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Daniel Buezo, the designer and co-founder of Los Angeles based streetwear upstart Kids of Immigrants understands that supporting your friends, spreading love and making your wildest ideas into tangible possibility are all of the utmost importance. Now stationed on the west coast, Daniel is originally from Brooklyn, where his parents landed after emigrating from Central America. A first generation Honduran-American, Daniel and his brand co-founder, Weleh Dennis, are channeling the sense of duality and pride that come with their experiences as immigrants into their clothes.
Since its establishment in 2016, KOI has always been a brand about community first — for the people by the people. It seeks to express and empower, their mission being to “do the best we can with what we have.”
Aside from KOI, Buezo also works alongside the record label Above Ground where he is helping artists like Kehlani and P-Lo be themselves with the audiences who have followed them since day one. We took a break with the designer to talk his work, influences and a few of his best practices for doing things.
01. How do you describe what you do?
It depends on the day but I would like to say that I’m a leader and a servant. I feel those two roles are really important in my daily tasks. I’m an artist, entrepreneur, and co founder of Kids of Immigrants.
02. First thing you do when you wake up?
Express gratitude, followed by meditation and prayer. Also, do my best (not always successful) to stay off of social media.
03. What’s your favorite piece of work you’ve created?
Kids of Immigrants. It’s an ongoing creation that has helped me grow as a person and spirit.
04. What’s your biggest influence?
My parents. They migrated to this country with a dollar and a dream and made it happen for us. They don’t speak english and were able to build a foundation for us to live a better life than they ever did.
05. What would be your dream collaboration?
Lebron James. I really admire how he has become more than just one of the greatest athletes ever but also used that platform to speak up for what’s important to him.
06. How does movement play into your work?
Movement is very important as an expression of meditation for me. Anything from taking a walk or stretching, reminds me of what’s important and center me back.
07. What’s your favorite Recreational activity?
Lately, haha its been bubble bath meditations.
08. What’s your best tip for Doing Things?
Set intentions. Write a list, make a plan, be ok with it not going as planned. Focus on the end goals. Brick by brick.
09. What’s your favorite meme?
The SpongeBob one – saying “ight imma head out”.
10. What’s your favorite Recreational area?
Took a few walks at Echo Park lately and it was great.
11. What do you want to see more of in the world?
Lately I have been wanting to speak more on self-love. So much shit going on in the world today, I think it’s important that we all do our best to help change the world for the better. However, that love and change starts within first. We have to really learn how to be in love with ourselves. It’s been a struggle for me but as I get better, I realize that it has helped me with helping others and my overall purpose.
For more on Daniel, be sure to follow him on Instagram @danielbuezo. You can also keep up with the brand @KidsofImmigrants and shop their current collection here.
