NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Two Indian immigrant brothers, Gurmer and Dashmeet “Robby” Chopra, have gone from reselling phone cases on eBay to running one of the fastest-growing fitness-inspired streetwear brands in the United States—a journey that has now earned them a coveted spot in Forbes.
In its recent feature, Forbes spotlighted the Chopras’ Los Angeles-based label YoungLA, which has achieved meteoric success in the competitive apparel market. Founded in 2014, the brand bridges the gap between streetwear and gym wear, offering stylish, high-quality clothing at affordable prices.
The brothers’ story began modestly. After immigrating to the U.S., they experimented with online sales, listing jeans, T-shirts, and phone cases on eBay and Amazon. With just $5,000 in savings, they reinvested every dollar into expanding their product line. Spotting a gap in the men’s fitness apparel space, they launched YoungLA—bootstrapping the company without loans or outside investment.
Today, YoungLA’s online “drops” sell out within hours, and the brand boasts more than a million Instagram followers. In 2023, it recorded over $100 million in sales; in 2024, revenue surged to approximately $176 million. The Forbes profile highlights their mastery of influencer marketing, community engagement, and the “drop culture” model, which has given them an edge over established players like Under Armour and Reebok.
YoungLA has also expanded its offerings with a women’s line, collaborations with the UFC and Gold’s Gym, and plans for its first brick-and-mortar store. The Chopras host annual “Block Party” events that draw more than 15,000 fans, cementing the brand’s status as a lifestyle movement rather than just a clothing label.
For the Chopras, their Forbes recognition is more than a business milestone—it’s a testament to immigrant grit and entrepreneurial vision. “We built this brand from the ground up, and our community has been at the heart of it all,” they told the magazine.
With a flagship store set to open and international expansion on the horizon, the Chopra brothers are proving that determination, authenticity, and smart marketing can turn a small side hustle into a global streetwear powerhouse.
Cover photo courtesy: Gurmer Chopra/Facebook.
