Today we’d like to introduce you to Reynan Banaban.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As a child I was very artistic from throwing pottery to graffiti. As I grew older and entered into HS I excelled in writing and art but I knew I had a passion for architecture and fashion. My school didn’t offer any fashion related classes so I took a CAD (Computer Aided-Drafting/Design) class I did well in and enjoyed it. Fast forward to college I went to the Art Institute of Dallas for Interior Design. While I was in school I started to work at Diesel and a club promoter part time. After being at Diesel for a year, I was offered the Visual Merchandising position which also entailed me to coordinate local fashion shows. It was then I then realized doing interior and window displays was my calling.
After gaining solid VM and styling experience at Diesel I went on to working for Barneys New York, Jonathan Adler, Stanley Korshak and Nike. Between those 9-5’s I was still working in the club scene and that’s where I met my now business partner Reham Choudhury. We both had a common interest in starting a fashion line. So we chopped it up and came to an agreement that Verum Studios was the move. Verum has gained respect from local and international bloggers, designer peers, and fashion enthusiasts due to the transparency we based the brand on. Verum studios produces classic apparel with high quality materials without the extraordinary price points. We are currently 5 collections deep working on the 6th. Reham and I have recently teamed up with world class trainer Chester Okeke to design a line for the fitness world called Okeke Methods. Keep an eye out for it. It will consist of two tiers. One being Active wear which is apparel you would wear to train in and the 2nd being a “lifestyle” category where you can train in but more to rock after you freshen up for the eve. Stay tuned.
In the midst of working on Verum, I crossed paths with some very artistic individuals that I highly respect. They are Ben Lewis a.k.a. Lew The Zulu and Kevin McCartney a.k.a. King of Nothing. We created an artistic brain trust called “King Zulu Bong”. We were contracted to do some dope visual displays in venues for special events from Pop up Bars with Michael Martenson (Dallas’s Restauranteur) to stimulating visuals at huge parties like MELTDOWN. It was an incredible experience to convert our gnarly imaginations into reality. The best part about all this was that our clients trusted our crazy ass ideas so much they gave us full creative control. So we just ran wild like Dr. Seuss on shrooms. We still get down on projects from time to time but we work on personal stuff mainly. I enjoy picking their brains about custom furniture I build for clients and they do the same. They are definitely gasoline to my flame of creativity.
In present time I find myself back in corporate America working with a very cool company that still allows me to flex my creative skill while still being able to work on my personal projects. I’m blessed with two children and a girlfriend that is very supportive in all my endeavors. When my imagination feels stale I tend to go to my children for inspiration because I know their minds contain zero limitations. I love them for that and encourage them to keep dreaming no matter how much the world tries to wake them up. It’s been a long eventful road but I know God has greatness planned for my team and me. I’ve learned to just trust him in everything I do and I everything will be copacetic.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Never has I hope it never will be a smooth road. I don’t ever want to be in a position where I don’t rely on God. Without trials you can’t fully appreciate success. The main struggle I have is the balance of spending time with family vs sacrificing time to set up a legacy. Time is everything to me, the true measurement of life. 34 years and I’m still juggling time like a child learning to tie their shoes.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Verum Studios/Okeke Methods/Flask and a 45 – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
When I design for Verum Studios, Okeke Methods, and Flask and a 45 (Custom Furniture) I incorporate a piece of me in the final product. Whether it’s apparel or furniture I design with love. Like food when chef or even your grandma prepares a meal it sooo delicious when it’s made with love. It will always be a classic piece with funky detail no matter what. My designs will ALWAYS stand the test of time and separate itself from the rest because of the funky/groovy details.
I’m most proud of the fashion shows we curate. We’ve been asked over and over when the next show is going to be. When we organize our shows we design them to stimulate the minds of the audiences forget they are in Dallas. Not that Dallas is a bad city but still a bit conservative.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plans are to stay in my lane, learn to perfect my craft and continue to build on my brands. I want to make everyone that has supported me extremely proud. No big changes except the numbers in my bank account increasing.
Contact Info:
- Website: VerumStudios.com
- Email: R.banaban@gmail.com
- Instagram: Its_Reynan_Outside
- Other: ReynanB.viewbook.com
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