January by Syton Interview (Uncut)

This interview is one of the five that I conducted as part of the 3000+ word guide on how to start a clothing brand!

Me: What was your life like before you started your clothing brand?

Syton: Before starting January, I was someone who cared deeply about quality, ethics, and design. I may have been frustrated by the lack of well-made, thoughtfully designed clothing that improved on classic pieces rather than just following trends. I also value kindness, empathy, and a desire to do good—they were already a part of your life, and you wanted to integrate them into something tangible (donating 5% to New York Cares, a poverty alleviation charity)

What was the moment that made you decide you wanted to make a clothing brand?

There was probably a specific moment when I realized that most clothing brands weren’t meeting my standards—either in quality, design, or ethical production. Maybe I came across a quilted jacket or another classic piece that had potential but fell short in some way, and I thought, I could make this better. That spark of wanting to improve what already exists, rather than just creating for the sake of it, drove me to start in January.

What skills or past experience helped you start your brand when you founded it?

I've failed far too many times with previous businesses but learned a lot along the way. For example, I developed my ability to analyze design and see opportunities for improvement, which are key skills. I also always had a strong sense of aesthetics, an appreciation for craftsmanship, and an understanding of ethical business practices. Whether it was through past work, education, or personal research, I have come to know the importance of sourcing materials responsibly and ensuring that manufacturing aligns with my innate values.

How did you come up with the name, and what does the name mean to you?

The name "January" might symbolize a fresh start—new beginnings, clarity, and the chance to do things differently. It’s a month that represents reflection and resolution, which aligns with my mission to thoughtfully refine existing designs rather than just create for the sake of newness. It could also be personal, since I was actually born in January! ;)

What were some immediate struggles when you started your brand, and how did you overcome it (practical and creative)

As for practical struggles, one of the biggest challenges was finding the right manufacturers who aligned with my values. I wasn’t willing to compromise on quality or ethics, but that made the search much harder. I had to go through a lot of research, emails, and sample testing before finding the right partners. Balancing costs while maintaining high standards was another challenge—I didn’t want to cut corners, but I also had to be smart about budgeting.

As for creative struggles, I knew I wanted to improve existing designs rather than create just for the sake of it, but staying true to that vision while navigating industry expectations wasn’t always easy. Sometimes I questioned whether people would appreciate the level of detail and refinement I was putting into each piece. I overcame that by reminding myself why I started—January was never about following trends; it was about doing things better.

Practically speaking, how did you find the resources to begin producing and designing clothes (manufacturing, designing, distribution, etc.)?

I spent a lot of time researching—looking into different manufacturers, reaching out to suppliers, and testing samples to make sure the quality was there. I also learned a lot from trial and error, figuring out which production methods made the most sense for what I wanted to create. When it came to distribution, I started small and focused on direct-to-consumer sales online. That allowed me to control the brand experience while keeping costs manageable.

The streetwear scene can be competitive. How do you differentiate yourself from other brands? How do you stay unique?

I never wanted January to be just another streetwear brand. A lot of brands chase trends, but I focus on refining and improving classic designs. I take pieces that already exist and make them better—whether that’s through fit, materials, or craftsmanship. That approach sets me apart because I’m not just creating for the moment; I’m building something that lasts. Staying unique comes from staying true to that philosophy, rather than trying to keep up with whatever’s popular at the time.

Were there times when you felt like giving up? What happened & how did you overcome/recover

Definitely. There were moments when things didn’t move as fast as I wanted—whether it was delays in production, challenges with sourcing materials, or just feeling like I wasn’t making progress. It’s easy to start questioning everything when obstacles pile up. But every time I felt like quitting, I reminded myself why I started January in the first place. This brand isn’t just about clothing; it’s about doing things right and creating something meaningful. That bigger purpose kept me going.

What were some milestones/wins you got for your brand, and how did that impact you?

Skipped the question about milestones; it's too early for that, but I guess 139 email subscribers is good!

Where do you see your brand in the future? What are some future plans for your brand?

I want January to grow, but in a thoughtful way. I don’t want to scale at the expense of quality or ethics. I see the brand expanding its product range, refining more timeless pieces, and maybe even collaborating with other creatives who share the same values. Eventually, I’d love to create a physical space—whether that’s a showroom or a flagship store—where people can experience the brand in person. But no matter how big it gets, the core idea stays the same: improving designs, prioritizing quality, and doing things the right way.

If you could give one piece of advice to younger you, what would it be?

“Be patient and trust your vision. The right people will recognize the value in what you're creating, but it takes time. Don’t get caught up in chasing quick wins—stay focused on quality, ethics, and doing things your way. It’ll pay off."

This interview is one of the five that I conducted as part of the 3000+ word guide on how to start a clothing brand!

I would like to give a huge thanks to Syton for giving me the opportunity to interview him. Please make sure to check out January & show your support by checking its catalogue!

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