

Today we’d like to introduce you to Warren Hampton.
Hi Warren, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
“From the onset, Warren Hampton was conceived as a tribute—a Black Luxury Brand crafted to honor the legacy of my great-grandmother, Ruby (Hampton) Washington. It’s from her that my middle name, ‘Hampton,’ originates. She epitomized grace, elegance, and divine spirituality. Her infectious smile and the role she played as a devout woman of God, a devoted wife, and a loving mother remain etched in my memory.
Yet, while my roots were anchored in family and legacy, my vision for Warren Hampton was broader. The fashion world has seen luxury brands, including stalwarts like Gucci, Tom Ford, Calvin Klein, and Fendi, reaping benefits from the creative prowess of Black culture. It was high time that we, as descendants of enslaved Africans, took charge of our narrative, championed our creativity, and circulated the Black dollar, adding unmatched value to our heritage.
‘Black Owned’ under the Warren Hampton brand is not a restrictive term. Far from it. It is a badge of honor, a testament to our unmatched creativity, innovation, and our undeniable influence on global culture. With Warren Hampton, I aimed for more than just being a brand. I envisioned it as a beacon of Black luxury—handbags, purses, and a growing range of high-end products. We’re just scratching the surface, and I invite everyone to join us on this incredible journey.
But the essence of who I am is multifaceted. My foundation is built on faith. Serving as a Pastor, I’ve been a pillar of spiritual support, with my faith being the bedrock of my very identity. Concurrently, my fervor for activism has seen me champion causes of social justice and equality. Esteemed platforms like CNN, Politico, and The New York Times have acknowledged this endeavor. I also leveraged the power of audio through my podcast, “Nah! For Real!” amplifying my voice and touching souls across the globe.
Yet, my passion doesn’t stop at activism. As BIGWO in the music industry, my 25-year journey has been about weaving stories into melodies. Songs like “Stay Woke” encapsulate my vision, fusing artistry with activism and reaching hearts far and wide.
In sum, my life’s tapestry is rich with roles—be it as a spiritual guide, activist, artist, or entrepreneur. As Warren Hampton continues to redefine luxury and celebrate Black excellence, I hold close the values of perseverance, vision, and unwavering belief in my roots. As I gaze towards the horizon, my commitment remains unchanged: to uplift, to empower, and to evolve. Here’s to the journey ahead.”
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Navigating the intricate paths of entrepreneurship, activism, and artistry has been anything but a smooth road. Like any venture or endeavor of significance, the journey has been dotted with challenges, both anticipated and unexpected. The world of luxury branding, especially when trying to carve a space for Black excellence, often pits you against longstanding giants and traditional narratives. Breaking into an industry dominated by long-established European luxury brands was not an easy feat.
One of the initial challenges was ensuring that Warren Hampton, while undeniably a luxury brand, remained authentic to its mission of celebrating Black culture and history. Striking that balance—of exuding luxury and remaining rooted in authenticity—required meticulous attention.
Financing and resources were another hurdle. Unlike well-backed brands, starting from scratch meant juggling limited resources, finding the right partners, and constantly pitching the vision of the brand to potential stakeholders. It was essential to find collaborators and investors who not only believed in the business but also resonated with the cultural significance and mission of Warren Hampton.
Then, there were challenges related to perception. The term ‘Black Owned’ often came with its set of misconceptions. It was vital to consistently communicate that ‘Black Owned’ isn’t about exclusion but rather about empowerment, celebration, and recognition of the immense value that Black culture and creativity bring to the table.
On a personal level, wearing multiple hats—as an activist, pastor, artist, and entrepreneur—meant I often found myself at the crossroads of exhaustion and exhilaration. There were moments of self-doubt, but they were always outweighed by moments of profound clarity, purpose, and determination.
However, it’s essential to understand that these struggles weren’t merely obstacles; they were learning opportunities. Each challenge honed the brand’s vision, refined its mission, and fortified my resolve. While the road has had its share of bumps and detours, the journey, with all its lessons, has been invaluable.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What sets me apart from others is that I am a seasoned bridge-builder and servant leader dedicated to proactively reshaping our culture over the past two decades. My commitment to fostering relationships that unite and propel transformative change has set a solid foundation for my diverse engagements.
