. I sold the first 50 hats in nine days which was a pleasant surprise, and it really showed me that this was a path I should continue to pursue. This AOG design turned into the staple product of my clothing brand. It was the start of the AOG brand by JXR. Being originally from Austin was never a thing until we became “unicorns” due to the rapid growth our city has experienced over the last 10-15 years. I’ve often heard my good friend and super talented musician Jake Lloyd say, “It’s like the secret hand shake of Austin”. I grew the JXR brand through vending at live music shows throughout the city. Consistently supporting local artist has been a main goal for me since creating my brand. I’d also coordinate my own events by bringing artist, DJ’s, and other local vendors together to create a personal enjoyable environment for my products to be seen. Another focus for my brand was to do collaborations with the same friends around the city I was video recording for, as they continued to pursue their dreams and goals and were now looking to offer merchandise. Such as Jake Lloyd, Alesia Lani, Creative Diggs, Marzai Saddler, MDK (Mindz of a Different Kind), Tone Royal, L$T, Elevate Recording Studio, and MiNo Haywood. Which caught the eye of other talented friends around the nation and allowed the brand to expand throughout the nation via collaboration.
I became the Creative Director for Squadly Records based in Brooklyn, New York and completed projects with L.O.U.D. (Living Out Unreal Dreams) a Madison, Wisconsin based brand. Being from Austin I’m used to approaching people and situations with an open mind and heart. I believe that is the true Austin way. That is what makes “Keep Austin” so true. You can come to Austin and be your original true self no matter how weird you were in your home town, and we’ll accept you. I approached my second brand under JXR with the mindset of expanding outside of the local market, although it was inspired by the changes happening in my home. The brand is called 2 Cranez, and was created to spark personal change and growth. One crane represents the deconstruction of negativity in our lives. From negative thoughts and routines, to unhealthy relationships and habits. The other crane represents construction of positivity in our lives. Including positive thoughts, new routines, healthier habits and more uplifting relationships. With both cranes we have a chance at personal growth. Along the way I’ve turned a lot of ideas into brands for others, and have tried to share my experience with any and everyone who asks. I spent a few years strictly focused on growing my brand through collaboration, but I’m now focused on the two brands/collections under JXR.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In any pursuit there will be challenges. In the past I’ve struggled with finding local companies to produce my products with the high quality standards I hold myself and my brand to. I’ve struggled with having to reel in my ideas due to production cost and minimums that were too high for a small brand like mine. I’ve also struggled with balancing the demand of existing products with wanting to put out new products. After receiving great feedback on my first product, it gave me a sense of confidence that I could continue putting out other original ideas. Then not getting that same feedback on the next design leaves me thinking, “Was I a one hit wonder?” At the beginning of my journey these thoughts would linger in my mind for far too long. It was only through persistence and belief in myself that I was able to work through that internal struggle.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a graphic designer that specializes in streetwear design. Over the years I’ve become known for my AOG brand and being a collaborator around the city. I’m most proud of the connections I’ve been a part of and created through my brand. While wearing my event coordinating hat I’ve been able to bring so many brands, creatives, artist and fans/supporters together. I think my willingness to work with other brands sets my brand apart from most. I’m not in competition with others. Joints by Rahim is more than a streetwear clothing brand, it stands for making a joint where there wasn’t one before. It’s about bringing people together.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
People will not share the same expectations of my brand as I have. The opinions of others will not guide you on your path to success. If I were to let every interaction I had with a potential customer dictate what I did next, the early days would have led me to believe that I would not be successful in my efforts. Although feedback is valuable to a young brand, having confidence in what you’re doing and where you’re going is more important.
Contact Info:
- Email: jointsxrahim@gmail.com
- Website: www.jointsxrahim.com
- Instagram: @jointsxrahim and @jointsbyrahim
- Twitter: @heemerson
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Heemerson512/featured
Image Credits
CJ Cerulean, Joints X Rahim, Steven Snow, Amir Rofoogar, Pete La Flame
