Today we’d like to introduce you to DaRon Williams.
Hi DaRon, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Da’Ron Williams, a.k.a Bobby/Bob E. I’m from the small town of Labadieville (Lab-buh-dee-ville), LA. In South Louisiana, there’s nothing to offer besides good people, good food, and good football. Football was my life up until I decided to walk away from the sport for good in 2020 at the age of 22. I played collegiately at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (which is where I was given the nickname Bobby), and upon making that decision to walk away, my life changed. It was at ULL where I discovered my love for design. Thanks to one of my best friends who introduced me to something I was unaware of.
Prior to this, I was a sneaker customizer because I’ve always loved sneakers, but one day as I was looking in my closet, I noticed I had too many shoes and not enough clothes. It was then when I decided to start a clothing line. The first name I came up with failed due to much confusion amongst my customers, so I decided to do a rebranding (which I ended up doing again). In 2021, I challenged myself to not buy another person’s clothes, and that forced me to dive deep into my creativity. From there, I had to create a brand name, so I just created a list of whatever came to mind. I wrote down the word “core,” and I couldn’t stop thinking about that one. It was due to the fact of how my dad and coaches growing up expressed the importance of your core. Everything you do physically leads back to your core. And everything you do morally leads back to your heart, which also correlates with your core. The stronger your core is, the stronger you are. I decided to drop the “e” and add a macron over the “o.” Cōr which means ” the central, innermost, or essential part of anything.” The original logo for Cōr was a redesigned atom. The nucleus was a heart, while the electron shield was bones mimicking a rib cage. When I first explain this to people, their jaws drop because of the meaning and thought process of it, which I believe makes my brand stand out.
On August 7, 2021, I dropped my first collection, “Definition. ” This drop consisted of two shirts with my logo and the definition behind it to help customers understand the meaning behind the brand. I then did my second release on campus at my first pop-up shop. I introduced 3 new designs for Halloween while also giving out sneak peaks for what was to come. It was this day that I knew I could take this brand far. I sold over 90% of my new inventory in just 3 hours. I was astonished. I even sold a few 1 of 1 samples for much higher prices. That’s when I realized that to the right person, the price is never too high.
Spring of 2022, I took a step away from my brand due to personal reasons. I had dropped out of school and all. I was trying to figure life out and what was next for me. I ended up going back to school in the summer to finish my degree.
Fall 2022, I did my final rebranding, and I went from Cōr Clothing Brand to Cōr Studios. The main reason I did that was because I didn’t want to limit myself to just clothing. I felt as if my original brand name was a bit cliche. I had one release during the fall, and I ended up graduating that December from my alma mater.
It was at this moment I battled with my own thoughts because I didn’t know what was next. I contemplated on whether I should go to grad school, the military, or fashion design school. After months of feedback from others and constant prayer. I decided to take the leap of faith and move to Dallas in May of 2023 to pursue my career as fashion designer. My main reason behind that was because I don’t want to be just another streetwear brand; I wanted to take my clothing brand to the next level. And that’s where I am today. I’m wrapping up my first trimester at Wade College in Dallas.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, the road has not been smooth at all. I’m a one-man team. I design all my gear, I source everything, I do my own marketing, I do my own photography, I designed my own website (www.corbybobe.com). I pretty much do everything besides make the clothing itself, which I even sometimes do.
Some of the struggles was me trying to be a full-time student, a full-time worker, and a business owner all in one early on in my career. Another problem is communication with vendors and manufactures. It isn’t always a smooth transaction. I’ve also had to postpone a few releases due to local print shops who delayed my orders. Then there’s also the financial aspect. As a young college kid, we don’t have any real money, and 99% of the time, you’re financially illiterate. So, getting over that hump was one of the hardest, if not the hardest, struggle I encountered.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Cōr Studios?
Cōr Studios is a local streetwear brand relocated from Louisiana. I’m known by my customers as “the brand that doesn’t just slap a logo on a shirt and calls it a brand”. I’m also known for the quality of my apparel. My quality and brand identity sets me apart from others. I’m most proud of how far this brand has come, even though it’s still in its early stages. I’ve pretty much sold out of every release I’ve ever done. My brand is more than just a brand. I designed it so that my customers can be one within their clothing. You don’t have to be afraid of who you are because at the end of the day, we’re all the same deep within. Let your Cōr values speak loudest about you. My goal is to offer luxury streetwear to our customers. I also offer custom clothing to meet your needs, whether that’s a one-of-one shirt, shorts, jacket, hoodie, pants, hat, sneakers. You name, and I’ll try my best to meet your wants and needs.
What do you think about happiness?
Seeing other people in my clothing makes me happy. Knowing that people, especially strangers, think that something I created is dope will always have a special place in my heart.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.corbybobe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corstudios_/
