BEHIND THE BRAND

Born in Ayden, North Carolina, life in their community moved at a much slower pace. As kids they loved running in the corn fields and playing games, such as football, with cousins and friends. In 1966 their mother and father moved the family containing eleven children, 4 boys and 7 girls, to Detroit, Michigan for employment opportunities as production workers. 

 

It was difficult growing up in Detroit compared to Ayden, especially leaving family and friends behind despite the hopes for a new life. Most of the children were still very young and the adjustment only became more difficult as their move took place right before the Detroit Riots of 1967. Those riots would go on to be known as the one of the most deadliest and destructive riots in American history. 

This would be the catalyst for the brand Clues To Life, created by John's older brother, Wesley, who grew up wanting to create positive change for not only Detroit and their hometown in North Carolina, but nationally by expanding into urban communities all around the United States dealing with poverty, lack of jobs, and factors that provoked inequality and social injustices. Wesley wanted to create something that could bring jobs to his community. He also wanted to provide community outreach for those who may be struggling. 

 

Wesley came up with the idea for Clues to Life in 2000. The meaning behind the name is about finding your purpose in life and how to be of service to others through kindness and love. 

 

In 1975 John, at the age of 19, had a daughter and named her, Toyanna. When she became an adult she moved to California and John followed her, picking up a job as a trucker where he continued to work for over a decade. However, it was the sudden and untimely passing of Toyanna in 2016 that brought Wesley to hand over the Clues To Life brand to his brother. With it, John found a revitalization in his life with the task of turning the brand’s identity into a clothing line, in honor of his daughter, and their entire family. 

 

Family is of the utmost importance to the Blount brothers, and it is why John and Wesley aim to keep the company a family-operated business with one of its main goals being to reinforce the importance of renewing joy and positivity in one’s life, and the healing that comes from helping each other find those traits despite hardships, grief, and loss. 

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Keeping Clues To Life a family-owned business, we have brought in Sojourna Jennings as our Assistant Manager and Creative Director. 

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Sojourna was born and raised in California. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in Media Communications. She grew up in the performing arts, pursuing artistic endeavors as an adult. She has worked for corporate companies for most of her adult life. She has used the knowledge she has gained in corporate business, theatre, theatre management, production technician work, her involvement in creating a self-titled band, and her work as a published author in anything that she does. She is incredibly excited to use her skill set and artistic eye to continue to create family and community-friendly items for clues to life. She can't wait to continue growing with the company and family.

 

We believe in living authentically, the essence of what life should be. 

 

We invite you to take a look around and know you’re amongst family.