Alumnus launches his own clothing brand and production company
Pictured: Bean proudly displays his diploma with instructor and mentor Susan McGraw.
When he was in middle school, HFC alumnus and entrepreneur Tyrone Bean knew he wanted to start his own line of clothes.
“I have always believed that regardless of brands, feeling good in the clothes you wear will have a great impact on your confidence and self-esteem,” said Bean, a lifelong Detroiter.
During the pandemic, he made that dream a reality and founded a clothing brand called Welcome to Peak. The brand sells casual clothing, athletic apparel, modern streetwear, footwear, and other accessories for affordable prices. All items are exclusively available on the website.
“As I matured, I started to understand that if I was able to see past my obstacles, I would be able to achieve all of my goals,” he explained. “So I launched Welcome to Peak. Its mission is to inspire people to ‘peek over the peak’ of their obstacles to see what they’re able to achieve if they persevere. That's how I came up with the brand’s slogan: ‘Rise Above All Obstacles.’”
In the four years since he founded Welcome to Peak, Bean has become more business savvy.
“I learned that when creating a product, you have to give it a purpose, and it has to represent something. There is no slapping a design or logo on it and calling it a day. I believe that what you wear is what you represent, and I want Welcome to Peak to represent all things in line with our mission statement,” he explained. “The best part of owning a clothing brand is seeing supporters not only believing they have what it takes to rise above all obstacles, but being able to make an impact on people’s lives by providing products that make them feel good, look good, and feel motivated. We’ve also been able to give back to our supporters in various ways such as free giveaways, grants, and sponsorships.”
Also founded a production company, A Cub’s Crown Productions
Welcome to Peak is not the only company Bean founded. A Cub’s Crown Productions, his second venture, is a film and media studio. He has started with short films. He would like to branch out into longer features and independent filmmaking.
“I am looking to further my career in film and media by using storytelling to create dynamic moments and long-lasting memories,” said Bean. “I have written, directed, and produced multiple projects since 2023. I am currently working on the company's first dramatic series and feature-length film.”
HFC Media Communication Arts Department Chair Susan McGraw was one of Bean’s instructors.
"I had tears of joy at Commencement when Tyrone walked across the stage to receive his HFC diploma,” recalled McGraw. “His creativity and passion for life are undeniable, and his generous spirit has left a lasting impact on everyone around him, including me. He was never too busy to help a fellow student, sharing his time and knowledge with kindness, enthusiasm, and encouragement. With the launch of his clothing line, his commitment to helping others rise above their challenges shines brighter than ever, and I couldn’t be prouder of the trail he's blazing to impact positive change in our world."
Since he was 14, Bean has been involved with two Detroit-based nonprofit organizations: Grow Detroit’s Young Talent (GDYT) and Developing K.I.D.S.. The latter introduced Bean to a financial advisor, and he’s invested his money wisely to start his two businesses.
In early 2019, Bean was the youth presenter at the GDYT 2019 Kick-Off at DTE Energy headquarters in Detroit. HFC President Russ Kavalhuna and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan were present at this event.
Implemented what he learned at HFC to start production company
An alumnus of the Henry Ford Academy in Dearborn, Bean enrolled at HFC, where he studied business and film production. In 2024, he earned his associate degree in MCA. He called McGraw and her fellow MCA instructor Dr. Tom Hopkins his mentors.
“I decided to attend HFC due to its low teacher-to-student ratio. I am a believer in the idea of having a better chance to learn and absorb material when you're able to have a connection with your instructors,” said Bean. “Ms. McGraw and Dr. Hopkins were very impactful in helping me find my love for film and media. Ms. McGraw is the best, putting it in the simplest terms. She loves her students, goes the extra mile, and supports them to reach their maximum potential. Both ensured that we students were placed in the best scenarios to succeed and thrive. They care and work tirelessly to close the gap between educators and students.”
HFC prepared Bean in ways that he never thought possible.
“Real-life scenarios and in-the-field assignments were eye-opening and assisted in the growth of my love for film,” he explained. “During my courses, I was able to actively enforce the lessons from the classroom to the start of my production company. My knowledge of film and preparation is a credit to the great professors I had the fortune of knowing and learning from.”
Looking ahead to the future
By this time next year, Bean can see himself expanding his brands, networking with creators, and finding a mentor to help maximize his entrepreneurial skills.
“My production company will be known as a rising force for creative, dynamic, and memorable films, TV series, and other media projects,” he said. “My clothing brand will establish its place as a company that gives back to its supporters in ways major companies don’t. We will host back-to-school drives, start a series of collections where a supporter is chosen to design a Welcome to Peak collection and earn a percentage of revenue from the collection during its production.”
Five years from now, he envisions himself as a mentor and philanthropist, giving to those in need.
“My production company will have its own streaming service and will provide space and opportunities for aspiring filmmakers to have a platform to create,” he said. “My clothing brand will transcend the barriers between streetwear and luxury fashion. It will also provide opportunities for aspiring fashion designers to become interns and learn firsthand from the company.”
Bean continued: “My ultimate career goal is to be known as someone who used their platform as a foundation for others to create their own legacies. I want to be the person I wish I had in my life. My goal is to create tangible opportunities for aspiring creators and entrepreneurs to rise above their obstacles and achieve greatness.”