If you have ever heard 'Yoooo!' being called out or have been asked to do the 'Yooo!' challenge, it is very likely you know the man behind it. And if you don't know, you are about to, it is Ricky Dee Santana! Ricky has been all over the place lately, promoting his brand, YRD (Yo Ricky Dee) Clothing. Ricky is one of the most ambitious people I have ever met! And today I want to share his story with you.
Ricky, although from Suffolk Virginia, grew up in College Park, Georgia. He was the eldest of three brothers. Growing up he was interested in various sports like track and football. However, designing quickly became his passion. It was his mother who supported his vision. Not only did she encourage him to create his own clothing line, but she also helped him learn how to press everything. Along with his mother's support and his desire to design, Ricky told me another piece of his inspiration. "Growing up I just had this thought, why get someone else rich off of everything I buy? Why not do it myself? And I just went for it," he told me.
Why not indeed? And he did go for it!
Though design process is not always easy. In fact, it can be far from it. "Sometimes it can be a long process. I have to come up with a design to put on my merchandise that will have people saying ' Wow! I love that!' is what Ricky told me. While designing is one thing, Ricky puts his passion into promoting his brand as well. He is consistent on social media. He is always posting new products and pieces as well as encouraging challenges like the 'Yooo!' challenge a few months ago. "Its just a saying I have always said when talking to people or getting someone's attention, so I just ran with it," he told me. Now I realize 'Yo' itself is not a new thing, but Ricky has this way of putting a different spin on it and making it his own.
Ricky, although from Suffolk Virginia, grew up in College Park, Georgia. He was the eldest of three brothers. Growing up he was interested in various sports like track and football. However, designing quickly became his passion. It was his mother who supported his vision. Not only did she encourage him to create his own clothing line, but she also helped him learn how to press everything. Along with his mother's support and his desire to design, Ricky told me another piece of his inspiration. "Growing up I just had this thought, why get someone else rich off of everything I buy? Why not do it myself? And I just went for it," he told me.
Why not indeed? And he did go for it!
Though design process is not always easy. In fact, it can be far from it. "Sometimes it can be a long process. I have to come up with a design to put on my merchandise that will have people saying ' Wow! I love that!' is what Ricky told me. While designing is one thing, Ricky puts his passion into promoting his brand as well. He is consistent on social media. He is always posting new products and pieces as well as encouraging challenges like the 'Yooo!' challenge a few months ago. "Its just a saying I have always said when talking to people or getting someone's attention, so I just ran with it," he told me. Now I realize 'Yo' itself is not a new thing, but Ricky has this way of putting a different spin on it and making it his own.
He also had a more recent tik tok challenge which is now closed. "There will be more challenges, giveaways, and award shows coming up in the future," he explained, "to show appreciation for my supporters and and followers."
In the meantime, Ricky has a lot coming up! First up he is a featured designer in the upcoming fashion show Beige is the New White, hosted by The Honey Comb Experience. "I'm a little nervous," Ricky admits, "but I'm expecting a fun energy. I have a lot of ideas in my head."
Additionally, Ricky's long terms plans are certain and clear. Next up he has plans for a YRD short film. Along with that he has plans for a pop up shop in of Suffolk which could be coming in June of this year!
Ricky's dreams go even farther than that. "My long term plans are to be as big as Tommy Hilfiger, Sean John, or Ralph Lauren -maybe even bigger!"
As ambitious as he is I could absolutely see this happening.
I have met Ricky several times and his energy is palpable and his passion is infectious!
I'm so thrilled to know Ricky! I cannot wait to see where this leads him!
Make sure you follow him on Instagram at @yrd_shops as well as @yrd_clothing, and I definitely recommend you keep an eye an on this guy, he is definitely on his way to greatness!
One final note from Ricky: #GoatMentality Never Expect Good, Expect Greatness!
In the meantime, Ricky has a lot coming up! First up he is a featured designer in the upcoming fashion show Beige is the New White, hosted by The Honey Comb Experience. "I'm a little nervous," Ricky admits, "but I'm expecting a fun energy. I have a lot of ideas in my head."
Additionally, Ricky's long terms plans are certain and clear. Next up he has plans for a YRD short film. Along with that he has plans for a pop up shop in of Suffolk which could be coming in June of this year!
Ricky's dreams go even farther than that. "My long term plans are to be as big as Tommy Hilfiger, Sean John, or Ralph Lauren -maybe even bigger!"
As ambitious as he is I could absolutely see this happening.
I have met Ricky several times and his energy is palpable and his passion is infectious!
I'm so thrilled to know Ricky! I cannot wait to see where this leads him!
Make sure you follow him on Instagram at @yrd_shops as well as @yrd_clothing, and I definitely recommend you keep an eye an on this guy, he is definitely on his way to greatness!
One final note from Ricky: #GoatMentality Never Expect Good, Expect Greatness!
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