Meet Delvin Barnes | C.E.O. and President

We had the good fortune of connecting with Delvin Barnes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Delvin, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Well, honestly there are 3 things about my brand, my company that people don’t know or realize. #1, My anime apparel is 100% Black owned. #2, All of my Merch (merchandise) is 100% made in the U.S. and #3, I make and produce quality items that ranges from XS to 5XL. I cater to the petite to the Big and Sexy.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I truly see it’s hard to run and maintain a business where you have to catch the client/customer’s attention and show that they can trust you, your word, and your Brand for their Anime needs. I’m an Air Force Veteran and Anime Fan that wants to share his love to the world… The name of my business is Kidd’s Playground, and it is an Anime T-shirt and Apparel store. I run my business in Houston, TX, and the main reason why I decided to start this particular business is I see a lot of online anime stores that #1 Isn’t based in the U.S. and #2 That doesn’t offer sizes for the Big and Tall or for the Plus Size people. The world needs to know that we are here and here to stay. I stay in a city where Anime is hugely loved and adored, and we have people in all shapes and sizes that are looking to show off our love and devotion to Anime.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, I hate to tell you, but my BFF stays here in the city. To offer MY favorite places to have a great time, to dine out at and to simply relax, I let anyone know about the festivities that is known around Houston every weekend. I’ll take them to all my favorite “Mom and Pops” places to dine in, Like Navy Seafood, on the Southeast side of town to Best Burger that’s on the Southwest to even my all time breakfast spot call Kelly’s Country Kitchen. Now, to truly relax and soak in all the positive vibes, You will definitely have to check out Moody Gardens and the Miller Outdoor Theater.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, it’s my brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Tasha Spriggs. They were the one to push me to start Kidd’s Playground and have become my biggest cheerleaders in my small business journey. Next is my Best Friend, Brandi Cambric. She has truly been the person who has been my ear and the friend that would not sugar coat anything about how things are definitely a struggle with business owning, but “when things are smooth and easy, you don’t want it.” You want the struggles that come with what you desire and yearn for. And last but definitely not least, is my Heart, my Person… La’Tondra Doucette. She has been my Rock, My Pillar, my Saving Grace, and My Angel amongst Mortals. She has been by my side when the sales wasn’t coming in and when I ALMOST decided to closed down everything and even want to have Kidd’s Playground as an Entity in the life of everyone. I truly love her for being HER!!!

Website: Kiddsplayground.etsy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidds_playground/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KiddsPlayground

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KiddsPlayground/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kidds-playground-houston

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kidds.playground