Meet Tayo Adesina – Founder of Trash Gxng, Using Streetwear to Fight Social Isolation
1. Tell us who you are and what you create.
I’m the founder of Trash Gxng—a creative streetwear initiative designed to empower young people through fashion. We run six-week programs that help young people co-design their own streetwear, learn digital skills, build confidence, and connect with potential employers. At the end of each cohort, participants pitch their designs to major companies like Apple, Lloyds, Shazam and many more. It’s not just about fashion—it’s about storytelling, self-expression, and creating real opportunities for the next generation.
2. What inspired you to start your journey?
My journey started from a deeply personal place. I spent over five years in management consulting, but everything changed when I lost my best friend of 10 years to suicide. He was someone I did everything with—he taught me how to ski, ride a motorbike, play the drums—but there were parts of his life he couldn’t share, even with me. That shook my world and made me realise how dangerous social isolation can be, especially for young men like us.
Trash Gxng was born out of that pain and purpose. I wanted to create a safe, creative space where young people—especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds—could express themselves, build confidence, and find connection.
3. What’s been your biggest challenge so far?
Funding. As a CIC, we’ve relied heavily on local authority and charitable grants to run our cohorts. But that’s not sustainable long-term. Our biggest challenge now is moving away from reliance on grant funding and building a revenue-generating model that still keeps the mission front and centre. We’re working on turning the clothing pieces our young people design into products we can sell through retail or e-commerce, with the ambition of giving young people a share of the profit. Finding the right model that balances quality, speed, and scale is a work in progress—but we’re close.
4. How has being part of Impact Brixton helped?
I actually visited Impact Brixton about three years ago when I was just getting started. I didn’t have the budget back then, but the space stuck with me. Being connected to a place that champions Black-owned innovation and creates platforms for people like me—it’s powerful.
This conversation with you reminded me how valuable those community links are, especially when they open up new doors for partnerships and ideas.
5. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to new creators?
Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Just start. Especially for young creators, the idea that you need to “be a fashion designer” to enter a space like this is false. You don’t. You just need to be willing to express yourself and be open to learning. Creativity is a tool—it can heal, connect, and build careers if you let it.
6. Where can people find you or support your work?
We’re currently based at Somerset House and our business is registered at Impact Brixton, our community lives online too. If you’re a brand or business that works with Gen Z, cares about creativity, or wants to support the next generation of changemakers, let’s talk.
We’re looking to connect with commercial partners—brands like Foot Locker, TikTok, Uniqlo, Pinterest, JD Sports, and more—who want to co-create, sponsor, or retail youth-designed fashion.
You can find us at:
Or contact us via Impact Brixton to get introduced.
7. How can people get involved or help Trash Gxng right now?
Tayo and the Trash Gxng team are shifting away from grant dependency and working to build sustainable income through creative partnerships. Here’s how you can support:
Introduce us to print-on-demand platforms (like Contrado, Printful, or others) that could help turn young people’s designs into sellable products—while also supporting the program’s growth.
Partner with us as a corporate brand. We’re looking for companies who want to collaborate on youth-led merchandise that’s not only stylish, but socially meaningful. Whether it’s co-branded hoodies, team swag, or limited edition drops—your brand can stand for something more.
Offer retail space or e-commerce support to help bring these designs to the public and give young people a real chance to sell and scale their work.
Start a conversation. If you work in CSR, fashion, youth development, or social impact—let’s talk. You don’t need a fully formed idea. Just reach out, and let’s build something together.
If you’re reading this and thinking, “I know someone who could help”—please share this post or tag them.
Let’s empower the next generation of creators to own their stories—and their futures. –
Every generation after you is the future…If you aren’t investing in them, what value are you adding to mankind?
This is part of our Impact Brixton creator Series. Want to be featured? Email stories@impactbrixton.com
