Meet C.j. Harris

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful C.j. Harris a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

C.J., looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic was deeply influenced by my parents. Watching them demonstrate resilience in overcoming various challenges, such as launching and managing their own restaurant and trucking company, taught me what it takes to run a business. This inspired me to pursue an entrepreneurial path. Additionally, my lifelong experience as an athlete—from being overlooked to earning recognition—sharpened my skills and fueled my drive to prove doubters wrong. This mindset has made me unafraid of rejection, focusing instead on maintaining a strong work ethic and relentlessly pursuing the goals I set for myself, concentrating on what I can control.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Art Apparel is more than just a streetwear clothing brand; it’s a community for artists. What sets my brand apart is the belief that “everyone is a masterpiece in their own way. The art is not the brand, but the person.” This quote forms the foundation of Art Apparel, capturing the essence of what we stand for. I view art uniquely and abstractly, seeing everything and everyone as a form of art in their own way. It’s not about what you wear but how you wear it. The inspiration for this brand came from the people around me, and I see art as a symbol of growth, creativity, and originality. Our mission is to inspire others to express their true art while doing what they love. Art Apparel is a lifestyle, aiming to encourage as many people as possible to embrace and showcase their unique art. So, as you create art, wear it.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three key attributes that have shaped my journey are creativity, growth, and originality. Creativity has enabled me to think outside the box, opening doors that might have remained closed if I hadn’t pushed my brand into uncharted territory. Growth has driven me to set and pursue goals, ensuring I never become complacent with where I am. Originality is the foundation of longevity; copying other brands prevents the expression of unique art and the revelation of one’s true self to the world.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

Those who know me often describe me as an old soul. I deeply value simplicity, particularly the concept of focusing on what I can control. This belief guides my approach to life, helping me avoid overthinking and prevent physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual burnout. I strive to maintain a well-rounded balance without becoming overwhelmed or overstimulated.

Art Apparel serves as a personal outlet, providing me with peace, calmness, and a sense of confidence and control in my daily life. This connection aligns perfectly with the mission of Art Apparel: by engaging in what you love and staying true to yourself, you can lead a more authentic and joyful life. Through my brand, I aim to inspire others to embrace this philosophy, fostering a community where creativity and self-expression flourish.

Contact Info:

• Website: art apparel.shop/
• Instagram: Art Apparel___
• Other: tik tok: Art Apparel_

Image Credits

ART APPAREL COMMUNITY