Inside the Industry
Jordan Forer is a 17-year old clothing designer based out of Boulder, Colorado. Jordan established Playgroundlmt in March of 2021. Jordan states that “Playgroundlmt was established to be a creative outlet to express the company’s visions and inspire young people around the world. I have always dreamed of becoming successful in the clothing industry and spreading my company all over the world. Playgroundlmt is a breath of fresh air in the clothing industry and plans to create clothing that everyone can enjoy.”
Q: What inspired you to start a business?
A: I think there are a lot of things that inspired me, but my main focus was on other people who looked like they were having a blast running their businesses. There are plenty of people on social media posting about their processes while running their clothing brands. I watched Youtube, Instagram, and Tik Tok videos that these people created and eventually, I decided why watch when I can just do it myself. As for people that inspired me; “Unxpctd”, “dertbag”, and “Illegal Civ”, were all huge inspirations for me to start a clothing brand. I was blown away by what they do and I wanted to be like them.
Q: Why were you interested in the clothing industry?
A: I was very interested in the clothing industry due to the amount of creativity that is available. These days you can get so creative with clothing and still find somebody who would enjoy your style. I also chose the clothing industry because it is the best way to make a name for yourself. Once you gain respect from other clothing brands you’re set for the future.
Q: Why the name Playground?
A: I chose the name Playground due to the meaning behind it. I think that a lot of people in the world take things too seriously and spend too much time stressing out about somewhat unnecessary things. I think the name Playground resembles that people should live their lives more freely. The world is everyone’s playground, so why not play? There is so much creativity and so many ideas out there that people don’t pursue because they’re too worried about the outcome. I think people should live in the moment and follow their dreams.
Q: Where do you see your business going within the next 5 years?
A: I think it’s always difficult to answer a question like this because you never know what’s going to happen. But with the best interest of the company I see it spread all over the U.S. I think 5 years is a very long time, and a lot could happen in that time. Either I could totally blow up, or hit rock bottom. I think running a business like this is kind of a gamble but I also think that is half the fun. So to answer your question I see myself walking on the street and seeing random people wearing my clothing. I see people lining up and waiting online for my clothing drops so they can make sure they get something before it sells out.
Q: What has been the hardest part about running a clothing brand?
A: Personally the hardest part for me has been making designs and clothing that the majority of people can enjoy. People have such different tastes in clothing, that it makes it very difficult to make designs that a lot of people think are cool. It is sometimes easier to stay simple with designs so lots of people like it, but on the other hand you don ‘t want to just make simple designs, because you want to stand out and be unique.
Q: What is your favorite part about running a clothing brand?
A: My favorite part about running a brand is either being on the other side of the industry or meeting new people. What I mean about being on the other side of the industry is stuff as simple as instead of entering a raffle, I now get to choose who wins the raffles. Or instead of waiting for my package to arrive, I get to check tracking for when my customer’s packages arrive. It’s really fun just being in charge of everything and being your own boss. There is also nothing I love more than meeting new people. This brand has allowed me to branch out more than I imagined. Making connections with big names in L.A or even another local business in Boulder.
Q: Is it difficult juggling high school and your brand?
A: Personally it hasn’t been difficult for me so far. I am relatively good at juggling multiple things at once, especially when it is things I enjoy. I also don’t often get stressed out which is a huge help for running a company and doing school simultaneously.
Q: What would you tell other kids, if they wanted to start a company?
A: I think that anyone who has a dream should follow it. There is no reason to doubt your abilities. I think anyone is capable of anything if they really set their mind to it. In order to run a business you need to be three things; dedicated, motivated, and confident in yourself. With those three things anyone can be successful at what they do. So, a word of advice to other kids, follow your dreams.
