We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Terrance Diggs. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Terrance below.
Terrance, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
My purpose took a while to find but it definitely came from my passion. I’ve always had a love for sports, community, diversity, inclusion, you name it but I’ve always wanted to make sure that I could provide new opportunities for athletes but looking to enter those sports as well.
Growing up I felt that I was introduced to a lot of sports later in life. Yes I played basketball, football and stuff like that but my true passions actually came from playing golf and lacrosse. Two sports that don’t have a lot of athletes that look like me but definitely could use a change in the culture in which it’s been rooted in. Through D17, I’m hoping to change those conversations and allow more inclusive ideas to be added even if it is just small steps. That’s the true beauty of this journey because being able to help someone find that new passion is really what I strive for. I hope other brands and athletes are looking to do the same both on a national level and also within their own communities.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
For anyone that’s just getting to know me, my name is Terrance and I am the Founder and Creative Director of D17. We are a streetwear and sportstyle brand that focuses on three things; athletics, design, and community. We strive to create opportunity through sport. Right now we are servicing the soccer, running, and hopefully the pickleball community. Right now our efforts are on the running community and further growing our running club. We have over 160 members across the globe and are looking to release our second full running collection. After 2020, we saw amazing success in our first line of products and a cult favorite in our running windbreaker. Now that we’ve developed a team and sourced new materials, we are looking to really make a defining impact in the running industry and create a space for runners of color.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities that stand out as most impactful are perseverance, adaptability, and continuous learning.
Perseverance: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges is a daily challenge. There were many times when things didn’t go as planned, but by staying resilient, I was able to keep moving forward. My advice for those early in their journey is to cultivate this skin by practicing self-care, seeking support from mentors or peers, and maintaining a positive mindset even in difficult situations.
Adaptability: In a rapidly changing world (especially in the digital space), being able to adapt to new circumstances and environments is essential. Embrace change as an opportunity for growth rather than something to fear. Stay open-minded, be willing to learn new skills, and be flexible in your approach to problem-solving.
Continuous learning: The willingness to continuously learn and improve is what fuels personal and professional growth. Never stop seeking knowledge, whether through formal education, self-study, or hands-on experience. Stay curious, explore different interests, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Remember that learning is a lifelong journey, and every experience offers an opportunity to grow.
My advice for those early in their journey is to focus on developing these qualities and skills. Invest in yourself, seek out opportunities for growth, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks. With resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities that come your way.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m always looking for people to collaborate with! Please reach out to me via Instagram or go through my website. As D17 continues to grow I want it to be a platform that creatives can use for their own portfolios. If you take photos, model, write, do marketing… Shoot if you’re just inspired let me know! We can only grow as much as we serve our communities. In the past we have worked with a range of businesses, non-profits, and individuals. Also if anyone is interested in our running club, we will be posting our event schedule very soon. Come get a run in!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.d17terrance.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d17terrance/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/d17terrance
Image Credits
Headshot taken by Janelle Murphy
