Kids of Immigrants founder Daniel Buezo’s 5 favorite Latino businesses in L.A.
2024-08-12
Embracing the American Dream: How a Honduran-American Entrepreneur is Redefining Fashion
Daniel Buezo, the co-founder and chief executive of the Los Angeles-based clothing brand Kids of Immigrants, takes great pride in his Honduran heritage. As a first-generation American with roots extending from San Pedro Sula on his mother's side and Comayagua on his father's, Buezo was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, before moving to the Pico Union neighborhood of Los Angeles a decade ago.
Harnessing the Hustle: How Immigrant Families Inspired a Clothing Empire
Witnessing the Entrepreneurial Spirit of Immigrant Families
Buezo's company was inspired by his experiences living near the always-active street vendors of Macarthur Park in Los Angeles. He witnessed the same hustle culture in New York, where immigrant families would sell whatever they could to make a buck and provide a better life for their children. This entrepreneurial spirit and determination to succeed against all odds deeply resonated with Buezo, shaping the foundation of Kids of Immigrants.
Embracing the American Dream Through Fashion
Buezo has always been passionate about fashion, having worked in retail through high school and college. In 2013, he met Weleh Dennis, who had previously worked at Louis Vuitton and later became the co-founder of Kids of Immigrants. Together, they recognized the need for a brand that truly represented the experiences and aspirations of first-generation Americans like themselves.
Redefining American Heritage Brands
Growing up, Buezo was drawn to iconic American heritage brands like Nautica and Polo by Ralph Lauren. However, he felt that these brands did not accurately reflect his own cultural identity and experiences as a Honduran-American. This realization inspired Buezo and Dennis to create Kids of Immigrants, a brand that would celebrate the unique stories and perspectives of individuals like themselves who are forging their own path in the United States.
Collaborating with Iconic Brands
Over the years, Kids of Immigrants has formed multiple partnerships with renowned companies, including Nike and Buchanan's liquor. The brand's recent collaboration with Buchanan's, the Family Reunion line launched this summer, is a testament to their ability to bridge the gap between traditional American brands and the diverse experiences of immigrant communities.
Championing Latino-Owned Businesses in Southern California
As a proud Honduran-American entrepreneur, Buezo is committed to supporting and celebrating the success of other Latino-owned businesses in Southern California. He has curated a list of his five favorite Latino-owned businesses in the region, showcasing the vibrant and diverse entrepreneurial spirit that thrives within the local community.
Redefining the American Dream Through Fashion and Entrepreneurship
Daniel Buezo's journey with Kids of Immigrants is a testament to the power of embracing one's cultural heritage and using it as a source of inspiration to create something truly unique and impactful. By celebrating the stories and experiences of first-generation Americans, Buezo and his team are redefining the American Dream, one fashion collaboration and entrepreneurial venture at a time.