Why We’re Back Blog: Oakland’s Own, 10 Years Deep
It’s been a minute since we’ve sat down to write you something real from the heart.
Our last blog post was 2023. Since then, a lot has happened. Our brand hit 10 years. We moved to a new location on Piedmont Ave. We went from selling out of bins and booths to landing a space in the Oakland Airport. And through all that movement—through all the pop-ups, late nights, setbacks, wins, and learning curves—one thing stayed the same:
We still do this for Oakland.
That was never a trend or a tagline. That’s real life.
When we started Oakland’s Own back in 2015, we weren’t thinking about business plans or SEO or making content go viral. We were just two Oakland kids—raising a family, selling shirts that spoke our truth, and trying to carry the soul of the Town into everything we touched. From Fruitvale to Jack London to the Ave, we’ve always believed that when you rep Oakland, you’re repping pride, power, and purpose.
And now… we’re back on the blog. Weekly. With love.
So Why Now?
Because we owe it to y’all to tell the stories that don’t always get told.
Because this isn’t just about shirts or hats or hoodies—it’s about culture.
Because the same way we care about the cut of a crewneck, we care about the community that wears it.
And honestly? Because we missed talking to you like this.
Not through just captions. Not through product drops.
But through something deeper. A rhythm. A record. A reminder that this brand—your brand—still beats with the same heartbeat Oakland gave us.
What to Expect From the Blog
Every week, we’re dropping stories that reflect the city, the grind, and the good stuff that keeps us going. We’re highlighting community, sharing our journey, breaking down design choices, giving behind-the-scenes looks, and putting a spotlight on the people and places that make Oakland so special.
Here’s what’s coming:
Community Spotlights – Businesses, creatives, legends and unsung heroes.
Behind-the-Scenes – How we build collections, plan events, and raise a family while running a business.
Oakland Culture – Music, art, street style, slang, school pride, and the soul of the city.
Events & Pop-Ups – Where we’re headed next and how you can pull up.
Style Tips – How to rock Oakland’s Own your way.
If You’ve Been Rocking With Us…
Thank you.
You’re not just customers—you’re community.
You made every sale, every popup, every blessing count.
And if you’re new here, welcome.
There’s room for you in this movement.
From Fruitvale to Piedmont Ave, from shirts on folding tables to shelves at the airport, this blog is where we pause, reflect, and honor what we’ve built—with you.
We’re Oakland’s Own. And we’re just getting started.
🖤
Infini + Justin
Represent the Town, wear it with love.
Oakland's Own - Surviving and Thriving in the Town
Oakland is a city with a rich history and culture, but it's also a city that has faced its fair share of challenges. From crime and poverty to gentrification and displacement, Oakland has had to overcome many obstacles over the years.
At Oakland's Own, we know firsthand what it's like to survive and thrive in this city. As Oaklanders born and raised, we have seen the highs and lows of our community and have learned to adapt and overcome the challenges that come our way.
One of the biggest challenges we face as a small business in Oakland is the high cost of living and doing business. As rents and property values continue to rise, it can be difficult for businesses like ours to survive. But we have learned to be creative and resourceful, finding ways to cut costs and stay competitive in a tough market.
Another challenge we face is the perception of Oakland as a dangerous and violent city. While crime is certainly a problem in some areas, we believe that Oakland is also a city of hope and possibility. Our brand represents the best of Oakland, its creativity, diversity, and resilience.
At Oakland's Own, we are committed to making a positive impact in our community, and we are proud to support local nonprofits and organizations that are working to address the root causes of poverty, crime, and displacement. We believe that by working together, we can create a more just and equitable city for everyone.
Despite the challenges we face, we remain optimistic about the future of Oakland. We believe that our city has a bright future, full of possibilities and opportunities. And we are proud to be a part of this community, representing the best of Oakland and helping to create a better future for all.
So whether you're an Oaklander born and raised or a newcomer to the city, we invite you to join us in celebrating all that makes this place special. Together, we can overcome the challenges we face and create a brighter future for our community. Thank you for supporting Oakland's Own, and for being a part of our journey.
Celebrating 4 Years in a Brick and Mortar and 8 Years in Business: A Journey of Passion, Hard Work, and Community
Oakland's Own is proud to celebrate 4 years in a brick and mortar store and 8 years in business. What began as a small family business attending local pop-up shows has grown into a beloved brand that represents the vibrancy and diversity of Oakland. Today, we want to take a moment to reflect on our journey, the challenges we faced, and the community that supported us along the way.
When we started Oakland's Own eight years ago, we had a simple goal: to create a brand that celebrated Oakland's unique spirit and culture. With our son by our side, we attended local pop-up shows, learning about the community and the culture that made Oakland so special. We poured our hearts into creating products that reflected the unique style and spirit of the city we loved.
In the early days, we faced many challenges. As a small family business, we had limited resources, and building a brand from scratch was no easy feat. But we never gave up. We continued to work hard, building relationships with customers and other local businesses. Our passion for our work kept us going, and our community embraced us with open arms.
Four years ago, we opened our brick and mortar store, a dream come true for us. We were thrilled to have a physical space to share our products with the community, and we worked hard to make it a welcoming and inclusive space. We continued to create products that celebrated Oakland's unique style, and we saw our community grow even stronger around us.
Through the years, we have learned that building a business is not just about making money. It's about creating a community, a family of customers, and supporters who share your vision and your passion. We are grateful for the support we have received from our customers, our fellow business owners, and the community as a whole. It is because of them that we have been able to grow and thrive.
As we celebrate four years in our brick and mortar store and eight years in business, we want to say thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way. We are honored to be a part of the Oakland community, and we look forward to many more years of celebrating the spirit and culture of this amazing city.
Celebrating Oakland's Unique Style: An Introduction to Oakland's Own Clothing Brand
Oakland, California has a reputation for being one of the most vibrant and culturally diverse cities in the United States. Known for its thriving arts scene, delicious food, and unique fashion sense, Oakland is a city that truly has its own distinct style.
This is why we are proud to introduce Oakland's Own, a clothing brand that celebrates the unique style and spirit of this amazing city. Our clothing is designed for individuals who appreciate the eclectic mix of cultures and influences that make Oakland such a special place.
At Oakland's Own, we believe that fashion is more than just what you wear - it's a way to express your personality and connect with your community. That's why our clothing is made with high-quality materials and designed to be both stylish and comfortable, so that you can wear it with confidence.
Whether you're a born and raised Oaklander or just someone who appreciates the city's unique style, we invite you to check out our collection and see what makes Oakland's Own such a special clothing brand. From bold graphic tees to stylish jackets and accessories, we have something for everyone who wants to celebrate the city they love.
So if you're looking for a clothing brand that truly embodies the spirit of Oakland, look no further than Oakland's Own. Join us in celebrating the unique style and culture of this amazing city, and show the world what makes Oakland such a special place to call home.