Today we’d like to introduce you to Martel Gainous.
Martel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
This all started with my love for vintage clothing in high school and the 90’s. I kept dressing in college and where I went to school, it was very different from everyone else. Many of my peers began to ask me where I get my clothes and things from but I’d do most of my vintage shopping in Texas and so my peers in Louisiana couldn’t get to it. Well, my closet began to get very cluttered so I thought I my why not do a little garage sale and just sell some of these clothes.
Well, I pondered on it for some months, then the pandemic came and to be honest, I started to lose money because I couldn’t work. I needed some money so it pushed my to want to sale some of my clothes and we’ll I decided to get a logo made and start a Instagram just for a little money. The night I started the Instagram and posted it on my main account, I had told everyone that I’d post the first item once I reach “300” followers and by the next day I had all 300. So I saw how much it sparked people’s attention. I started selling more and more and now in the first six months, I have over 2000 followers with a website and everything made. I’ve learned a lot and it hasn’t all been easy but it’s what I love so it’s always natural.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been pretty smooth for the most part, I think the hardest part was the fact I was in my last semester of college while starting the business so a lot of my time was occupied.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Fresh Prince Vintage?
I started this by myself and have learned everything pretty on my own. I just graduated in business marketing at southern University. I’m known for being well dressed, well active on social media platforms such as Tik Tok and Instagram and always having a 90s feel to everything I do. I think what sets me apart from others is that I don’t just sale clothes. I live it, wear it, promote it, and it it’s always been natural for me since a kid. I care about every customer that I come in contact with and always hope to build long term relationship. I am most proud of how much it has grown and how well known the brand and name is becoming. Being able to walk in places and and people walk up to you about your brand is by far the greatest feeling ever. I want to push this so hard and really takeover the scene but with not just selling vintage clothes but being a creator while doing vintage. I would like people to know that I ship anywhere, I am starting pop up shops this year and my first one will be at dfw vintage swap in March.
What were you like growing up?
Very active kid, always playing sports and loud, I always loved basketball and dressing nice and 1990s music, tv, shows, clothing style and movies
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.Freshprincevintage.com
- Instagram: @Freshprince.vtg
Image Credits
Adam Vo Instagram: @tvadv
