Screen Shot: Flight 94

City Based: St. Louis, MO

What inspired the brand name?

My brands name was inspired by growing up and always being ambitious/outgoing with everything that I did. Coming from a city where there are a lot of dreamers but not a lot of ppl make it made me want to take flight and do more than just dream. I actually want to become very successful from doing what I love. 94’ came from the year I was born. It was going to be another number at first but my mom asked me “ why don’t you just make it 94 for the year you were born?” . I thought about it for a while and eventually changed it to 94 before I started looking up ways to get started. My partner at the time was also born in 1994 so it worked out.

At what moment did you realize you wanted to start a brand?

I was around 16 years old when I realized that this is what I wanted to do. I started to think about what I wanted to with my life after school a lot around that time. I knew I loved drawing and I loved fashion but I never thought I could create a brand from scratch while only being 16. I tried to draw shoes for Nike but found out that it was hard to submit your shoes. I tried to create a manga with my best friend at the time but stopped before it was finished. After my uncles death I moved to Chicago and had the vision of my brand then. From then on I knew I wanted to create my own clothing brand.

What helps you get over creative blocks?

Traveling, going outside to clear my head, watching old movies, drawing things other than clothes, and talking to my girlfriend or others who are close to me.

What is the biggest mistake you have made?

I allowed myself to give up because things weren’t going well in the beginning. I wasn’t paying myself and investing the rest into my brand like I should have but I loved interacting with customers or people who loved my brand. Then once I got into stores, I felt like everything was going fast and I still wanted to learn before I took the next step. I became stagnant and took a break from my brand just when things were getting good.

What is the biggest success you have had?

Having people that purchased pieces from 3-4 years ago still wear them and contact me to let me know that they love my brand. I also think the biggest success I had so far is being on the local news for my brand.

A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION PEOPLE MAY FIND WEIRD?

Probably driving in the richer neighborhoods. To some its just a neighborhood but to me it’s me looking towards the future. I do that when I really need motivation and the inspiration. I know life isn’t all about money but being around people that actually have money let’s me know that there’s more to life than struggling. When you pray,work hard, and work smart you can get to where you want to be life.

Favorite color to use?

Black. I moved to lighter colors recently but I feel like black clothes will never go out of style.

ARE THERE ANY RETAIL SHOPS YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU BRAND IN?

I want to be in stores all over the world. Whether they are big or small. I really want to be in Kith, 424 on fairfax, Dover street market, and even RSVP Gallery.

ANOTHER BRAND THAT INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?

Alyx, John Elliot, cav empt, and alot of the Nike collaborations that have been releasing lately. I’m inspired by all of these brands because they stand out and are different in my eyes.

Where do you see yourself and the brand in 1 year and 5 years?

In one year I see myself in more stores in the U.S. (shoutout to CivilizationPGH in Pittsburgh), stores in Japan and Europe, in the Magic trade show, doing big interviews, having more celebs in my brand, and coming up in the conversation when talking about amazing brands such as off white.

In 5 words or less describe your brand?

Different but amazing