Interview with Jayton Metcalf, Local Designer and Creator of Blind Havoc Streetwear
For many, the past year has led to an increase in negativity and doubt - understandably so. However, the events of 2020 have also inspired some to rise to the challenge of combating that negativity. MN-based designer Jayton Metcalf is one of these individuals. Over the past eighteen months, he has developed and expanded his own positivity-focused streetwear brand, Blind Havoc. His clothing has since been worn by musician Jonah Marais, NFL player Rashod Bateman, NCAA wrestling champion Gable Stevenson, and more. Read on to learn more about Jayton’s journey as a young designer.
How did Blind Havoc start? What was the inspiration behind the brand?
Blind Havoc was created in April of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of the brand was and still is to promote as much positivity as possible. After witnessing all of the negativity that was circulating around the world, I knew I wanted to make a difference in any way possible. I thought I could do this best through clothing.
What does a day in your life look like?
A typical day running Blind Havoc starts with checking my Instagram account to respond to every unanswered comment, DM, and email. That usually takes no more than 10 minutes. Once that is complete, I ship out all of the orders from the previous day. After those tasks are completed, I will talk with my manufacturer about how the current production is going. If a collection is coming up, I will work on the color schemes and designs for that collection. Collections usually drop every 6-8 weeks. Once a collection is complete, then I schedule a photoshoot. For this I choose 3 to 5 models for the photoshoot - usually my close friends, who have done amazing. When I have big drops, the hardest thing is getting every order out the next morning. If I’m running out of time to get orders out, my mom will help me pack and sort everything. On non-drop days I’m able to complete the entire shipping/handling process on my own.
Have you always been interested in design?
Clothing is something I’ve been interested in since I was a little kid, but I never thought in a million years I'd be making and designing clothes. Once I made my first design I was hooked and knew this was something I wanted to do as much as I could.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced while starting your brand?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced while running Blind Havoc was realizing how much information I didn’t know. Starting a business in a field I knew almost nothing about was definitely a learning experience. I’d watch videos, read, or even try to talk with people who have experience in the clothing field to educate myself. After a couple months I began to
get more and more comfortable and started to feel the improvement day by day. The beginning was a huge struggle but it taught me how to preserve and use all of my resources.
Do you have any designers who influence what you create?
One designer I look up to is Kanye West, not because of what he creates but of what he’s not afraid to create. I love how he starts his own trends instead of following others. His confidence in his work is unbelievable.
My aim when designing is to create something that will brighten someone's day - whether this is the person who’s wearing the piece, or the people who see this piece in public. The goal will always be to spread positivity from person to person.
What’s your proudest moment so far as a designer?
I have been very blessed to have experienced some incredible moments so far. One of these was when I flew out to Atlanta to collaborate with NFL First Round Draft pick Rashod Bateman. The whole experience was amazing - from shooting the promotional video with his production team, working on the design together, and seeing the response from everyone once we dropped. My other favorite moment would be when I found out that Blind Havoc was going to be sold at the Mall Of America in Third Degree Heat, a streetwear & sneaker store. This was an absolute dream come true for me since Third Degree Heat has been my favorite store for the past 3 years.
Any advice to other young people who are starting their own business?
Advice to anyone looking to start their own business:
1. Make sure you absolutely believe in it wholeheartedly before you start.
2. Become a student of your industry, learn everything you possibly can about your specific niche. The more you study the more successful you’ll be.
3. Surround yourself with positive & motivated individuals. These people will hold you accountable, which will benefit you in the long term.
4. The most important: BE PATIENT!!!
Dream collab?
My dream person to collaborate with is Chris Brickley!
Anything else you want to share?
To everyone who has bought something, follows our Instagram (@blind_havoc), shared a post, or even just liked a picture: THANK YOU SO MUCH! Thank you for allowing me to do what I truly love: spreading positivity through clothing. :) I couldn’t do it without you guys!
Blind Havoc products can be purchased at Third Degree Heat (MOA location), Rosedale Mall, or online. Follow Jayton and his designs at @blind_havoc on Instagram.