Today we’d like to introduce you to Darin McFadden.
Hi Darin , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
7SEVENTEEN was born in the summer of 2021—not in a studio or fashion hub, but during a mechanical engineering internship in New Orleans, when Darin McFadden realized he was meant to build something of his own.
The brand’s founder had just completed his junior year at Prairie View A&M University and was determined to start a business. Although he enjoyed engineering, he recognized how unfulfilling it could be to work 40+ hours a week for someone else. One day during the internship, he brainstormed names for his future venture. The first thing that came to mind was 7SEVENTEEN.
7SEVENTEEN represents July 17, 2018, the day McFadden released his first musical project, an album titled What’s Done in the Dark under his stage name, DRN. He had played musical instruments since the age of four and developed the skills to produce his own music over time. However, sharing his creations with friends, family, and the world took significant courage.
Leading up to the album release, he wrestled with self-doubt, wondering if the music was good enough, if people would like it, or if anyone would even listen. Those fears delayed the project multiple times. But on July 17, 2018, he finally chose courage over fear. He understood that while it might not be his best work, he could improve with each release. He just had to start.When the music finally dropped, he felt overwhelming peace, freedom, accomplishment, and confidence. That moment stuck with him. He wanted others to experience the same feeling. And so, 7SEVENTEEN was born.
At first, 7SEVENTEEN was a music service business where McFadden offered his musicianship, music production, and audio recording skills. He launched the services upon returning to campus in Fall 2021. However, throughout his senior year (Fall 2021 – Spring 2022), he found it difficult to enjoy the work. Some clients didn’t value his time or take the music seriously.
Realizing this, he decided to pivot 7SEVENTEEN into a product-based company. Still thinking about music, he considered concert-related items—initially leaning toward vinyl records for his own music releases. But he wanted to create something with broader reach, something that didn’t rely on people first listening to his work. That’s when clothing entered the picture.
At first, it was just an idea. Then, during the Spring 2022 semester as he prepared for graduation, McFadden received a text from a friend asking if he could design a logo for their new clothing brand. Although McFadden had never advertised or publicly promoted his graphic design skills, the friend unexpectedly reached out with the request. Curious, McFadden asked how they even thought to ask him. The friend simply replied, “I just figured you could.”
That small moment of belief stuck with him. Encouraged by the opportunity, he created the logo for what would become INT’L PLAYA$ CLUB. Once the logo was complete, he found himself deeply invested in the brand and curious about how the products were being made. He and his friend traveled around Houston, visiting local print shops to explore the production process. He was hooked. “I want to do this too,” he thought.
So, he reached out to one of his aunts, who had previously worked at a custom print shop in Nashville, to ask for guidance. He just hoped for a few pointers or direction. But to his surprise, just a few weeks later, she sent him a brand-new heat press machine. That unexpected act of support gave him the tools and the push he needed to officially start building 7SEVENTEEN as a clothing brand.
Still, he didn’t launch right away. Graduation was approaching, and he needed to stay focused on his studies. Also, that summer, he moved to Atlanta to stay with another aunt, to work as a rock band camp counselor by day and perform his music at night. He planned to officially launch 7SEVENTEEN that fall once he arrived in Las Cruces, New Mexico. There he would begin graduate school at New Mexico State University (NMSU) and have access to all his equipment.
In August 2022, after settling into his dorm at NMSU, McFadden again faced the same fears that had delayed his music release years earlier. But this time, he had more faith and confidence, and knew that fear wouldn’t stop him. He searched for local print shops and found several in the Las Cruces area. After visiting a few, he chose Beyond Customs in Mesilla Valley Mall. There, he placed his first official merchandise order: 25 hats with the ANGEL logo and 25 with the DO WHAT YOU LOVE Cloud logo.
He was thrilled. So thrilled, in fact, that he sold nearly all of his personal wardrobe so he could wear and promote his own brand. He set up a table on a grass patch near the NMSU student center and sold his clothes, telling his classmates and customers that his brand would be available soon. They listened—and within two weeks, he sold out of the DO WHAT YOU LOVE Cloud hats. At that moment, he knew 7SEVENTEEN had something real.
From that point on, McFadden dove headfirst into fashion, using 7SEVENTEEN not just to sell clothes, but to inspire others to pursue their passions without fear. The brand has since participated in numerous markets and fashion shows and has been featured in multiple news articles.
