Today we’d like to introduce you to Anissa “Donny” Truitt.
Hi Anissa “Donny”, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Absolutely. 17th & Granville started as a deeply personal act of reclamation and self-expression. The name honors both sides of my family—“Granville” is a family name on my father’s side, and “17th” represents my mother’s side, where several family members were born on the 17th of different months. It’s a quiet way to carry my roots with me as I build something meaningful.
Creatively, I’m committed to designing clothing that feels like an extension of identity—not just something you wear but something that holds space for who you truly are. I focus on sustainable, gender-neutral pieces that prioritize comfort without sacrificing style. Sizing is intentional too: from XS to 5X, because everyone deserves to feel seen and celebrated in what they wear. The design process is deeply collaborative, often informed by feedback from our community, which helps us create apparel that’s as versatile and expressive as the people who wear it.
Entrepreneurially, starting 17th & Granville was about more than launching a brand—it was about building a community and a movement. Early on, I learned how important it is to stay adaptable and authentic, whether that meant figuring out production logistics, marketing, or cultivating partnerships that aligned with our mission. Every step has been a balance of creativity and business strategy, but the core has always been the same: making space for inclusivity and authenticity.
On the social impact front, we’re committed to amplifying BIPOC and LGBTQ+ voices and fostering equity. A portion of every purchase goes directly to organizations driving social change, and we use our platform to highlight stories and causes that often go unheard. For me, 17th & Granville isn’t just about clothing—it’s about connection, visibility, and creating opportunities for marginalized communities to thrive.
Ultimately, this brand is a bridge—between my heritage and my future, between art and activism, and between individuals seeking to be fully themselves in a world that often asks them to hide. It’s a space I built for me—and for all of us who deserve to live openly and proudly.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road—and honestly, I don’t think any meaningful journey really is. One of the biggest challenges has been navigating the intersection of creativity and entrepreneurship while staying true to my vision—and to who I am as a nonbinary person. There’s always a tension between what’s needed to grow a business—like managing production timelines, marketing, and finances—and the desire to create something authentic and inclusive without compromise.
A very real struggle has been how many grants, funding programs, and resources are often designed with only “male” or “female” categories in mind. As a nonbinary entrepreneur, I’ve faced barriers accessing opportunities that aren’t always inclusive of or tailored to nonbinary identities. It’s frustrating to feel like you have to fit into a box that doesn’t represent you, especially when you’re trying to build something that celebrates gender diversity.
On top of that, breaking through in an industry that isn’t always built to support people like me—Black, queer, nonbinary, and committed to sustainability and inclusivity—has required patience and persistence. Finding manufacturers and partners who share those values took time, but those experiences deepened my commitment to doing things differently.
Stress and burnout are real, especially when your business is so tied to your identity and community. Balancing creative passion with the daily operational demands is a constant learning curve. But each challenge has reinforced why I started this journey: to create space for people to feel seen, celebrated, and comfortable in their own skin.
So while it hasn’t always been smooth, those struggles have shaped 17th & Granville into the resilient, purpose-driven brand it is today—committed to making a positive impact and creating true inclusion.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about 17th & Granville?
17th & Granville is more than a clothing brand—it’s a lifestyle and a community built around inclusivity, authenticity, and intentional design. We specialize in sustainable, gender-neutral apparel that’s designed to fit and celebrate bodies of all shapes and sizes, with sizes ranging from XS to 5X. Our pieces are crafted to be comfortable, versatile, and expressive, so our customers can feel fully themselves without compromise.
What really sets us apart is our commitment to intersectional inclusivity and social impact. We don’t just make clothes—we create space for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ voices to be seen and heard. The brand is rooted in my own identity and family history, and that personal connection shapes everything we do—from the thoughtful design process to the way we engage with our community.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how 17th & Granville has grown into a platform for storytelling and activism, not just fashion. For example, our Pride 2025 Collection debuted on May 3rd, with the full collection available as of May 15th. It centers around the concepts of subtlety and safety—designing pieces that allow people to express pride in ways that feel secure and authentic to them, whether they’re in public or in more private settings. It’s about honoring the spectrum of queer experience with thoughtful, intentional design.
We’re also excited about our upcoming Juneteenth Collection, which will launch at the beginning of June. This collection celebrates Black history and culture, designed so folks can wear something meaningful and feel proud every Juneteenth holiday and beyond. It’s about honoring legacy while looking forward to a future of empowerment and community.
Additionally, we donate a portion of our proceeds to organizations that work toward racial and gender equity, and we use our platform to uplift marginalized communities through partnerships, events, and education.
For readers who want to learn more, 17th & Granville offers not only clothing but also a message: that fashion can be a powerful tool for self-expression, healing, and social change. Whether you’re looking for something comfortable and stylish that aligns with your values, or you want to support a brand that’s truly committed to equity and community, that’s what we’re here for.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Absolutely. If I could share one piece of advice with people just starting out, it would be this: stay true to your vision and your values, even when the pressure to conform or take shortcuts feels strong. It’s tempting to try to fit into what’s already been done or what seems like the “safe” path, but authenticity is what will set you apart and keep you motivated through the hard times.
I also wish I had known just how important community is. Building a business can sometimes feel isolating, especially when you’re working on something that challenges norms or doesn’t fit traditional molds. Finding mentors, peers, and supporters who genuinely understand your mission and identity can make all the difference—not only for advice but for encouragement and accountability.
Another thing I learned is to be patient with yourself and the process. Growth and impact don’t usually happen overnight. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Celebrate small wins, learn from setbacks, and keep your purpose front and center.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help and to lean into resources—even if they don’t feel like a perfect fit at first. You might have to carve your own path, but there’s always support out there if you look for it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.17thandgranville.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/17thandgranville
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/17thandgranville
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/17thandgranville/
