Today we’d like to introduce you to TaMar Hicks.
TaMar, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Well basically, trial and error is what has gotten me this far, for sure. I’ve actually made a lot of mistakes to get to where I am today. I started getting into the fashion industry by customizing shoes in college. I’ve always been a creative person, so once I taught myself how to paint on shoes I took that and ran with it. I would always test a new method on my own shoes before using it on someone else’s and my friends would help me out by donating their old shoes to me too. After business started taking off, I realized I wanted to do more. I felt limited by just painting shoes. I wanted my own shoe line. I wanted clothing. I wanted all of that, so I did it. I started investing my money in customizing clothing and manufacturing shoes and wasted a lot of money too, but you live, learn, and push forward. I put customizing shoes on the back burner and began to focus on my brand, TaMar Currian. I’m inspired by Italian designers and I love Gucci, but I want to be better than Gucci.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Not at all, if I said it was smooth I’d be selling y’all dreams. As far as myself, I really didn’t have anybody who had done this before so I had to teach myself everything, and I mean everything. From manufacturing to how the system works – there’s a really good book called “How Shoes Are Made” on Amazon for like $40 if you’re interested. I researched a lot about the fashion industry. Believe it or not, I learned a lot from talking to manufacturers in China as well; the language barrier made that a little hard at first but I figured it out eventually. It also didn’t take me long to understand that those you think are supporting your goals are not. One thing I’ve come to realize is that you make way more money from the people you don’t know versus the people that you do. All your friends want free stuff, but giving away free stuff doesn’t get you to the next step, and then when you say no it’s a problem. That’s not true for everybody though, just most of them. I think a lot of people would just rather have material things that they can show off and brag about how much money they’ve spent on it versus supporting small businesses. Don’t get me wrong though, I do have some ride or die supporters for sure and I love them. They have played a big part in my journey thus far and I couldn’t have done it without them.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Oh, now we’re on the fun stuff. My company is all about being positive. If you know me, you know that I am the most nonchalant person you will ever meet. One thing I thrive on is that in any situation, there’s going to be a positive outcome. There is always light at the end of the tunnel, so why stress about what is happening now? I’m happy about what is to come. I ain’t worried about the bad things currently going on in my life right now. It’s not easy to be that way all the time though. A lot of times, I mentally talk to myself and remind myself that the present situation won’t determine my future outcome. With all that being said, I built my clothing company around just that and that is where I came up with the slogan “Bleed Positivity.” Additionally, my logo is a cloud, shaped in the form of the number 9 to depict cloud nine – for those that don’t know, cloud nine just means a state of euphoria. Anyhow, I sell shirts, sweatsuits, backpacks, fanny packs, dad hats, and shoes. My Fall/Winter collection will include some more jackets, and thats slated to release at the end of October. I’m currently revamping my arsenal of products right now, thats why there is so little on the website as of today — www.TaMarCurrian.com.
What were you like growing up?
I’m a middle child, does that answer your question? [Laughs] But in all seriousness, I was the same person today as I was back then. I’ve always been creative and wanting to do things on my own. I loved art class and even won 1st place at District in the 7th grade with a self-portrait. Shout out to Danny Jones Middle School, Selena Gomez isn’t going to be the only famous person from there! Anyway, the only thing that has changed from then to now is my confidence. If I could go back and tell my younger self anything, it would be to stop worrying, get out your comfort zone and do it. Nowadays, if I feel like I can do it, I’m going to do it. On the other end, if I feel like I can’t do it, I’m still going to do it because ain’t no way I’m going to let somebody, including myself, tell me I can’t do something.
Pricing:
- Shirts range from $20 – $30
- Backpacks are $55
- Fanny Packs are $30
- Shorts and Swim Trunks are $35
- Dad Hats are $24
- Sneakers are $100 but are out of stock currently
Contact Info:
- Website: www.TaMarCurrian.com
- Email: info@tamarcurrian.com
- Instagram: @ShopCurrian
- Facebook: @ShopCurrian
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