Screen Shot: Nippy

City Based: Atlanta, GA

What inspired the brand name?

The name came from brainstorming in my room one day. I wanted to name my brand "cool" but at the time it was a brand name Cool. Then the word Nippy came to me and the rest was history. At the time I just felt like the name was so different. Just like the brand Gucci. Like what does Gucci really mean. I believe it was just a cool word back then that the designer ran with and now no one questions what is Gucci nowadays. I am pleased with the name Nippy. It's so controversial I literally heard all the puns, corny jokes, etc. Like I remember I was doing one of my first pop up events around Atlanta. Someone came up to me and ask is Nippy short for nipples. I immediately started laughing and I informed them what it really means. But as funny or ignorant that might sound, I still get those type of questions and corny jokes til this day. I believe I may have a similar story to Gucci in the future. People use to laugh and make jokes about Gucci when they first started and now it's such a household name and your like a nobody if you haven't own or know what Gucci is. And that's my goal for Nippy !

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

It was probably around my freshman/sophomore year of college. I always was interested in fashion but at the time I just like to dress and shop. After I came up with the name. I designed a concept shirt and I sent it to a group of friends. They all gave me good feedback and I was slick shocked. So around September 2016 I finally put that concept shirt into production. I made 12 shirts on the first round. They sold pretty quick, and after that I really started studying the game on how to start a legit brand.

What helps you get over creative blocks?

Honestly, chilling with friends or just enjoying life. I feel like you can't always just work. You got to have some fun with it .

What is the biggest mistake you have made?

Ordering to much inventory in one style. Essentially when creating different products you usually go based off your instincts or your favorite color way or your favorite design. Not everyone is going to understand your vision until it's on someone famous or your receive clout from social media. It's definitely some shirts I've made I was like "dang, I should of did a smaller quantity". But since I didn't I'm sitting on plenty of shirts that's not selling. Which sucks btw.

What is the biggest success you have had?

My biggest success is having celebrities DM about getting some clothes. It's more success than that but it's always a good feeling when someone who's verified and very known likes what you doing. And for people who may read please don't take it the wrong way. I love when anyone is reaching out to tell me they love my brand and etc. but it's like just a humbling experience because I get in my head a lot and think like "damn, I'm not good enough yet" or just question the process of the journey "like what do I have to do to take my brand a step further" it's just always a feeling of I'm not good enough or not doing enough. I'm never satisfied with my brand. I feel like it's always something I can do to be better. I'm just very passionate and ready to see my hard work pay off.

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A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION PEOPLE MAY FIND WEIRD?

I wouldn't say I have a weird inspiration. I find inspiration through music, my favorite fashion designers, and childhood memories.

Favorite color to use?

That's a hard one. I don't think I can just say one color but it will have to be between red or green. I just believe those colors stand out. And there two of my favorite colors.

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

I can't say just one I really want my brand to be global. I want my brand to be in the U.K. Canada, Asia, United States etc. I want my brand to be a household name like the big designer names.

ANOTHER BRAND THAT INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?

It's really a long list but I will try to keep it short. Bape, Off White, Human Made, Prada, Ralph Lauren and Yeezy. These brands inspire me because each one of them change the way fashion is looked at. The way Nigo change streetwear is amazing to see. Each one of his designs were so different and he made it a staple. He established his own camo that is so known. Everyone knows what a bape camo hoodie or shirt looks like. I say Prada because they are always futuristic in there designs while also giving you classy vibes. Ralph Lauren is such a staple. No one says collar shirts no more it’s known as polos even if it’s not a Ralph Lauren Polo. As far as Off white and Yeezy I feel like they shaped the hype culture of fashion. They are notorious of making sold out silhouettes. If it’s a Nike off white collab it’s automatically going to sell out and resell for thousands. And the same goes for Yeezy with his Adidas collabs. I can only wish to be like these brands and becoming a staple in generations to come.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AND THE BRAND IN 1 YEAR AND 5 YEARS?

I'm looking to expand my brand globally. I want everyone around the world to see my vision and hopefully during the next years I will be getting closer to those goals. I'm looking to do more collabs with other brands. And hopefully get some household names in my brand as well.

IN 5 WORDS OR LESS DESCRIBE YOUR BRAND?

Different, Urban, Colorful, statement, Nippy