Jake Posner, a Radlett-based fashion designer and entrepreneur, has launched his sustainable label No One True Anything in a bid to create change. Natalie Li find out more
Tell us how your business started…
I always wanted to build something around sustainability, community, and my personal journey with dyslexia. In 2019 I had the idea of creating my own brand and started researching how to produce clothing. From the age of 14 I was interested in recycling so instead of keeping books in my school locker it was filled with Lucozade bottles – ready to recycle. I had an actual dream that I created the brand. We’ve been trading for a year, it’s been a bit of a journey, but it’s been fun.
How has dyslexia played a part in shaping the brand?
No One True Anything doesn’t make sense and that’s the whole point. I want to encourage people to look at things in a different way.The slogan I guess sums that up: no one sense made non/sense. I break words down to syllables. The denim jacket I produce has handwritten block capitals on the fabric written by me. Funnily I never received my pen license at school, so I always had to write in pencil. I left school at 16 with one GCSE in PE and was told that I needed to get a job. It was a shock to the system and very disheartening. To think I have featured in publications like The Guardian and Forbes is crazy.
Who is the brand aimed at?
It’s for anyone who understands the concept, and loves the designs. It’s gender fluid and that’s how I envisage the brand. I recently met Arsenal footballer Granit Xhaka – I saw him at a local restaurant so I drove home, grabbed some clothes and returned to the restaurant. I approached him and explained what the brand was about and he took the time to listen. To say he is wearing my clothes now is amazing. I have a meeting set up with Louis Tomlinson’s (former One Direction singer) stylist so fingers crossed he’ll take some clothes to wear on tour!
What was your background before this venture?
I went to Aldenham School, but I struggled, and teachers almost gave up on me. I left school at 16, walked down Radlett High Street and knocked on estate agents’ doors. I ended up on a Lettings Apprenticeship scheme earning £400 a month. I found it quite mundane. While I was doing the apprenticeship, I was DJing in nightclubs to earn extra money, but I was always interested in fashion; my pay checks were often spent on clothes.
Where do you go for inspiration in Hertfordshire?
I live just off Radlett High Street. I love escaping to the woods and I take the dogs for a walk and get inspired by nature. It’s a good way to de-stress.
Have you experienced challenges while launching your business?
Finance! I’ve used my own savings to launch the business. It’s difficult paying rent and bills while innovating the brand, but I am passionate and willing to do what it takes.
What has been your proudest moment to date?
Featuring in Forbes was a big deal and Vogue endorsing my brand to be part of their ‘Bright Young Things’ edition. I recently became an ambassador for the British Dyslexia Association, which is a big opportunity to give something back.
The future looks bright. What is the ultimate dream?
I have just completed a five-year plan for the business, and I am pitching for investment. I am hoping to create pop-up events to talk about neurodivergence and for people who do struggle at school to attend, to share their creativity and ideas. I’d also love to work with world renowned retailers. I’m so determined to make this work; nothing is holding me back.
