“It took a long time to get here,” I always tell people this. While looking around my home... “There is just soo much that comes to mind; when I look at every piece of equipment.”

Alongside the DKNATION logos that hang on the walls, there was also drawers filled with hoodies, shirts and hats. This clothing stands as evidence for the last five years of hard work. The unique logo of Deryck's original clothing brand, DKNATION, proudly incorporated on each garment.

Pronounced as “Dk's Nation,” DKNATION's initial inspiration and hope of production was to help support his younger siblings. He would say "Raising them full time alone since I was 18; these garments was the better way to do it. Without having to work for a company and be gone all hours of the day and night." The business venture has continued today as a part of movement to inspire others in similar circumstances.

When I started, I had no idea where this would lead. I self-taught and very dedicated. I would talk to older people or other brands to help figure out the right path. I definitely knew I waned to put in the work. 

I created this website and started making designs. Found a source to get blank garments from. Then just started making things. I first started with a circuit machine. Then I quickly learned that wasn't the way I wanted to make clothes. The process took too long and required too much work. When I heard of laser prints and embordering my logo that was it for me. Everything started to come together. 

Although profits were there, I wanted more. I can often still hear the words of my aunt in my head. "Dang D slow down. You just jumped off the porch with it. Where ever you wanna be you'll get there. Just give it time." Where I wanted to be was Nike and I was and still am VERY determined.