Screen Shot: Tensaga

City Based: Vancouver

What inspired the brand name?

Coming up with a name was super hard at first, all the names I wanted were already taken on social media. So I wanted to create a brand new word that that was taken anywhere and avoid any potential trademark issues. The name Tensaga was inspired by a legendary sword from an anime called Inuyasha. Since my brand’s designs were going to be anime-inspired, I thought it was fitting.

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

I got into streetwear while in high school. I was growing up with Supreme, Stussy, and The Hundreds. After looking for into their history I loved how these brands started out with regular guys and that’s when I kind of got the idea to try to start my own brand. I took the business in university and learn all the basics of running a business. I found that there was a gap in the market for affordable Japanese style streetwear. Everything was too expensive for Canadians from American sites after currency conversion and shipping. In senior year, I knew I had the skills to make my own, after some quick research I found that there was a lot of small screen printing business in Vancouver. After a few phone calls with manufacturers, working with contractors, and getting some advice from Reddit, I was ready to dive in.

What helps you get over creative blocks?

When I’m in a creative slump, I look at the current style trends, and how I can find a relate to my brand with a creative spin. I look at Pinterest boards and see what the other bigger streetwear brands in my niche are posting. Once I have a sketch or early design concept done, I simply collect feedback from my followers and friends by posting them in my stories.

What is the biggest mistake you have made?

I took pre-orders before I got the samples. The white embroidery didn’t show up on lighter colors like yellow and grey. I had to refund people’s purchases so I lost a lot of money, but I learned a valuable lesson.

What is the biggest success you have had?

My dragon design was definitely my most successful release. It got over 1.1 k upvotes on the streetwear startup reddit, and hit the explore page on Instagram. That was when I knew I designed something special since none of my previous releases got close to the type of hype this got. So I threw money into boosting the post and it started getting international traction. The cool thing was, I got an email from British Gq shortly after for the opportunity of renting Ad space in their December 2020 Issue. This further pushed my international exposure.

A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION PEOPLE MAY FIND WEIRD?

I knew that Instagram was going to be the main source of traffic, so I looked at the top Vancouver brands and how they are posting. One brand’s strategy I really liked was from vitaeapparel, another Vancouver startup brand. 90% of their feed is pics from customers posting their own photos. In my opinion, this (user-generated content) is the strongest selling point any e-commerce brand can use. This social proof shows that real local people that you might know are actually buying this product. Too many brands care too much about their aesthetic of their feed. They only post professional-looking photoshoots that I feel are too posed and edited. They just don’t look like the average person. I like to show that Tensaga is a community of REAL people who wear my stuff.

Favorite color to use?

Black. Since my designs are printed in all white, it has the best contrast to show off the details.

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

Just local shops maybe. Nothing planned right now. I like that I have complete control over my sales. That way I get to know each and every person who buys from me.

ANOTHER BRAND THAT INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?

The Hundreds and is what got me into streetwear. That big comic-book full graphic back style is what I liked.
My designs are heavily influenced by the same style but more anime-like. That’s why my designs are based on iconic shows that my audience grew up with and know like Dragon ball Z and Gundam.

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

The goal for this year is to improve on raising awareness within Vancouver, which is what I am interested in reaching out to blogs, local publications, and local influencers. I’m already on the front page of google for the “Vancouver Streetwear” keyword but a lot of people still don’t know about the brand.

I also am looking into cut and sew manufacturers and more bulk production methods as I want to really level up my quality next year.

In 5 years hopefully, I am a well-known Canadian Brand and in a bunch of smaller retailers across the country. I would also like to help other young people start up their own brand. Right now I am working on a blog or free digital course that has all the information in ONE place. That was something I struggled with when starting up. All the info is out there, it’s just super time-consuming finding resources and information about stuff like all different screen-printing methods, best blanks to print on, best wholesalers to work with etc.

IN 5 WORDS OR LESS DESCRIBE YOUR BRAND?

Stands out and turns heads