Think Different with local clothing brand Brainwash Lifestyle

" We are everything they refuse to be, a place where being different is celebrated and a home for the outcasts. We believe that life is art and in this life we are gods. We create our own destinies and tell our own stories. We Think Different, We Live Different, We Are Different." 

Brainwash Lifestyle

We met up with the BWL team to talk more about the band and movement. Wandile Mathe, the founder of BWL was kind enough to speak to us, and here's what he had to say:

RVL: Tell us a bit more about Brainwash Lifestyle.

Brainwash Lifestyle was conceptualized in 2011 and was originally supposed to be a clothing line. Time went on and the name started to mean more to me and I eventually decided to turn into a lifestyle brand for free thinkers and independent creatives, which featured a blog, clothing line, Events Company and much more.

RVL: How different is Brainwash from other infotainment brands?

Well it focuses on everything other brands won’t like independent artists, alternative media and really is driven by the people. We don't dictate to them what we think is good; we just put stuff out there and let them decide.

RVL: How has the feedback been since it began?

It’s been great from my point of view, the amount of creatives that have been featured and wanting to be featured is overwhelming. The amount of emails we get daily is sign that people believe in what we're doing and want to associate with a brand that considers each individual important.

RVL: What are the challenges of putting a team together?

The challenge is always looking to bring in people with the same vision and goals, who can contribute immediately and are ready to work hard to build the brand to its fullest potential.

RVL: What is the importance of taking risks?

Well to us it’s the reaching of our goals, so taking risks is very important because it allows us to always take a step closer towards what we want to achieve.

RVL: What makes a successful manager?

Well I would say one who is a good listener and is able to execute on the technical and managerial side what the creative side has conceived.

RVL:  What is your approach to solving conflict in a team building scenario?

I always look to put the work first, once that is done conflicts that have to do with things outside of work will be dealt with according to each individual. I look to steer the ships towards our destination and if we hit bumps along the way, we deal with issues as adults and talk it through and make sure that it doesn't interfere with the work.

RVL: Describe an instance where your work was criticised - how did you deal with that?

Well we decide what to put up and what not to put up with regards to our blog so you can imagine the amount of criticism we get. My way of dealing with it is simple, I tell the truth, if something wasn't good enough or didn't align itself with our way of doing things then we don't use it.

RVL: Are you a leader - why do you say so?

I'd like to think we all are, because we all have responsibilities that need our guidance and leadership in all the aspects of our lives so yes, I consider myself a leader as well.

RVL: What is the difference between a manager and a leader?

Well a manager is a job description for someone who is in charge of certain things and takes on certain responsibilities through his organization skills. A leader like I said previously is someone who takes responsibility and guides and steers the ship if you will towards where it needs to be.

RVL: There seems to be a lot of activity with the brand, what major projects do you have planned?

Well this is our first full year, we turned 1 in July, so we're looking to build on the great foundation that we've established. We have a lot of ideas lined up so hopefully we can officially launch our brand on a larger platform come next year. But currently we're working on a weekly Podcast that will be ready come September so that should be great fun, so do look out for that. Also wrapping up the finishing touches on our Spring clothing range, which will be on offer come 1st October 2014.

RVL: How far do you see BW going?

As far as the people allow it, we're happy with where we are and what we do as well as the contribution we've made. So it’s always about looking towards the next step and getting better at what we do and finding new ways to contribute and innovate.

RVL: Where can people find you: is there a page of twitter handle?

Our blog is on wordpress.com so you can visit www.brainwashlifestyle.wordpress.com 

On Twitter: @BrainwashWorld

Facebook: Brainwash Lifestyle

SoundCloud: Brainwash Lifestyle

Phone: 060 660 9618 so you can call or text us anytime.

© RVL Revolution Validates Life