Adam Drawas launched his entertainment and marketing agency Walker Drawas 13 years ago and has never been happier! Bringing together fashion and entertainment, the successful entrepreneur started off in a studio apartment and is now “in 5550sq ft and have 17 employees in LA and NYC.” Adam is the true embodiment of passion and dedication! Also an LGBTQ advocate, he is the whole package: heart, hard work, care, and style! Taking on life by storm, Adam Drawas truly inspires us all!
What prompted you to found Walker Drawas? Can you describe it to us in your own words?
I launched the agency 13 years ago mainly because I love fashion and bringing young designers and cool brands into the hands of influential celebrities was so exciting for me. I have been in the fashion industry since I was 18, and I saw the shift in the marketplace when celebrity began dictating consumerism, and it was fascinating to watch undiscovered brands become multi-million-dollar companies, mainly due to the celebrity influence.
Share with us a story from around the time you first launched. What about that story makes it so special?
I launched the agency (as Adam Drawas LLC) out of my studio apartment just north of Sunset Blvd in what I call “the early days.”
It was 450sq feet. Every morning I would roll clothing racks out of the closet and turn the kitchen into the showroom. I had no money. I would beg the dry cleaners for wire hangers to display collections. I had my best friend, Nakia, help me because I couldn’t afford any staff. This went on for about 4 years, until I was able to get my first showroom. As the years went on the company became bigger and bigger. Now, we are in 5550sq ft and have 17 employees in LA and NYC. The hustle was real, and slowly but surely it all paid off.
Tell us more about the company’s values. Why do you believe Walker Drawas stands out from other agencies?
Our values are pretty straightforward. Be transparent with our clients, guide them and develop strategies that set them up for success, be a good fucking person and support causes and people that are making a real difference in our culture. Most importantly – have fun and enjoy the process. You only live once, and you have to love what you do. My business partner, Jennifer Walker, and I have always believed in developing strategies that are both creative and newsworthy, but also engaging to the consumer. At the end of the day, we are here to sell a product.
With everything going on in the world, what do you believe is the best way to help change 0the mindset of those who perpetuate hate and intolerance?
I’m not going to burn my energy to educate the intolerant and hateful on why they are intolerant and hateful. I put my energy to supporting the LGBTQ+ youth, the underserved, and undervalued, and create programs and initiatives to amplify those voices.
We created The Brand Lab in 2020 with the support of Halle Berry. The pro-bono program offers young, BIPOC designers and creatives the opportunity for press, marketing, and commercial support. Since launching this initiative, we have signed drag artist and activist, Shea Coulee, and New York, LGBT owned brand, Romeo Hunte.
As an LGBT advocate, do you have a story you would like to share in which you (or someone you know) experienced hate and how you overcame it?
I think in the current climate it’s important to be aware of your own privilege. As a white male have, I have been bullied and experienced hate. But nothing comes close go to the crisis our country is facing with young, Black, trans children being attacked and killed. We must put our energy towards shining a spotlight on these kids and ensure we are helping them overcome these injustices
What does love, and beauty mean to you?
Love and beauty are being in acceptance of who and what you are. Someone said put as much work on the inside as you put on the outside.
Who is someone who has inspired you throughout your life?
RuPaul. He is a spiritual ninja who has carved his own path with grace, glamour, and joy.
Any advice for future business owners?
Get out of your own ego, always seek to find balance in your work and personal life, surround yourself with people who only raise you up, and don’t be afraid to jump. The leap of faith will lead to greatness.
Growing up, what was your favorite look? How did it grow into a passion for fashion?
I remember watching Elsa Klench on CNN in the early 90s. There was so much drama and theatrics in fashion back then. I was in awe of it. I knew my goal was to immerse myself in that world. How? No idea, but I knew that was my calling.
What do you hope to accomplish for the rest of the year?
Continue to thrive in the new world we live in. Continue to grow the business and try to keep a harmonious balance to it all.
@BELLOmag
Adam Drawas @mrdrawas
Interview Alexandra Bonnet @alexbonnetwrites
