By Bryan Barbosa, Class of ’24 — Staff Writer

As the countdown to graduation begins, Jordan Dunbar, a senior at Sharon High School with a passion for fashion and entrepreneurship, finds himself at the peak of an exciting venture. Beyond the traditional milestones of high school, Jordan is eager to introduce his own clothing brand to the world. As we sat down to discuss his journey, Dunbar shared the inspiration behind his entrepreneurial leap and the unique essence of his brand, Aspire for Change.

“It started with a simple desire for financial independence,” Dunbar began, reflecting on the origins of his brand. “But as I delved deeper into the world of fashion, I discovered a genuine love for it. It transformed from a money-making scheme into a true passion.”

The name of his brand, Aspire for Change, holds significant meaning for Jordan. “It’s about reaching for something beyond the ordinary,” he explains. “It’s about striving for a greater purpose, both in fashion and in life.”

When asked about the aesthetic of his clothing line, Jordan describes it as a fusion of streetwear and casual wear, with a focus on quality and meaningful design. “I want my clothes to resonate with people without being cringe,” he emphasized.

Core values of inspiration and motivation drive Jordan’s brand mission, which aims to empower individuals through his designs. However, building his brand hasn’t been without its challenges. Transitioning from his previous brand, Bev’s Apparels, to Aspire for Change posed hurdles, notably finding a manufacturing company that aligned with his standards.

Despite challenges, Jordan remains committed to his target audience, from teenagers to young adults, focusing on expanding into a more diverse customer base. Sustainability and ethical practices are also key considerations for Jordan.

In a digitally-driven age, Jordan leverages platforms like TikTok for organic marketing and engages with his audience through influencer collaborations and regular social media updates. His innovative designs, like the unique distressed and embroidered zip-up hoodie, reflect his commitment to staying relevant in the ever-evolving fashion world.

Looking ahead, Jordan is excited about the future of his brand, with upcoming projects including a hoodie pre-order launch on May 31. And a summer collection featuring t-shirts and shorts. Ultimately, Jordan hopes that wearing his clothing instills confidence and empowerment in his customers.

As Jordan prepares to embark on this new chapter post-graduation, his journey exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship and creativity, reminding us that with passion and determination, the sky’s the limit.