Meet Dedo

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

Dedo, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

There were moments when the world felt like it was trying to break every piece of me — and at times, it almost did.

I’ve known trauma like an unwelcome houseguest that overstayed its visit. I’ve felt the sting of abandonment, the ache of neglect, and the cut of betrayal deeper than any blade. I’ve lost jobs that I thought would be my break. I’ve gone broke, watched the zeros fade, felt the shame that comes with empty pockets and a heavy heart. And yes, I’ve stared into the abyss and questioned whether I could take another step, whether the pain was too much to carry forward.

But I always rose.

Maybe not with ease. Maybe not quickly. But I did. Every. Single. Time.

I didn’t just survive — I transformed.

Where others saw cracks, I saw light pouring through. Where life tried to bury me, I grew roots and reached higher. There is a power in me that I can’t always explain — a force that shows up when I need it most. It’s the fire that burns hotter than the sun, yet moves through me like cool ice. Unshakeable. Unbreakable. Me.

Sometimes I look at myself and wonder, How in the world am I still standing?

But then I remember — I am the storm and the calm that follows. The wound and the healer. The fall and the rise.

That’s not just strength. That’s resilience.

And that resilience? That’s mine. Forever.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Urban Poison is more than a brand — it’s a movement born from resilience, creative fire, and a passion for preventative health.

My story is deeply rooted in overcoming adversity — from trauma and loss to reinvention and healing. Out of those experiences came Urban Poison, a company that reflects the strength and duality within me: bold but grounded, fiery yet cool, streetwise with soul. Urban Poison began as an outlet for creative energy, but it has evolved into a space where art, fitness, and empowerment collide.

Professionally, I focus on building wellness tools and apparel that speak to the individual who moves differently — people who want to take care of their body, mind, and style on their own terms. I recently developed a three-month coed workout guide that offers structure and freedom — something people can do at their own pace, rooted in preventative healthcare and longevity. Creating that guide brought me back to a place of pure creative flow. It reminded me why I started this in the first place.

What’s most exciting about Urban Poison is that it doesn’t fit into a box — and it doesn’t ask you to either. It’s streetwear. It’s wellness. It’s art. It’s community. And it’s built from a place of real-life struggle and real-life perseverance.

Right now, I’m focused on expanding our reach with a new 7-day Instagram campaign to connect with more people who resonate with the mission. We’re also exploring new apparel drops, wellness classes, and brand storytelling to turn Urban Poison into a full lifestyle experience.

To anyone reading this: Urban Poison is for the ones who keep going. The ones who’ve been through it and still show up. It’s a brand for the resilient — because I am the resilient.

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, the three most impactful qualities that carried me through everything — personally and professionally — were resilience, creative discipline, and self-awareness.

1. Resilience was my foundation. Life threw a lot at me — trauma, abandonment, loss, setbacks — but I never let those experiences define me. Instead, I used them as fuel. I’ve been knocked down more times than I can count, but I always found a way to rise, rebuild, and create something meaningful from the ashes. My advice to anyone just starting out is this: don’t be afraid to fall. Learn to trust your bounce-back. It’s in those low moments that your real strength is born.

2. Creative discipline was just as important. People talk about passion and talent, but the truth is, consistency beats both. Whether I was designing, building a fitness program, or pushing the Urban Poison brand forward, I kept showing up — even on the days I didn’t feel inspired. Creativity flows best when it’s supported by structure. My advice: make a habit out of your vision. Set goals. Create deadlines. Don’t wait for motivation — build a system that holds you accountable.

3. Self-awareness helped me align everything. I had to get really honest about who I am, what I value, and how I wanted to move through this world. That clarity made every decision feel intentional — from the people I work with to the message behind Urban Poison. For anyone early in their journey, I’d say: take time to know yourself. Ask the hard questions. Know your “why.” Once you do, your brand, your work, your impact — it’ll all reflect that truth.

These three qualities shaped my path. They weren’t given to me — I had to earn them through experience, reflection, and a lot of trial and error. But they’re the reason I’m still here, still standing, and still building.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

The number one challenge I’m currently facing is a sense of disconnection — both creatively and culturally — which has led to a lack of inspiration and fulfillment.

Living in Colorado, I’ve found it difficult to tap into the kind of diverse, vibrant community that fuels my work and spirit. That lack of representation and opportunity has created a feeling of instability — not just financially, but emotionally and artistically. It’s tough when your environment doesn’t reflect your energy or vision, and it starts to weigh on your drive.

To overcome this, I’ve been working to create what I couldn’t find — through Urban Poison, through storytelling, and by seeking out collaborations that align with my values. I’m also exploring ways to expand my reach beyond my current surroundings, building connections and visibility in spaces where my work can thrive and be appreciated.

It’s a challenge, no doubt — but like every other obstacle I’ve faced, I know I’ll find a way through it. Because if the right space doesn’t exist, I’ll build one.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://urbanpoisonup.com
• Instagram: @urbanpoisonup
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dedokwamina
• Youtube: @UrbanPoisonUP

Image Credits

Annex Da Truth Serum
James Warren Photography