We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tony James a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tony, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Growing up biracial, with a black father and white mother, my journey to confidence began amidst the racial prejudices of a perplexed world. Observing the reactions and gestures directed at my white mother as she navigated the complexities of being in a community with mixed-race children, I witnessed her unwavering confidence and willingness to speak out against negativity. Her resilience in the face of adversity instilled in me a sense of pride and self-assurance.
Raised primarily by my single black father, I witnessed firsthand his defiance of social norms and stereotypes. Fearlessly embracing his identity and his love for us, his children, without reservation or shame, he became my role model. His unapologetic authenticity and unconditional love fostered within me a deep sense of acceptance and confidence in my biracial identity, as well as a profound appreciation for my blackness and culture.
Additionally, from a young age, my confidence took root, despite my mother’s absence for much of my life. Whenever she had the chance, she poured positivity into me, emphasizing my worth and beauty. Celebrating even my smallest accomplishments, she instilled in me a sense of value and drive for achievement, perhaps in pursuit of her praise. Through her words, I learned to perceive myself as special, beautiful, talented, and capable.
Meanwhile, my father, a single parent raising four children, became my beacon of confidence. Observing his demeanor in every life situation, regardless of the setting or circumstances, left an indelible impression on me. Exuding a steadfast belief in himself and his worth, he inspired me to aspire to his level of self-assurance. His tales of courage and determination fueled my desire to emulate his unwavering confidence.
Consistently urging me not to succumb to fear, my father reminded me that yielding to it would render me lifeless. This admonition propelled me to confront challenges boldly, refusing to let fear dictate my decisions. As a result, I learned to navigate life with confidence, leaving no room for fear in my journey.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am the Founder and Designer of Throne of Grace Clothing and Phoenix Fashion Weeks 2024 ‘Designer of the Year’. Our headquarters is in Phoenix, Arizona. At TOG, we specialize in crafting Unapologetic Streetwear for Faith-Driven Visionaries. Our focus lies in curating fashion-forward, faith-based garments and accessories for both men and women, ensuring a diverse range of options for our community.
The genesis of TOG stems from a deeper purpose and conviction. We believe in fashion as a powerful medium for self-expression and community. Our mission is to merge the worlds of streetwear and faith, providing a platform for individuals to boldly showcase their beliefs and values through their attire.
Driven by a desire to inspire and empower others, TOG represents more than just a clothing brand—it’s a movement. We aim to challenge conventional norms and redefine what it means to integrate faith into everyday style. With each garment and accessory, we strive to spark conversations, foster connections, and ultimately, spread the message of God’s grace and love.
As a child, I developed a profound love for fashion, knowing it was a path I wanted to pursue. Little did I anticipate that this passion would become intertwined with my Christian faith. The genesis of my clothing line lies in this lifelong affection for fashion and my pursuit of a formal fashion education. Despite my efforts, I seemed to struggle to break through, suspecting that my desire for personal acclaim eclipsed my true purpose. Consequently, I veered off course and embarked on a career as a hairstylist.
It wasn’t until I found solace in my faith that my fervor for fashion reignited, but with a significant shift in focus. Rather than seeking personal admiration, I felt compelled to utilize fashion as a conduit to glorify God, directing the spotlight towards the ultimate Creator.
Naming my brand presented a formidable challenge. I sought a name that exuded resonance, fostered community, and resonated with my mission. As a newfound believer, a particular scripture, Hebrew 4:16, held profound significance for me, serving as a source of solace and a reminder of God’s boundless grace and love.
Engaging in fervent prayer, I beseeched God for divine guidance in christening my brand. One day, while seeking comfort from that same drawer where the scripture resided, the phrase “Throne of Grace” leaped out at me with newfound clarity. It was as if it had been waiting to be discovered all along. In that moment, I discerned that this was the name I had been searching for, and I never wavered in my decision. Realizing the transformative impact this scripture had on my personal journey, I was convinced of its potential to touch the lives of countless others.
Hence, Throne of Grace Clothing emerged, dedicated to crafting Unapologetic Streetwear for Faith-Driven Visionaries.
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 most critical skills or qualities I would advise others to pursue when starting a clothing line, which I wish I had known from the beginning, are:
1. Mastering the Art of Storytelling: Recognizing the importance of conveying your brand’s narrative—why you established the brand, its significance, and its origins. Effectively communicating your brand story helps in cultivating a community of supporters who resonate with your vision. People around the world are eager to hear your story, as it could inspire and resonate deeply with them.
2. Consistency is Key: Consistently showing up for yourself and your community is essential. Through consistency, you will experience growth in various aspects—creativity flourishes, support expands, and opportunities arise that can elevate your idea or brand to new heights. Consistency fosters trust and reliability, vital components in building a thriving clothing line.
3. Embracing Failure: Failure is intimidating for everyone, but it is in those moments of setback that you truly discover yourself as a person, designer, or creator. Embracing failure provides invaluable insights and growth in the discomfort of setbacks. You’ll unearth innovative ways to create, enhance business practices, and, most importantly, cultivate the resilience necessary to navigate the fashion industry or any business endeavor. Don’t fear rejection or appearing insignificant to others; instead, cherish every step of your journey and find beauty in the lessons learned from failure.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
The individual most pivotal and supportive in helping me navigate challenges and develop the essential skills, qualities, or knowledge needed for success is undoubtedly Stephanie James, my wife. While I may be the face of Throne of Grace as its founder and designer, Stephanie plays a vital role behind the scenes, creating the space for me to be the creative dreamer I aspire to be. Simultaneously, she takes charge of the day-to-day operations of the business.
Stephanie’s impact on TOG is immeasurable. She’s proactive in growing the business, infusing creativity, and fostering our community. With grace, she orchestrates pop-up shops, organizes TOG events, engages with potential partners, and represents TOG at fashion gatherings as the radiant counterpart of Throne of Grace Clothing. Her steadfast support and commitment have propelled TOG’s growth and success, and I’m deeply thankful for her role in my life and our collective path.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://togclothing.com
- Instagram: throneofgraceclothing
- Facebook: [email protected]
- Linkedin: [email protected]
- Twitter: [email protected]
- Youtube: [email protected]
- Yelp: [email protected]
- Soundcloud: [email protected]
Image Credits
Ashley Hathaway
Claudia Serrato
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