Behind the Brand
Jose Kercado Jr.
In Portsmouth, VA on March 15th in 1993, a star was born — brand executive and photographer Jose Kercado Jr. Jose spent the first four years of his life in Portsmouth then moved to Japan for roughly another four years before ultimately ending up in Jacksonville, NC. It's not a coincidence that he is the founder of Wise Mind Movement considering his educational background. Jose grew up a member of the National Honor Society as an A/B honor roll student who graduated in the top twenty percent of his high school graduating class. He displayed favorable qualities of a leader early on by becomimg captain of the baseball team he was all-conference and all-area as catcher for.
In 2011 Jose commuted to Fayetteville, NC where he would embark on a new journey as a Business Administration major. This was the city that would later spark the idea for the presitgious birth of the Wise Mind Movement. Established on June 11th, 2014, the brand was built on a foundation of genuine passion for positivity; this movement is also a creative outlet that serves as representation of Jose's appreciation for life. Every design symbolizes a piece of his very own existence which is used to elicit a desire to be encouraged. People are often able to aqcuire inspiration through what they can relate to.
The diligence shown behind the purpose of the movement reveals exactly why this clothing brand effectively stimulates a Wise Mind. In fact, this is more than just a clothing brand; it has assisted with outreaches to accomodate the less fortunate as well. Faced with financial hinderance himself, Jose embraced these challenges to fuel his fire that would also continue to help shape his character. Prior to the brand's relocation to California in April 2016, which had always been a goal, Jose worked for three companies all at once: a newspaper company, a hotel, and a hardware store. The idea of wanting to provide good quailty clothing is specifically to satisfy people, such as yourself, at maximum capacity.
On June 15th, 2016, the brand successfully hosted their first ever pop-up shop in Los Angeles which was another major accomplishment. Jose has found a way to stay focused while never forgetting the importance of family and close friends. With that being said, keep in mind the significance of creating oppurtunites to chase your dream while remaining humble and true to yourself. Don't allow yourself to be oppressed by fear. Have an intrpid attitude and remember to #StayWise.
Collyn Strother
Born in Wilmington NC on April 25th, 1995 spent only a few adolescent years before his family moved to Fayetteville NC. In his early years he became fond of sports and the arts, with not a great focus on school the two practices helped to keep him driven to finish. As captain of his high school basketball team he developed a discipline and ambition for success.
After high school Collyn attended his hometown University, becoming a tenacious graduate of the HBCU, Fayetteville State University. Here he started his professional career as the Co-Director of Marketing and Technology for the University's Student Government Association. Honing his creative skills in marketing and advertisement, Collyn, was able to broaden his artistic realm.
Highly sought-after photographer and visual artist, takes great pride in creating artistic reflections used by national and local businesses and organizations. Native to Fayetteville North Carolina, Collyn's passion for art emerged in his adolescent years. Deriving influences from graphic design, photography and geography, Collyn meticulously creates beautiful high quality artwork.
Collyn has a unique recognizable aesthetic in his photography. With every photo his goal is to create visual representations of emotions and ideas that one couldn't simply express.
By virtually any measurement, Collyn's commitment to forward-looking has landed him the responsibility of creating the branding for the Arts Council of Fayetteville-Cumberland County's We Are The Arts Campaign as well as commissioned as lead artist for the City of Fayetteville's Black Lives Matter initiative entitled, "Yellow Movement."
These days you may have seen Collyn up and down Hay St in Fayetteville as he has his hands in several different pots. Other than being a part of Wise Mind, Collyn has managed the Gallery 13 studio in downtown Fayetteville, continued works with the Arts Council of Fayetteville, and is currently on the verge of opening up a creative studio of his own, Croo Studio.
ASHLEY KERCADO
Born in 1996 on January 24th out of Jacksonville, NC came Ashley. She would then spend the majority of her life in North Carolina before moving to Long Beach, CA in September of 2016 with brand owner Jose Kercado. Ashley spent the majority of her life involved in athletics, soccer to be exact. She would then go on to work at Foot Locker at the age of 16. From there her love for sneakers and streetwear began to grow.
Ash had always had an interest in the “culture.” From music to fashion to every day life. Ash was raised mainly in a a single parent household captained by her African-American mother Janeen. Her mother has always been an important role model for her. She was an example of hard work, perseverance, and how to love/care for others. Through those key characteristics, Ash has applied those into her every day work life.
Ashley has now been a store manager for the greater part of 6 years. She has ran, operated, and maintained both Footlocker and Champs stores in the Los Angeles County area. In these roles, she carries the same traits she grasped from her mother. How to work hard, persevere through tough times, and how to show love and care for others. Ash has promoted over 10+ individuals into higher positions, planned and mapped out giveback events such as the Fred Jordan mission project, and has captured content for brands in their “Home Grown” rollout. The list of things she’s done outside of her managerial role could fill up paragraphs, but all in all, she’s always been a driven individual.
Ashley has fused those skills from her every day job into Wise Mind. For Wise Mind she not only handles our shipping and fullfilment, but she also spear heads the floor for our Pop-Up shops. For our pop-ups she does everything from creating a Plan-of-Action to generating different content ideas for the day. She’s a true staple to what the brand is and represents.