Meet LP Monte Washington

We had the good fortune of connecting with LP Monte Washington and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LP Monte, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process was to get out of the hood and change lives. I have always been into fashion, but I was not as deep into creating and designing clothes until later. When I came home from prison, I realized I had to make a change for the better. I got my CDL and tried working on the road, but I knew that life was not for me. I decided to invest in my clothing brand and put everything I had into it. With the support of my family, friends, and community, I was able to turn my passion into something real and build a business that represents growth, creativity, and purpose.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work as a designer and creative is about turning real life experiences into wearable art. Everything I make represents growth, discipline, and self expression. What sets me apart is that my brand came from the ground up. I did not come from a background of fashion connections or money. I learned through trial and error and built Band Runnaz Clothing from my own vision and dedication.

I am most proud of the fact that everything is handmade in Los Angeles. Every piece tells a story about where I came from and where I am going. It was not easy, but every challenge taught me how to move smarter, stay consistent, and believe in my purpose.

The biggest lesson I learned is that success takes patience, focus, and faith. I want the world to know that Band Runnaz is more than just clothing. It is about representing ambition, growth, and the idea that anyone can turn their pain into purpose.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting Los Angeles, the first stop would be Venice Beach and the Santa Monica Pier. I like the energy out there with people skating, performing, selling art, and enjoying life by the ocean. After that, we would visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame and check out a few restaurants in the area. I like to mix it up between good food spots and creative environments, so we might stop by Melrose or Fairfax to shop and connect with other creatives.

To end the week, we would hike Runyon Canyon to take in the view of the city and clear our minds. Los Angeles is full of culture, creativity, and inspiration, so no matter where we go it always feels like motivation in real life.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shoutout to my family and my close friends who always believed in me even when I was still trying to figure things out. My community in Los Angeles played a big role in keeping me grounded and motivated to push forward with my brand. I also want to thank everyone who supported Band Runnaz Clothing from the beginning, from customers to photographers to other creatives who helped me bring my vision to life. Every step of this journey has been built on love, support, and faith, and I’m grateful for everyone who helped me stay focused and inspired.

Website: https://www.bandrunnazclothing.com

Instagram: @lpmonte @bandrunnazclothing

Twitter: @bandrunnaz

Facebook: Band Runnaz Clothing

Youtube: @LpMonte1610

Image Credits
Photo credit: @jhenleymedia