Meet Cesar Cornier

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cesar Cornier. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cesar below.

Cesar , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

In my career, there have been many moments where I’ve been the only person in the room who looks like me or comes from my background. While that can feel intimidating at first, I’ve learned to see it as a strength. My unique experiences allow me to approach projects with a perspective that others may not have.

In professional spaces, I’ve often been surrounded by people with more formal education or traditional training, whether in business settings or in the fashion industry with classically trained designers. Instead of letting that fuel imposter syndrome, I remind myself of the value I bring: my lived experience, my creativity, and my connection to culture.

As a musician, I never had a teacher, so I taught myself how to make beats. That same self-driven approach shapes how I work in fashion and design. Growing up in hip-hop and streetwear culture, I understand the importance of authenticity and bring that insight into every project. Through my brand, I also lean on strong community partnerships that keep me grounded and connected to the streets, ensuring that my work reflects both where I come from and the audiences I represent.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My streetwear brand Keepnitmil (short for “Keep It A Million”) is a Los Angeles based luxury streetwear brand and cultural movement created to highlight self-expression through music, fashion, and art. Originally from Milwaukee, I have lived in L.A. for over a decade, blending my music and artistic vision into wearable art.
Keepnitmil is more than just an apparel brand it’s a movement founded in streetwear that intersects music, visual art, and bold social messages.
Notable campaigns include politically‑charged pieces like a “Deport Elon Musk” shirt, created to support Los Angeles’ immigrant community. The campaign was shot in Placita Olvera, a historic Mexican‑American cultural site, to honor the city’s roots.
As a musician, I have recently released politically driven singles such as “4:13 a.m in Gaza” and “Left.” and continue to perform throughout the country.
My goal is to always keep creating and currently that means new music and fashion drops on the way!

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?

Looking back the three qualities that have been the most impactful in my journey are passion, determination, and community.

First, my passion for hip-hop has been my foundation. From the moment I discovered the culture as a kid, I knew it would be a lifelong part of me. That passion has fueled everything I’ve done, whether in music, fashion, or entrepreneurship and it continues to guide my creativity and leadership.

Second, determination and focus have carried me through challenges. I stay fixated on my goals and refuse to let obstacles, or even the doubts of others, get in the way. When you truly love what you do and believe in your vision, consistent hard work and creativity will always help you shine.

Lastly, community and networking have been essential. Building relationships with other creatives and leaders has not only expanded opportunities but also kept me grounded. Surrounding yourself with people who share your values and push you to grow makes the journey that much stronger.

For anyone early in their journey, my advice is this: follow your passion with relentless determination, stay focused even when challenges come, and invest in building genuine connections. Those three things together can take you further than you imagine.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I am overwhelmed and stressed, I try to decompress and realign myself with my purpose to find balance. It is easy to experience burnout in the fashion and entertainment industry so having routines that include self-care and mindfulness is important. When I am overwhelmed or discouraged, I push through by remembering why I started this journey in the first place. My purpose is bigger than me as my goal is to inspire and empower the community I serve. I also try to be intentional on finding things that help bring me peace and clarity such as being in nature and spending time with those I love.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Arnoldo Diaz
Michael Casillas

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