After earning his master’s degree in May 2024 and accepting an engineering position in Kansas City, Missouri, McFadden refused to let the momentum fade. He brought 7SEVENTEEN to Kansas City in September 2024. Since arriving, the brand has participated in Kansas City Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025, KC Love’s Market and Fashion Show, Heartland International Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025, JUST FOR HER Market and Fashion Shows, and other local events.
7SEVENTEEN has continued to build a supportive and growing community within Kansas City, which McFadden is deeply grateful for. He plans to keep showcasing the brand at local fashion shows and markets, while encouraging others to chase their dreams, just as he did. But above all, he hopes 7SEVENTEEN inspires others to begin—no matter how small or scary the idea may seem.
From a bold decision on July 17, 2018, to a growing fashion brand inspiring others to take their own leap, 7SEVENTEEN continues to stand for starting, believing, and walking in faith.
In McFadden’s words:
“You will be fearful, but do not let that stop you. Know that God is with you. He is on your side. He will guide you. He will comfort you. He will light your path.”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road for McFadden. One of the biggest challenges he faced early on was marketing—especially in the digital space. Growing up, he rarely posted on social media, maybe once every few months. That approach doesn’t work when building a brand from the ground up.
Over time, he became more comfortable showing up online consistently. That shift has been critical in strengthening 7SEVENTEEN’s digital presence and brand visibility.
Another major challenge has been the lack of a physical foundation. Most of 7SEVENTEEN’s early sales came through in-person interactions, but balancing school and business meant limited availability. In the beginning, McFadden was able to sell clothing on campus almost every day, but as his academic workload increased, those opportunities declined.
Weekend markets became the next option—great for exposure, but not always for sales. Some days ended without a single purchase, which was discouraging, but McFadden never saw those moments as the end of the journey.
Now based in Kansas City, he’s working to rebuild awareness in a new city. Being new to the area means not everyone knows the brand yet, and that’s okay—it just signals that there’s work to be done.
He’s currently focused on strengthening 7SEVENTEEN’s online presence so that in-person encounters at markets are easier to convert into sales. As a solo entrepreneur handling everything from operations to customer service, McFadden is also actively working to get his products into retail stores to expand the brand’s reach.
Marketing and running the business solo have been McFadden’s greatest challenges—but also his greatest teachers. They’ve pushed him to think creatively, develop new strategies, and find resources to help him grow.
Every obstacle has helped shape how he approaches the business today, and he’s excited for what’s next.
We’ve been impressed with 7SEVENTEEN, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
7SEVENTEEN is a purpose-driven fashion brand that inspires people to pursue their passions without fear.
Founded by Darin McFadden, the brand began with a single act of courage—his decision to release a music project on July 17, 2018. That moment sparked what would evolve into a lifestyle label rooted in creativity, boldness, and faith. The same energy continues to live in every 7SEVENTEEN design, often carrying empowering messages like DO WHAT YOU LOVE or showcasing the signature ANGEL logo.
7SEVENTEEN specializes in high-quality, statement-driven apparel and accessories that blend luxury-level craftsmanship with heartfelt, accessible storytelling. From premium embroidered hats to its bestselling CLOUD fleece hoodie, every piece is created to empower individuals to show up confidently and authentically.
What sets 7SEVENTEEN apart is the story behind the brand. It’s not just about clothing—it’s about a journey: starting with what you have, overcoming fear, and betting on yourself. That message has resonated deeply in every city the brand has touched, from college campuses in Texas and New Mexico to some of Kansas City’s most celebrated fashion events.
Brand-wise, McFadden is most proud of the community 7SEVENTEEN has built—not just in numbers, but in spirit. From loyal customers who proudly wear the designs to strangers who stop at markets to ask what the message means, the brand continues to spark meaningful conversations. 7SEVENTEEN has been featured in local press, participated in multiple fashion weeks, and collaborated with fellow creatives who align with its mission.
For McFadden, 7SEVENTEEN is more than fashion—it’s faith in action. It’s a reminder that no idea is too small and no dream is too big. Whether someone is discovering the brand for the first time or has been following since the beginning, the goal remains the same: to create pieces that help people walk boldly in their purpose.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of McFadden’s favorite childhood memories is playing Rock Band 2—whether with family or by himself. The game sparked his interest in learning to play guitar, and nearly 17 years later, guitar remains one of his greatest sources of joy. That game didn’t just entertain him—it changed the trajectory of his life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://7seventeenllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/7seventeenllc/
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1a7kzANBqzOB4v2eM96hSG
