Today we’d like to introduce you to Derrick Bass.
Derrick, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My name is Derrick Bass, and I was born in Chicago, IL. I am an educator by day and a creative by night. I work full time as an educator at a Charter School in Third Ward, Houston, Texas. I have been in education for 11 years. I am the founder of a non-profit and a clothing brand. As a child, my parents instilled a sense of fashion in me with my Sunday suits and everyday outfits. I carried that passion into my adulthood as I have a love for sneakers and urban wear. The Opulent Brand was birthed in 2015. The Opulent Brand provides opportunities to youth from underserved communities through fashion. We use our clothes to breakdown educational and social barriers, as a portion of all of our proceeds goes to the organization that serves under-resourced communities. We have donated to local Charter Schools, students for PROM needs, Hurricane Harvey victims and many more.
Our brand will continue to provide the market with high quality products to ensure we fulfill our mission of giving back to the community. We can be found on Instagram at @theopulentbrand and on Facebook at The Opulent Brand! We are Rich! We are Superior in Quality! We are Opulent!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being a full-time educator and entrepreneur has its challenges. My day typically starts at 4:30 am and ends around 5:30 – 6:00. As an urban educator, no two days are the same. So it is hard finding the energy and time to put towards my brand. I typically try to use the weekends to do my branding work, but I am also apart of some auxiliary programs in Houston, such as the 100 Black Men and Houston Black Leadership Institute.
So my biggest challenge has been balanced. The balance of my entrepreneurship aspiration and my professional aspirations As you can see, our brand’s tagline is Rich and Superior in Quality. I want to ensure that everything I do is Rich and Superior in Quality.
The Opulent Brand – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The Opulent Brand is an urban clothing brand that operates on an e-commerce platform (www.theopulentbrand.com). We specialize in tee-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, and jackets. I am most proud of our brand’s ability to produce products that are versatile and have a meaning behind it. From our Signature Design to our Be Dope collection, every piece means something to our consumer.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I personally define success by the impact you have on people and the legacy you leave. Too many people define success by the financial markers, and I think it is bigger than money, and it is more about the impact.
Pricing:
- Hoodies – $60
- Tee- Shirts -$40
- Dad Hats – $35
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theopulentbrand.com
- Email: info@theopulentbrand.com
- Instagram: @theopulentbrand
- Facebook: The Opulent Brand
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