Meet Brian L.a. Compton

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brian L.a. Compton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brian L.A. below.

Hi Brian L.A. , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

“My work ethic stems largely from the influence of my father. As a police officer for the City of Los Angeles, he had a stable and demanding career, yet he never stopped pursuing additional opportunities to create income and build something of his own. He involved our family in many of his ventures, whether it was taking real estate classes, selling wellness products, or running seasonal clothing sales. Watching him take initiative and explore different paths—regardless of the outcome—planted the seed of entrepreneurship in me at an early age. His determination and willingness to try new things inspired me to develop the same drive and resilience in building my own business.”

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

At Allthatandsum, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service and high-quality products for HBCU alumni, Divine 9 members, Masonic organizations, and Order of the Eastern Star communities. Our mission is to celebrate the rich legacies of these organizations by providing premium merchandise and custom designs that meet their unique needs. What truly sets us apart is our unwavering focus on creating an outstanding shopping experience and fostering lasting relationships. We pride ourselves on offering a professional yet family-oriented atmosphere that leaves our clients excited to share their positive experiences with others.

One of the most exciting aspects of our journey has been the growth and reach of our brand. Our brick-and-mortar store in Los Angeles offers customers a personalized, in-person shopping experience. Additionally, we’ve become one of the premier pop-up vendors in Southern and Northern California, expanding our presence to Seattle, Las Vegas, Arizona, and beyond. These milestones reflect our commitment to innovation, adaptability, and excellence.

The road to success hasn’t been without its challenges. From funding difficulties and market entry barriers to fierce competition, we’ve had to navigate complex obstacles. Resilience and adaptability have been key—each challenge has taught us to pivot when necessary and embrace failure as a stepping stone to growth. Building a strong support network and continuously learning have also been instrumental in overcoming these hurdles.

Our journey has reinforced the importance of community and collaboration. Surrounding myself with like-minded, passionate individuals has been vital to our success. I’ve learned to stay grounded in my values while remaining open to fresh ideas and perspectives that help us evolve.

What I want readers to know about Allthatandsum is that we are more than a business—we are a movement. We are committed to building meaningful relationships, celebrating heritage, and making a positive impact. Our story is rooted in hard work, community engagement, and a genuine desire to uplift others. To us, success is best when shared, and we are dedicated to creating opportunities that inspire and empower.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities have been particularly impactful on my journey:

Community and Collaboration: I’ve come to understand the power of building strong, supportive networks. Surrounding myself with passionate individuals who share a common vision has been a game-changer. Collaboration not only opens doors to new opportunities but also strengthens your ability to overcome challenges. My advice to those just starting out is to actively seek mentors, partners, and peers who align with your goals and values. Be open to learning from others and don’t hesitate to contribute to their success as well—growth is a two-way street.

Persistence and Focus: The path to success is rarely smooth, and there will be times when challenges seem insurmountable. Staying the course, even when life’s obstacles tempt you to give up, is crucial. I’ve learned that staying persistent and maintaining focus on the end goal can make all the difference. For those early in their journey, my advice is to break your vision into smaller, actionable steps and celebrate progress along the way. Remember, every small win brings you closer to your ultimate success.

Humility and Faith: Remaining humble, staying grounded, and keeping God at the center of my journey has been a cornerstone of my success. These values have helped me navigate both triumphs and setbacks with grace. For those starting out, I encourage you to stay true to yourself, embrace gratitude, and never lose sight of the bigger picture. Faith—in yourself, your vision, and a higher purpose—can sustain you through the toughest times.

Success is a combination of these qualities and the commitment to continually grow and adapt. Stay connected, stay determined, and stay humble, and the possibilities are limitless.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

Many individuals have played a pivotal role in my success, beginning with my parents, who have always been my greatest supporters and instilled in me the values of hard work and perseverance. I’d also like to specifically acknowledge Adrian Duncan, Latoya Reed, Camille Verdes, Shay Alexander, and many others who continue to contribute to my journey today.

Adrian Duncan, owner of Trojan Tax, Duncan Hauling, and our co-owned clothing brand YOUCANTTEACHHUSTLE, has been a remarkable source of inspiration and motivation. He has been by my side through the ups and downs of my entrepreneurial journey, offering steadfast support during the early stages of my business ventures.

The City of Compton, Northeast Louisiana University of Monroe, Grambling State University, as well as my friends and classmates, have also made a significant impact on my success. Their encouragement, along with their active involvement in events that provide exposure for my company, Allthatandsum, has been instrumental in its growth.

I cannot overlook the unwavering support of my fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and our sisters in Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Their encouragement, along with the broader networks of the Divine Nine and HBCU communities, has been invaluable in empowering me and my business. Their belief in our shared goals and their commitment to uplifting one another continue to inspire and motivate me every day.

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