Founder

Founder's Story: Joel Stanley Dunbar and MAYD in America

Hey, I'm Joel Dunbar, the owner and founder of MAYD in America. Born in 1992 in the Bronx, NY, I've called Worcester, MA home since I was six years old. Throughout my life, I've been passionate about two things: music and fashion. My journey started in the music industry as a rap manager, but I quickly realized that success in that field relied heavily on the talent and drive of the artists I worked with. So, I shifted my focus to something I could control more directly – clothing.

The reason I do this business is deeply personal and rooted in the people who have shaped and supported me. My friend Payola never got the chance to follow her dreams when she passed in 2015 at the age of 23, which is the year I started this business. My beloved grandmother, who recently passed away in 2023 at the age of 94, always believed in me. She would buy me T-shirts from Michaels Craft Store to print on and sell, and she never took off her one-of-a-kind nightgowns. This brand is also a tribute to my parents, immigrants from Jamaica, who worked tirelessly to provide for me, and to the extended family who surrounded me with love and encouragement.

MAYD in America is more than just a brand – it's a mission to repay the support and love I've received, especially from those who are no longer with me. I may never be able to pay them back monetarily, but I can honor their memory and their belief in me by never giving up. The joke behind the brand is that nothing is truly "made in America," but I won't quit until I've "MAYD" it in America.

On a small scale, I'm just trying to give people the same boost of confidence I feel when wearing a great outfit. On a larger scale, I want to inspire and support those who are chasing their goals. This journey is for Payola, my grandmother, my parents, my family, my friends, and everyone who has ever believed in me. Thank you for being part of this dream.

Love,

Joel Stanley Dunbar Jr.