Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shmuie . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Shmuie, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Building my business was the way I developed my confidence and self-esteem. When I was younger, I was a relatively shy kid who enjoyed staying at home and playing video games. However, to build my brand, I was forced to leave my room and start talking and meeting all different kinds of people. Meeting people through the brand (famous or not) gave me the confidence to speak to anyone. I ultimately started to grow out of my shell to become who I am today.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Shmuie, a cutting-edge clothing brand rooted in the vibrant city of New York, has not only captivated the boots on ground street fashion scene but has also extended its influence across the globe with a strong presence in Tokyo, Japan. The brand seamlessly fuses the essence of New York and the avant-garde style of Tokyo, creating a distinctive and upscale modern contemporary streetwear aesthetic.
Shmuie’s dedication to creating seasonless clothing speaks to a desire for a wardrobe that transcends the boundaries of trends, allowing individuals to curate a collection that seamlessly transitions between seasons and years. The brand’s garments are characterized by their adaptability, offering a timeless allure that remains fresh and relevant, regardless of the ever-shifting currents of fashion.
The commitment to timeless design also aligns with Shmuie’s sustainability ethos. By encouraging a slower approach to fashion consumption, the brand advocates for mindful and intentional purchases that contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly industry. Shmuie’s garments are not just fashion statements; they are investment pieces that endure, both in style and environmental impact.
In a world inundated with fast fashion, Shmuie stands as a beacon of thoughtful design, creating a narrative of enduring style that defies seasonal trends. The brand invites individuals to embrace a more timeless and sustainable approach to fashion, where each garment becomes a cherished piece, transcending the boundaries of time and fashion cycles.
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?
Three skills that are important when creating a clothing brand are having a hard work ethic, building a network of like-minded people, and learning how actually to design clothing.
The best advice I can give to a creative embarking on their fashion journey is to be prepared to mess up a lot and to keep getting back up. This world will always try and tear you down, but it’s essential to build your resilience and keep it pushing. Be your number #1 fan, and believe in your dream so much that you know everything will work out in the end.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
When it comes to collaborations, I like to do things that feel natural. I want to collaborate with my entire network. I love working with my friends; my whole team is built of my friends. My graphic design team is all my closest friends. My ads manager is my close friend Dan, and my lawyer is my Fortnite duo, lol. My friend Josh manages the customer support email, and he gets paid in Chicken Bowls from our favorite restaurant. I like to put all my people in positions in the brand because they become a genuine part of it. When the brand becomes big, I want it to feel like a giant family. We are all growing together, and I want to keep it within the family.
When it comes to big brand collaborations, there are a few brands I can think of off the top of my head I would love to work with. I want to work with Reebok, Fubu, and BB Simons.
It’s such a wild mix, but I know with each collaboration, we could make some shit shake lol.
My favorite shoe is the Reebok Club C, and I was introduced to it by my friends in my first semester of college in 2020. Whenever I see that shoe, it gives me a warm feeling. Those friends I made at Kent State gave me the confidence to start designing.
Fubu would be an insane collaboration because of the brand’s history and what it means in streetwear culture. I know we could create the best pieces together and throw a crazy event in New York that would be historical for the kids.
When it comes to BB Simon, I was a huge fan of BB in high school, and I have so many crazy ideas for belts. I love how BB works with so many brands and creatives that it could happen one day.
Contact Info:
- Website: shmuie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shmuie/
Image Credits
David Binyatov Christain Tolentino Luis Hypes