There’s a lot to be said about the city of Boston. While, to most, it might play second fiddle to its northeastern rival, the city is home to some of the best and brightest brands, creatives, and cultural icons. The culture doesn’t create people with a chip on their shoulder—it fosters a unique lens that only Boston locals can channel. Along with Boston’s ’47, we’re showcasing personalities that have turned one of the oldest cities in America into a cultural hub. With hometown pride and fearlessness to define success on their own terms, these individuals embody ’47’s mantra to "let your you out."

For Deon Point, Boston isn’t just a hometown, it’s literally at the core of his business. As the creative director of Concepts—a streetwear and sneakers mecca that’s welcoming to newcomers while drawing-in die-hard sneakerheads—Point is enticing shoppers from all walks to his Harvard Square storefront. At a time when sneaker game is more crowded with new stores and online resellers, making your mark—and staying on top of a hyper-competitive industry—is easier said than done.

Fortunately, for a native Bostonian like Point, overcoming challenge after challenge is part of your blood if you’re really a native. “I think Boston is just a hard working city. [People here] have strong beliefs and strong family orientations,” says Point. “I think that if you’re born and raised here, you understand what Boston means and why it’s such a great place to live. You have to go through the trials and tribulations to enjoy the city.”

When it comes to moving the needle on culture, Boston unfortunately bears the brunt of seeming secondary to a nearby city like New York—even if that reputation is unwarranted. “New York is always held on this pedestal,” Point confesses. “It’s like you’ve got a big brother and they’re always teasing you.” As Point explains, “We’re such a small fraction of how big New York is, so we shouldn’t be compared.”

But this regional rivalry doesn’t defeat people like Point, instead, it’s fuel to work harder and stand taller. “Being in the under-shadow of New York has always driven people from Boston to push it to the limit. It drives people here to push themselves to the next level in anything they do.”

That driven spirit makes sense for a city with a nickname like “Titletown.” A place where on-field competitiveness inspires its citizens’ own desire for success—it’s a lifestyle both in and out of the stadium. “It’s definitely a sports-driven town,” notes Point. “If you have pride in sports and pride in your teams, then there’s no other place that you want to live. Fortunately, as much as sports are a foundational factor in the Bostonian work ethic, for Point, sports also operate as much needed release. “[Boston sports are] almost my escape from work, being able to go be a fan and not worry about the pressures and the things that exist within my industry. It’s probably a common thread that’s woven in so deep that I don’t even notice it.”

But even though the hyper competitive game of high-concept (pun not intended) retail may warrant a well-deserved break, it’s hard to deny that Point’s dedication and hustle are exactly what have turned Concepts into an internationally recognized name—and allowed Point to attain a uniquely personal level of success.

“I’ve worked in places that I’ve made tons of money and just literally hated life every day—just waking up and dragging myself out of bed every day. Being where I’m at now, I couldn’t ask for a better routine. That’s success to me.”

Along with Boston’s ’47, we’re showcasing personalities that have turned one of the oldest cities in America into a cultural hub. With hometown pride and the fearlessness to define success on their own terms, these individuals embody ’47’s mantra to "let your you out. Next, check out how this professor of design uses Boston's energy to inform his work, which in turn has changed the city's visual landscape itself.”