Today we’d like to introduce you to Des Ward.
Hello Des Ward, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
In 2010 we, (Darryl, Mike, and myself) decided to start a brand called SWIF (Say What I Feel) Life Clothing. We created it not only to be a clothing brand but to me a movement and way of life. We all feel that if “say what you feel” there will be less confusion in life.
We each are from different states, Darryl from California, Mike from South Carolina, and myself from Texas. We became not only friends but teammates and frat brothers while at an HBCU in South Carolina named Voorhees College, soon to be Voorhees University. We each graduated in 2004.
We have somewhat evolved into creating clothing mainly shirts that start conversations that ultimately lead to people saying what they feel.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road for us as I’m sure is the case for many other brands. There will always be obstacles to overcome. I think one of our biggest struggles is us being in different states/locations in different time zones. Just imagine trying to find a good time to discuss plans, designs, etc with business partners that are also husbands, dads, etc, and are in different time zones. So, someone either has get up early or stay up late, but we find a way to make it work. Another struggle is splitting up different duties as it pertains to sending out orders, etc. Each person has inventory and some have more of some items than others, so we have to figure out who has what and who is sending which order or do we have the split the order.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about SWIF (Say What I Feel) Life Clothing?
SWIF (Say What I Feel) Life Clothing is not only a clothing brand it is a movement and way of life. We are known for making great quality products and shirts that start conversations. If you are wearing one of our shirts, be prepared to get some type of reaction whether it be a comment, a question, etc.
We are a black-owned brand that was founded by 3 HBCU graduates and members of the great Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. We offer different clothing items, ranging from shirts, hoodies, and hats.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Don’t quit! That would probably be the best advice for anyone. Be prepared for delays because those will most definitely happen.
Contact Info:
- Email: Swiflife2010@yahoo.com
- Website: www.saywhatifeel.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/swiflifeclothing
