This whole venture started as a very idealistic, very naïve attempt to change the world through education. I was fortunate enough to have been a product of an inter-racial couple and to have been raised in a culturally diverse setting. This has embedded in me a sincere desire to understand the people around me. I was also surrounded by great teachers my whole life, including my mother, who ingrained in me the belief that the backbone of our society, of our youth, is our school system. So the day after high school graduation, the summer of ’95, I set out to follow in the footsteps of all my mentors by becoming a teacher myself.

Fast forward to 1999, I have been assigned my senior thesis of writing a new teaching curriculum for the Federal school system. A handful of hip-hop clothing lines had penetrated the market and I was about to enter the real world. It wasn’t until I had developed my senior thesis, entitled “Sameunderneath”, that I realized I was going about this all wrong. Kids had already stopped paying attention. They were more focused on what the latest pop or rap star was wearing and driving than what was going on around the world. I had to use a pop culture medium to get my message to them.

It seems so easy, to make up a word like “Sameunderneath”, it almost seems as if the word should have already existed. The name, the logo, and the brilliant people I work with have helped this company survive for the past eight years. It has been a rough ride and I have definitely learned through trial and error. I’ve discussed the company and its future with retired executives and bank managers to professors and attorneys. I have taken the time to really develop a loyal company and customer base. I don’t see this as just another contemporary clothing line. I still see this as my chance to stand in front of the classroom. I have built a strong foundation and we are ready to turn our one room school house into a university.

Thanks for joining Sameunderneath 101.

Testimonials

"Sameunderneath would be a welcome addition to any classroom. I teach marketing and my students found Ryan and his company to be extremely interesting, relevant and fun. They were intrigued with the business model and Ryan's down to earth style of leadership. Students enjoyed being on the same playing field as someone living out their dream and life's mission. The initial conversation has sparked many discussions with the students. Each day students are bringing in "sameunderneath marketing finds." It's also great to see them wearing sameunderneath clothes and believing in the message."

-Nicole Taylo, Beaverton School District

 

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Downloadable Posters

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