Key Takeaways:
– Former NBA player Lanny Smith launches successful sportswear brand, Actively Black.
– After overcoming a career-ending injury and personal struggles, Smith found purpose through his faith.
– The brand, which started as Active Faith, transformed into Actively Black after Smith was inspired by the movie ‘Black Panther.'
– Actively Black aims to enhance the depiction of Black culture in sports apparel and invoke a sense of pride in those who wear it.
Believing in Dreams Beyond the Court
Basketball was more than just a game for Lanny Smith; it was a passion imbued in his blood by his hoop-loving parents. A Michael Jordan fanatic, Smith sported the iconic 23 throughout his basketball career. Post high-school, Smith chose to attend the University of Houston, a decision inspired by his mother's breast cancer scare. His journey was not without setbacks, though. An injury during practice shattered his dreams of playing in the NBA, leading to a period of struggle for Smith.
The Dark Before the Dawn
Overwhelmed by his circumstances, Smith sunk into heavy drinking. Still, his indomitable spirit overpowered his despair. Defying doctor's orders, he started training again and eventually landed a contract with the Sacramento Kings. However, an unfortunate knee injury 33 days into his contract, officially marked the end of his brief NBA career.
Finding His Purpose
Following his second knee surgery, Smith found solace in his faith. A divine revelation sparked the idea of creating a faith-based sports apparel brand, named Active Faith. With his mother's home as his first office, Smith launched his brand, attracting seed investment from friends and Golden State Warrior Stephen Curry and former 76er Anthony Tolliver.
First Success, Then Rebranding
Active Faith soared, amassing customers in more than 70 countries. Despite substantial sales, Smith remained hidden due to fears his race would harm the predominantly Evangelical Christian customer base in America. After being profoundly impacted by the movie ‘Black Panther,' he was inspired to leverage his brand in promoting positive racial representation in sports apparel. This led him to rebrand Active Faith to Actively Black.
A Brand With a Mission
Actively Black represents more than just a clothing line for Smith; it's his vision of uplifting the Black community and contributing to transforming the cultural narrative in sports apparel. Smith aspires his brand to be as globally recognized as Nike and continues to put tireless efforts into making the vision a reality.
In conclusion, Lanny Smith's journey to success is anything but ordinary. From the basketball court to the boardroom, Smith's resilience and faith guided his journey through a multitude of obstacles. Today, his company, Actively Black, serves as a source of pride and cultural representation within the sports apparel industry.
