By: Hannah Zhang

How would you feel if your dreams were stripped away from you? But what if you were perfectly capable of achieving what you’ve wanted to do as a child and were already living it before an accident took it all away? This was the story of Lanny Smith, a former NBA player who, after battling identity crisis and depression with the help of his mom, founded the sportswear brand Actively Black.

Lanny Smith always had a dream: to make it into the NBA. His dream has always been in sight for him since he was in the 6th grade. Smith stated in an interview that he was “playing against the best of the best” growing up, with stars like LeBron James and Chris Paul. His dream was never only a vision, but was always bound to become reality.

Smith went on to play in college at the University of Houston, signing his first contract with the NBA in 2009. However, little did he know at the time, his happiness would be short-lived. Barely a month after he was signed, a teammate fell on his left knee and tore the cartilage. After two microfracture surgeries, it was clear that Smith’s NBA career was over before it even started.

It was absolutely crushing for Smith. He had gone from a world-class athlete all the way back to his mom’s house. Smith went through depression, often worrying about what he would do with the rest of his life.

Luckily for Smith, his mother was there for him every step of the way to his recovery. According to Smith, “My [his] mother me [him] to make sure my [his] faith was a central part of my [his] life.” All he had to do was to channel his faith and work ethic towards his new brand, Actively Black, instead of the NBA.

According to Smith, his brand is a “faith-based sports apparel brand,” reaching over $20 million in selling hoodies, t-shirts, and joggers. Smith also talks about his transition from the NBA to his successful life after with others who are struggling.

Of course, Smith still faces struggles even as a successful person. Sometimes, people lose interest in his company and products because he is Black, despite the quality and popularity of his brand. And, even though Smith lost his chance to become a basketball star, he carved another path for himself to shine.