We’re looking forward to introducing you to Quinnell Williams. Check out our conversation below.
Quinnell, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
The most profound shift I’m being called to make now, which frankly carries the most fear, is fully stepping into the role of Chief Executive Officer of Politically Urban.
As a solo entrepreneur, you become the entire infrastructure: the designer, the marketer, the operations manager. That phase of wearing every hat was crucial for imbuing the brand with its authentic DNA.
However, to move from a passion project to a sustainable, impactful enterprise, I must overcome the fear of relinquishing granular control. I’m now actively focused on building a scalable model by delegating and assembling a specialized team of freelancers.
This transition is not about easing the workload; it’s a strategic pivot. It frees my time from critical, but necessary, operational tasks so I can dedicate 100% of my energy to the visionary work focusing on deepening our core brand narrative, evolving our unique artistic storytelling, and solidifying the cultural impact of Politically Urban.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello to the CanvasRebel readers. My name is Quinnell Williams, and I balance a professional career in healthcare with my true passion: building and operating my eco-conscious streetwear brand, Politically Urban. This brand originated in 2017 as a college project to express artistic visions but has matured into a powerful mission to foster unity and celebrate the collective identity of Black men and women through intentional fashion. What makes Politically Urban unique is our focus on merging the strength of the Black family unit with the necessity of sustainable fashion, a conversation rarely seen in the streetwear space. We are dedicated to creating a vibrant aesthetic that uplifts Black culture and inspires a commitment to planetary health, proving that messaging and intentional design can powerfully coexist.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that has served its purpose and must now be actively released is the tendency toward analysis paralysis and the cycle of fear, overthinking, and over-explaining. While rooted in a desire for perfection, these behaviors have often led to delayed execution, leaving me in a less advantageous position. As Politically Urban scales, I need to make decisive space for action and unwavering confidence in my executive judgment. The essential release is acknowledging that failure is merely a critical data point on the journey to success, not a terminal event. Moving forward, I am committed to trusting my own vision for the brand and not allowing external critiques to cloud the powerful original intentions I have set for Politically Urban
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely, there was a critical moment when I seriously considered giving up, specifically after securing micro-funding through a series of credit cards and small business loans. I initially believed that capital was the missing piece to accelerate Politically Urban, but I was only half right. I learned the hard way that funding is only as valuable as the strategic resources and knowledge you invest it in, leading to deeper debt after a few critical missteps. However, realizing the depth of the time and personal effort I had already poured into the brand made quitting impossible. Now, grounded in faith and self-belief, I understand that this period of necessary resilience is precisely what prepares the brand for its inevitable bounce back and sustained success
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would likely say that what truly matters to me is the quality of connection, noting that I balance an outgoing nature with a more reserved side that thrives in one on one settings. They would certainly highlight my big heart and the deep effort I put into consistently showing up for the people I care about. While I am generally easygoing and possess a sense of humor, they would probably also mention that I tend to second guess myself and need to be a better advocate for my own needs. Ultimately, they know my loyalty and sincerity in relationships define me, and I deeply value authenticity above all else. This commitment to genuine connection is the same driving force behind Politically Urban’s mission to unite and celebrate community
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had ten years left, the immediate priority would be to stop living based on external expectations and commit fully to a life of divine purpose. Professionally, I would ensure that the brand’s core message is aggressively marketed to guarantee its longevity and impact well beyond my physical presence. Simultaneously, I would dedicate significant effort to finding and mentoring a suitable leader from youth organizations to inherit the stewardship of Politically Urban. I would also focus on forging enduring partnerships with mission-aligned organizations to cement a lasting community legacy. Finally, I would spend considerable time with family and loved ones, prioritizing precious memories while tightening my spiritual discipline to fully live out my biblical principles
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Politicallyurban.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/politicallyurban?igsh=dHRqZXR0cWw3N2Fr&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quinnellw?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
Barry White – Photographer
Brandon White – Producer
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
