Junior Duane “Peanut” Hawkins is working to launch his own clothing line with the intention of getting others to be themselves and not worry what others think. 

“My brand name is Positive Vanity. I was looking for a clothing brand name, and it took like a little bit to find something that would like stick out and that would have a meaning that’s not really basic. The meaning of Positive Vanity is self-confidence and believing in yourself, and like just knowing that you can do something without having to pursue other people’s dreams, like pursuing your own dream of what you want to do and knowing that you can do it without giving up on yourself,” Hawkins said. 

Hawkins dedicates his fashion not strictly to one group of people. His target audience is a mix of religious individuals, those who are just interested in casual attire, or others who want to freely express themselves. 

“Target audience is of course for people who wear streetwear, but like also for people who just like clothes. There’s a little patch with a cross and a bible verse, so you know, if you’re into God and Christianity and whatever religion you follow, you can also be pointed to this,” Hawkins said. “I design on my iPad and then I go to my manufacturer and then I’ll ask him for help and then he’ll send it to me. Anything I want to change, I just take into my room and just sew and cut and move around.” 

One of Hawkins’ peers, Mitan Yeo, recognizes his friend’s hardwork and dedication. 

“He’s actually doing a really good job cause he has his insta and he contacts manufacturers. He goes out of his way and he does a really good job promoting it,” Yeo said. “He’s doing something a lot of people would be too scared to do, so I really praise him for that cause a lot of people wouldn’t come out and promote the brand, and go out of their way and take time out of their day. He’s promoting a positive message, which I really like.” 

Preparing to launch his brand soon, Hawkins is currently in the works of expanding his business to reach more individuals. 

“I have a good amount of connections because I play sports, so I am collaborating with a couple of like NFL players and a couple of college football players that I will send them pieces and let them be able to model it to help me expand the people who know,” Hawkins said.