Today we’d like to introduce you to Danny Hagger Jr..
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
There was a point in my life when I felt like I had lost everything. I experienced the loss of loved ones, financial hardship, and found myself without a place to call home. I was sleeping on my sister’s couch, wondering how I was going to rebuild my life and whether I would ever get out of that dark place.
During that time, I realized that even though I had lost so much, I hadn’t lost my ability to create. I wanted to build something that represented hope, resilience, and the pride I have for the city that shaped me.
That’s how Portland Love Clothing began. It started as more than just a clothing brand—it became a symbol of community, unity, and perseverance. I wanted people to wear something that represented the diversity, creativity, and love that exists throughout Portland, even when the city faces challenges.
Every design tells a story. Every shirt, hat, or hoodie is a reminder that you can overcome adversity and create something meaningful from difficult circumstances. What started as an idea while I was rebuilding my own life has grown into a mission to bring people together and celebrate the city we love.
My goal has always been bigger than selling clothing. I want Portland Love to inspire people to support local businesses, invest in their communities, and believe that no matter where they start, they can build something that makes a difference. My own journey is proof that setbacks don’t have to define your future—they can become the foundation for it.”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not. It has been anything but a smooth road. Building Portland Love Clothing has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, but it has also been one of the hardest.
When I started the brand, I wasn’t starting from a place of financial security or stability. I was rebuilding my life after experiencing tremendous loss. I had gone through personal hardships, lost loved ones, faced financial struggles, and even experienced homelessness. There were days when I was sleeping on my sister’s couch, trying to figure out where my next opportunity would come from while still believing in a dream that nobody else could see.
Starting a clothing brand requires money, time, and resources, and there were many moments when I had none of those. I had to learn everything—from design and branding to marketing, website development, social media, and running a business—often through trial and error. Every setback became a lesson.
There were also moments of doubt. As a local brand representing Portland, I’ve had to navigate changing perceptions of the city while staying true to my mission of celebrating the creativity, diversity, resilience, and community that make Portland special. I chose to focus on the positive and create something that brings people together.
The biggest struggle wasn’t financial—it was believing in myself when circumstances gave me every reason not to. But every challenge strengthened my determination. Instead of letting hardship define me, I used it as motivation to build something meaningful.
Today, Portland Love Clothing represents much more than apparel. It represents perseverance, hope, and the belief that no matter where you start or what obstacles you face, you can create something that has a positive impact on your community. Looking back, I wouldn’t change the journey because every struggle shaped the person and the entrepreneur I am today
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
“Portland Love Clothing is much more than an apparel company—it’s a brand built around community, resilience, and civic pride. Our mission is to unite people through high-quality clothing and products that celebrate the culture, diversity, creativity, and spirit of Portland. Every design tells a story about this city and the people who call it home.
We specialize in creating apparel that allows people to proudly represent Portland. Whether someone loves the outdoors, the food scene, the arts, local neighborhoods, or the incredible diversity that makes this city unique, we want our brand to reflect those experiences. We don’t just sell clothing—we create conversation pieces that inspire people to connect with their community.
One thing we’re becoming known for is taking part in community events and partnering with local organizations. Whether we’re participating in festivals, parades, or neighborhood celebrations, our goal is to bring people together and represent Portland in a positive way. We want every interaction with our brand to remind people that there’s still so much to love about this city.
What I’m most proud of isn’t a particular product or sales milestone. It’s the fact that this business exists at all. Portland Love Clothing was built from one of the most difficult chapters of my life. To see something that began as an idea during a season of hardship grow into a brand that people recognize and support is incredibly humbling. Every customer who chooses to wear Portland Love Clothing is helping carry that story forward.
What truly sets us apart is our purpose. We’re not chasing trends or trying to be the next big fashion label. We’re building something with meaning. Our focus has always been on creating a brand that represents hope, perseverance, and love for our city. Every design is created with intention, and every decision we make is guided by the belief that business can be a force for bringing people together.
Looking ahead, my vision extends far beyond clothing. I want Portland Love Clothing to become a platform that creates opportunities for others—especially young people. Through mentorship, job training, entrepreneurship, and community partnerships, I hope to use this brand to inspire the next generation to dream bigger than their circumstances. If Portland Love Clothing can encourage even one person to believe in themselves the way others believed in me, then I know we’re accomplishing something far greater than selling apparel.”
Who else deserves credit in your story?
“First and foremost, all glory belongs to God. My faith has been the foundation of my life and the source of my inspiration. During the most difficult seasons, when I faced loss, financial hardship, and uncertainty, God gave me the strength to keep moving forward when giving up would have been the easier choice. I truly believe Portland Love Clothing was placed on my heart for a purpose, and I thank Him for guiding every step of this journey.
I also owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to Hans Dietrich. Hans played a major role in bringing my vision to life by designing all of the Portland Love Clothing logos and creative concepts that have become the identity of the brand. More than that, he inspired me to pursue the idea of creating a clothing brand in the first place. His creativity and belief in the vision helped transform an idea into something tangible, and his contributions are woven into the foundation of Portland Love Clothing.
Another person who deserves recognition is Brandon Tellis. Brandon has been a constant supporter throughout this journey, offering encouragement, advice, and a helping hand whenever it was needed. Building a business comes with countless challenges, and having someone who believes in you and stands beside you through those ups and downs makes a tremendous difference.
My mother also deserves a great deal of credit. From an early age, she encouraged me to dream big, to be a leader, and to embrace an entrepreneurial mindset. She taught me to believe in myself, work hard, and never let my circumstances determine my future. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my life and continue to influence every decision I make as a business owner.
I’m also grateful to my sister, who gave me a place to stay during one of the lowest points in my life. When I was rebuilding and facing homelessness, she provided stability and support that allowed me the opportunity to keep believing in my dream.
Finally, I want to thank every customer, supporter, and member of the Portland community who has purchased a product, shared our story, or encouraged our mission. Every purchase and every word of encouragement has helped turn Portland Love Clothing from an idea into a growing movement that celebrates resilience, community, and the love we have for our city.
When people see the brand today, they may see my name attached to it, but the truth is that Portland Love Clothing is the result of faith, family, friendship, creativity, and a community of people who believed in me before the dream became reality. I will always be grateful for each of them and hope to honor their support by continuing to inspire others through my journey.”
Pricing:
- T-shirts $20-30
- Bomber Jackets: $80-100
- Hoodies: $35-65
- Caps: $25-45
- Childrens coloring books: $10
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.portlandlovemerch.com
- Instagram: portlandloveclothingxoxo
- Facebook: Portland Love Clothing
- Youtube: @portlandloveclothing
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/user/31gqpp5vmqryymkwqkcz3r3jktdy?si=8bceeaaf8cad4591
