Ghetto Runways | S2 EP11 — “Manifest: Brian Merritt”

Ghetto Runways | S2 EP11 — “Manifest: Brian Merritt” In this episode, Brian Merritt breaks down the vision and build behind Manifest—DC’s culture-forward barber • shop • bar concept that blends self-care, style, hospitality, and community under one roof. We get into brand DNA, experiential design, member culture, and how Manifest scales a feeling: generosity, taste, and fellowship—on purpose. www.manifest.us What is Manifest? A hybrid destination where the barbershop experience lives alongside a curated retail boutique, craft coffee, and a speakeasy—designed to be a daily hub for creatives and professionals. Co-founded by K.J. Hughes with partners Brian Merritt and Susan Morgan, Manifest launched in DC’s Adams Morgan and has continued to evolve programming, hospitality, and spaces that champion creativity and connection. Topics We Cover Building an experiential brand that people live with, not just buy from Designing spaces that merge grooming, retail, food & beverage, and culture Community as a product: membership, programming, and partnerships Taste, service, and consistency as the growth engine Learn More about Manifest Website & Story: manifest.us (About + brand pillars, manifesto). 🎙️ About Ghetto Runways A Chicago-born show capturing builders and culture shapers—filmed in DC — 📍 Filmed at: Manifest 🎬 Produced by: Fabre Media Connect IG: @ghettorunways • @fabrestudios #Manifest #BrianMerritt #GhettoRunways #ExperientialRetail #BarberShop #DCCulture #HospitalityDesign #CommunityBuilding #BrandStrategy