Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashkan (Ash) Aminian
Hi Ashkan (Ash), so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started out DJing in college doing frat parties and house parties. The few first few gigs I got outside of college were at hookah lounges where I would play for 5 hours each night I was at the hookah lounge. I started to go out to clubs to meet promoters and managers so I could get my name out there. As I got better at my craft, I started to get more bookings and started to meet so many people from different backgrounds. I’ve worked with and opened up for many artists both on the hip hop side and the electronic dance music side. Throughout all of this I was always into streetwear and shoes as my wardrobe started to change as I was DJing more. The thought of starting a clothing brand didn’t occur until about 2022. It was always an idea. I finally decided to pull the trigger on that idea in March of 2024 where I came up with the name, the concept and the message behind the brand. I recently dropped my first ever drop in July of 2024 and sold out within a little over a month.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting a business is never a smooth road. You have to be dedicated and passionate about whatever it is you do. Staying consistent and true to yourself throughout the entire process is key. For my clothing brand, the struggles were mostly the knowledge that I didn’t have such as creating a website or how to use programs to design. I always asked questions to those that I knew in the space that had their own brands and self taught how to do everything. It ties back to being dedicated and passionate. You can’t half ass something and expect to get to where you want to get to. I also didn’t rush this process as I wanted to get it right the first time.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently I am a full time DJ in the city of Dallas. I also do some real estate off to the side. I’ve done it all when it comes to the DJing world. I’ve done shows with rappers, charity events, private events, weddings, frat parties, edm shows, festivals. You name it, I have done it. I’m mostly proud of how consistent I have been while DJing for the 10+ years I’ve been at it. It takes a lot of mental power and patience to keep DJing in the nightlife. You have to keep it fresh and adapt to music that is always changing in order to stay relevant as a local DJ. Something that deserves a mention as well from what I’m proud of is deciding to take that risk of starting a clothing brand not knowing if it would be a success or not. You never know unless you don’t try something right? What sets me a part from others is that I am not afraid to take risks even if it means I am down a lot of money. It’s a financial risk as well because starting a business, most of the time, costs money and if I am 100% sure about something then it’s worth the risk for me. You have to start somewhere.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The streetwear scene and fashion scene is always changing. Trends come and go and so it’s important to stay on top of what is on trend and what people are wearing. Afters only will always be my brand and my designs. I want to keep it as authentic as possible. There will definitely be a lot of trend changes within the next 5-10 years and in order for a clothing brand to survive, it has to be kept fresh. Being consistent with uploading content, interacting with your followers and going the extra mile with everything for a clothing brand is crucial so that way you’re always in peoples feeds.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aftersonly.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aftersonly.co/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Afters-only/61557603822917/
- Twitter: https://x.com/aftersonly
Image Credits
Calisto Productions
