Vibrant Storefronts Initiative Fuels Growth for Local Arts and Culture
The artistic heartbeat of Minneapolis is getting louder, and Skntones™ is at the center of the rhythm. As the final featured artist of the Vibrant Storefronts Initiative, Skntones is taking a major step forward with a dedicated studio and office space at 1227 Hennepin. This milestone marks a turning point not only for the brand but for the city’s creative ecosystem, solidifying Skntones’ role as a driving force in art, fashion, and cultural innovation.
The Arts & Culture Vibrant Storefronts Initiative—a city-led effort to enhance Minneapolis’ artistic landscape—aims to foster dynamic creative spaces that bring together community, commerce, and culture. By securing a permanent home, Skntones is poised to expand its impact, offering a space where artists, designers, and visionaries can collaborate, showcase their work, and inspire the next generation of creatives.
A Brand Born from Resilience
The journey of Skntones is deeply intertwined with Minneapolis’ recent history. In 2020, amidst the civil unrest following George Floyd’s murder, co-founder Antione Jenkins found himself on the Interstate 35W bridge when a semi-truck sped toward protesters. The trauma of that moment became a catalyst for change.
“We basically were traumatized after being on the bridge,” Jenkins recalled. “So after that, I felt like I had to take or use my talents somewhere else to protest.”
That shift led to art. The group painted a mural outside Spyhouse Coffee in Uptown, an act of creative resistance that gained national attention. Spyhouse, recognizing their talent and vision, invested $1,000 into their work—sparking the birth of Skntones as both a brand and a creative agency.
From Pop-Ups to a Permanent Presence
Since its inception, Skntones has evolved into a powerhouse of creativity and entrepreneurship. Led by creative director Stephon Atuti, the brand operates as more than just a clothing label—it’s a multidisciplinary agency focused on thought partnerships, content production, and immersive events. Their influence has extended far beyond Minneapolis, with collaborations that include Ye’s Donda Academy, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, and Urban Outfitters.
Despite this national recognition, Skntones has always remained deeply connected to its hometown. For years, Jenkins and co-founder Anthony Brown have worked out of temporary spaces, hosted pop-ups, and even brought Kanye West to the Target Center. But they’ve never had a permanent headquarters—until now.
“We brought in a lot of people from outside the city to our city,” Jenkins said. “So now it’s like, OK, now we have a storefront. Let’s get the most attention that we can here in our home, and blow these things up and get more people to come back to see that beautiful city, to see what we see.”
A Space for Art, Fashion, and Community
With the opening of their studio at 1227 Hennepin, Skntones is creating more than just a retail space. This new hub will serve multiple purposes:
- Product Development & Design – A dedicated workspace for crafting and launching seasonal fashion lines.
- Art Exhibitions & Galleries – Showcasing local artists, with a focus on underrepresented voices.
- Content Production – A creative hub for photography, video, and digital storytelling.
- Community Engagement – Hosting workshops, discussions, and networking events that bridge the gap between art, activism, and business.
By planting roots in Minneapolis, Skntones is not only solidifying its own future but also investing in the city’s creative landscape. The Vibrant Storefronts Initiative is about more than funding—it’s about fostering long-term sustainability for artists and entrepreneurs who shape the cultural fabric of the city.
A Vision for the Future
Skntones has always been about more than just fashion or art. It’s about movement, culture, and pushing boundaries. With their new storefront, they are laying the foundation for something bigger—a permanent home for creativity that continues to challenge norms, uplift artists, and redefine what it means to be a brand in the modern age.
As Minneapolis continues to rebuild and reimagine its artistic identity, Skntones stands as proof of what’s possible when vision meets opportunity. And now, with a space to call their own, they’re ready to take their impact to the next level.
The doors at 1227 Hennepin will be opening soon—welcoming in a new era of art, fashion, and community-driven innovation.