Streetwear Takeover: Cleveland’s Got Next
- Kelly Coyne
- Nov 14, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 27
When you hear the word "streetwear," what cities come to mind? Most people instantly think of New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, London, or Paris—but certainly not Cleveland. However, the disruptors have arrived, and Cleveland is ready to change that list! Two brands making waves in Northeast Ohio are Smile Like You Mean It and Stack First Ball Later.
Smile Like You Mean It: A Brand with Purpose

Smile Like You Mean It is built on three foundational pillars: Purpose, Positivity, and Intentionality. Purpose is the driving force behind life; Founder Joe Clark challenges his community and customers to search for their “why.” Positivity reflects the belief that everything should be done with a positive attitude. Intentionality emphasizes the meaning behind our actions. Together, these pillars form the base of Smile Like You Mean It.
For Clark, the brand's name is inspired by the song “Smile Like You Mean It” by The Killers. As an avid basketball player, Clark was picking up jerseys from a screen printer when the idea for a hat brand was suggested. On the drive home, the song came on, and it felt like destiny.

Clark’s ultimate goal is to create a three-winged enterprise: Smile Like You Mean It, his podcast "Chats with Clark," and a public speaking platform. "Chats with Clark" has released 46 episodes covering topics ranging from mental health to cryptocurrency, with a new guest featured in each episode. The heart of the podcast is gratitude, with each guest bringing a unique perspective to the audience.
Smile Like You Mean It resonates differently with everyone. The power of the phrase lies in its varied meanings, shaped by individual life experiences. No two people live the same life, and Smile Like You Mean It serves as a powerful tool for all, celebrating the beauty and challenges of life.

The brand thrives because of the community and customers who support it. “The people who wear Smile Like You Mean It are really out there trying to leave a positive impact,” Clark explains. “These are people who are generous, gracious, and want others to smile like they mean it too.” The brand is more than just trendy hats—it's a community driven by a shared desire to empower and uplift others.
Clark himself maintains a positive attitude even in the toughest times, relying on his faith and belief in the gift of life. “I believe life is a gift, and whether or not you have faith, there’s a recognition of how extraordinary it is to be alive. The chances of being here are slim, and that makes life important. I love people, I love experiences, and every day is an opportunity to interact with new people and create memories.”
So, why has Smile Like You Mean It caught fire? The answer lies in the power of positivity and its contagiousness. “At the end of the day, people like it because it’s uplifting,” says Clark. “It’s about spreading goodness—putting that awesome smile on your face and enjoying life, making it great for those around us and, of course, for ourselves too.”
Smile Like You Mean It products, including baseball hats, trucker hats, and beanies, can be purchased at https://smilelikeyoumeanit.store/collections/all, with prices ranging from $15 to $25. To keep up with the latest happenings, follow the brand on Instagram @smilelikeyoumeanitapparel and the podcast @chatswithclark.
Stack First Ball Later: A Brand Built on Resilience
Community support has also played a huge role in the success and growth of Stack First Ball Later. Founder Jamar Ross embodies this spirit, saying, “I’m gonna try and give back as much as I can. Show love to my brand, and just know I’ll always show love to you.”
While Ross is more visible in the community, he has maintained a humble and gracious attitude. “I’m just humbled about it,” he says. “I don’t really try to make a big deal about it… I just want to keep staying humble.”
Jamar Ross, a former standout baseball player at Elyria High School, once dreamed of becoming a professional athlete. Throughout his school years, he excelled in multiple sports, including football and baseball, but ultimately decided to focus on baseball in high school. However, after a shoulder injury ended his baseball career, Ross didn’t give up. He dropped out of high school but quickly earned his GED, driven by a lifelong interest in earning and learning about finances. Ross took that passion to the next level with the creation of his brand, Stack First Ball Later.
About six months ago, Ross changed his Instagram handle to "Stack First," and a friend suggested turning it into a clothing brand. Realizing the slogan's potential and its untapped market, Ross decided to take the plunge with Stack First Ball Later.
“I want kids to think about saving their money,” Ross explains. “A lot of brands don’t really have a slogan, but ‘Stack First’ really hits home—save your money now, and you can enjoy it later.”
Ross’s brand represents more than just clothing; it’s about the values he learned from his father and his experiences. “It means passive income and providing something to someone else,” he says. “If I like to wear it, I know a lot of people will too. It’s only the beginning—there’s a lot more to come… That really is what it means to me, passive income and making somebody’s day.”
His father played a large role in his gracious attitude growing up. “I just played sports a lot, and my dad always told me to appreciate everything,” Ross shares.
Ross believes in staying true to oneself and trusting the process. “Stay down, your time will come. Stay true to yourself, do what you’re supposed to do, and everything will fall into place.”
He’s driven by a sense of responsibility, saying, “If I don’t do it, who will? I just want people to come and get with the movement because I know I’m not gonna stop.”
Stack First Ball Later offers products in full sets, including t-shirts and shorts or sweatshirts and sweatpants. These can be purchased at https://stack1stballater.myshopify.com/, with prices ranging from $77 to $90. To keep up with the latest happenings, follow the brand on Instagram @stack1st.co_.


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