In the musical realm, I wear the hat of BIGWO, and my recent anthem, ‘Stay Woke,’ has been a testament to my influence, gathering over 40K views on Facebook. Beyond the music, I take pride in my expertise in branding, having helmed BIGWO Designs as its chief graphic designer since 2004.
My civic involvement saw me stepping up as a promising candidate for the Phoenix City Council in District 8, where I aimed to usher in new horizons of change. This commitment to local growth also saw me leading the South Mountain and Laveen Chamber of Commerce and co-chairing the Black Engagement Committee for the Maricopa County Democratic Party.
My pastoral journey is one that I hold close to my heart. My dynamic approach to spreading the gospel has made me a sought-after voice, resonating across churches, government entities, and academic institutions. After a fulfilling decade leading the Church of The Remnant in South Phoenix, I transitioned to steering the XII Church between 2020 and 2022—a unique virtual faith community interweaving art, pop culture, and urban narratives.
For those seeking spiritual insights tailored to the current zeitgeist, my podcast, NAH! FOR REAL! Bridges the spiritual with the practical, dissecting pressing topics from a faith-based lens.
Educationally, I am rooted in my Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Arizona State University and further refined with a Master of Arts in Ministry from Phoenix Seminary.
My recent foray into the global scene was marked by my appearance on MTV’s “The Love Experiment!”
However, my advocacy doesn’t end there. As a vanguard in activism, I’ve initiated dialogues and actions on pressing societal issues ranging from systemic racism to immigration advocacy. My portal, www.ProactiveJustice.com, serves as a testament to this commitment, offering strategies in justice, diversity, and equity education.
Awards like “Top 40 diverse leaders under 40” and the 2018 Arizona Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Living the Dream” award punctuate my journey. These accolades, while heartening, are but milestones in my unwavering mission to serve, uplift, and transform the community I deeply cherish.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Certainly, the Covid-19 crisis was a global event that reshaped many aspects of our lives, bringing with it a myriad of lessons:
1. Resilience and Adaptability: The pandemic underscored the importance of adaptability. Many businesses, individuals, and organizations were compelled to pivot and find new ways of operating, be it through remote work, digital events, or new business models.
2. Value of Human Connection: With social distancing measures in place, it became evident how much we value face-to-face interactions. We learned to cherish simple moments like a hug, a handshake, or just being with loved ones.
3. Mental Health Awareness: The isolation and the constant barrage of grim news brought mental health to the forefront. There was a collective realization about the significance of mental well-being and the need to prioritize it.
4. Global Solidarity: The pandemic illustrated that in a globalized world, challenges faced by one nation can rapidly become a global issue. The importance of international collaboration and solidarity was highlighted.
5. Appreciation for Frontline Workers: From healthcare professionals to grocery store employees, many individuals risked their lives to ensure society functioned. The crisis highlighted the importance of these often-overlooked roles.
6. Preparedness and Proactivity: Many countries were caught off-guard by the speed and severity of the pandemic. It emphasized the need for better preparedness, proactive measures, and the significance of early action in crisis management.
7. Digital Transformation: The reliance on digital tools, from Zoom meetings to online shopping, surged. Organizations and individuals realized the potential and necessity of digital transformation.
8. Re-evaluation of Priorities: Being confined to our homes made many re-evaluate what’s truly important. It was a period of introspection where some rethought their careers, values, and life goals.
9. Environment and Nature: With reduced human activity during lockdowns, nature thrived in certain areas. It was a stark reminder of the impact we have on the environment and the potential for positive change if we take collective action.
In essence, while the Covid-19 crisis brought significant challenges, it also offered a rare opportunity for collective learning, growth, and reflection, emphasizing our interconnectedness and shared humanity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.iamwarrenhampton.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamwarrenhampton/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamwarrenhampton
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@IamWarrenHampton
- Other: www.warrenstewartjr.com
Image Credits
Always Timeless Productions