1. What inspired the brand name?
The name of the brand came from being Boston based. The word "WICKED" is synonymous to the area so when bouncing around names for the brand that was the one that stuck and had the most meaning to me. Also as I further planned the vision of the brand being a more dark/edgy streetwear styled brand the word "WICKED" fit perfectly.
2. At what moment did you realize you wanted to start a brand?
It was my sophomore year in college, I just switched out of engineering and into business operations and was continually thinking of something I was passionate about that I could turn into a business. That's when "WICKED" was born.
3. What helps you get over creative blocks?
Creative blocks can definitely be tough sometimes but for me I always try to be on the lookout for new ideas and new methods of how to do things or things that i want to accomplish. Inspirations come in so many different forms, I just try to stay ahead of my collections and have things planned out months in advance so on the times between collections I can search for new ideas and ways to help the brand grow.
4. What is the biggest mistake you have made?
You need to make mistakes to be successful so I wouldn't take anything back I'd say just being so trusting of people. Weather it be people that wanted to promote the brand or create content for the brand and then never came through with their word. That's definitely something that was a mistake on my part in the beginning of the brand.
5. What is the biggest success you have had?
My biggest success to date would probably have to be getting Chris Brown to rock the brand during his Party Tour and not only have him wear it but get great feedback from him and hearing how much he really likes the brand. It motivates me to keep grinding even harder.
6. Favorite color to use?
Favorite color to use would definitely have to be black. I know thats probably a bland answer but you can literally do anything you want to do with a black piece.
7. A source of inspiration people may find weird?
This question was tough honestly, I don't really know I grab inspirations from so many different things.
8. Another Brand that inspires you and why?
Many of the big brands inspire me. The Off-White, Stampd, Daniel Patrick, FOG, and others but I'd have to say the brand Menace from LA is a big inspiration to me. I think its because I can just relate a lot to the owner (Steven Mena) and his vision for his brand kind of intertwines with mine. Menace is way farther along then WICKED but I look to it for inspiration to keep grinding to get to that level someday.
9. Where do you see yourself and the brand in 1 year and 5 years?
In 1 year I hope to just be a more professional well rounded brand than I already am now. Success doesnt come overnight and I know that but I'm confident that if I can keep growing the brand at the rate that its going right now I'll hopefully be where I want to be at in 5 years. Which would be in retail stores like BDGA in Boston and others around the country like it, be able to do this full time for myself, and travel trade shows and other things to grow the brand and really be able to commit 100% of myself to the brand.
10. In 5 words or less describe your brand
Simple, Quality, Dark, Streetwear
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