Today we’d like to introduce you to Charles Williams.
Hi Charles, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
1921Movement is a streetwear clothing brand that was inspired by the Black Wall Street Massacre (May 31 – June 1, 1921). Our sole purpose is to empower the people while shining the light on black culture. At 1921, we focus on creating stylish designs that delivers a message. We thrive to give our customers a voice through their apparel without them having to say a word.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Owning a clothing brand definitely has its ups and downs. In the beginning, I did everything on my own from designing to customer service. As years go by, some of the challenges my team and I had to face were demand forecasting and finding a good manufacturers. As we continue to grow and gain knowledge, we learned how to run the business more smoothly to provide our customers great quality products and customer service.
As you know, we’re big fans of 1921Movement. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
My name is Charles B. Williams, owner of 1921Movement. I designed all the pieces that was produced from 1921Movement. I am known for my unique, creative designs. My brand sole purpose is to empower the people while shining the light on black culture.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Throughout the journey of building my brand, I had help from family, friends, and mentors. My brother Mike, also known as “Honest Art,” actually helped me come up with my clothing brand name. My dad helped me create my first website. He also gave me a sewing machine that has been passed down from generation to generation. When my mother seen the dedication, I had towards building my brand she gifted me with a laptop. From there, I was able to create eye-catching graphic designs, and that is where I started to see a momentum swing in my brand. I give credit to Luke also known as “Th3 Goat” he connected me with a guy by the name of Adam (JLT Trading) who does T-Shirt printing and embroidery for a lot of the clothing brands in the Houston area. Adam became a big part of my brand’s life. As our relationship grew, Adam and his employee Chentey taught me how to operate the machines so that I could create my items. My brothers Chris, Aaron, sister Kayla, and best friend Lando also played a huge part of the start-up of my business, especially during pop-up shop events. I was also blessed to have strong support from Kevin, Q, C-Rod, Serenity, Drea, Rheanne, and Jamay. This was a very pivotal time for my brand, and I was fortunate to have a strong support system. They believed in my vision when very few people did. Rather it was helping me at a photoshoot or making a purchase; it definitely motivated me to keep going. A few years later, I met a very talented person by the name of Pauly who helped me with marketing strategy, being a season ahead, collections, creating content, packaging, and more. Above all, I have to give credit to God. Without him, I would not be able to do this. To say this journey been tough is an understatement. However, by keeping him first, leaning on to him and not to my own understanding has transcended my business to new heights.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.1921movement.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1921movement/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/1921movement
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzoAcYvig0o
