Today we’d like to introduce you to Marchello and Shannaine Eans.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always been one to stay abreast with the climate of domestic and international affairs. Recently, there has been an increase in the broadcasting of African-American people being degraded and mercilessly killed on social media and the news. One night, I came across a video in which several African-American women repeated the phrase, “I love you Black man.” To hear those words repeatedly, my heart was pierced with a feeling of appreciation. This video literally brought me to tears. From that moment on, I began to think of how the world, according to what’s shown in the news, doesn’t love Black people. A little more in-depth I thought about how Black on Black crime is rampant as well, and there’s a shortage of love among ourselves. The vision came to me to just print the simple yet so powerful phrase on a t-shirt. I envisioned Black people as walking billboards from coast to coast and worldwide sharing that love with other people who share similar struggles. The phrase is also a positive affirmation for self, where self-love is paramount. Not to be outdone, another facet is Black men and women loving one another. Black men must recognize the King in each other. Black women must celebrate royalty in each other as well. We’re confronting the self-hatred within our community by reclaiming and proclaiming love publicly and unashamedly. This display of love is what we pass down to the coming generations.
Has it been a smooth road?
In the beginning, it started off slowly but gradually progressed. Some people thought the message carried a separatist vibe. Others have been offended when in the presence of my family wearing the shirts. When in the midst of Black people who appreciate our history and struggle, the response has been like a family reunion! Generally, before allowing someone to purchase, I ask them to interpret the message. This is where the wealth lies, in the dialogue. During conversation, I see tears shed, men and women empowered, chests puffed up and a sense of self-worth and value displayed. We took a trip down to the 25th Essence Festival in New Orleans recently and the cameras were flashing everywhere. My children said they felt like celebrities. At this moment, I teared up again because I came to a realization that we want to love on one another as Black people, we’re just caught up in this facade of bougie. We’ve shipped out shirts from Hollywood to Brooklyn and various places in between. A new picture pops up on our feed daily and it’s refreshing for us to see the love being spread abroad.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My wife and I have a background in fashion and image consulting. Years ago, we started an underground grunge clothing line called Crying Tears. We ran the streets of New York pushing this line to the masses. This was a clothing line which shared the gospel of Jesus Christ in a non-traditional manner. We took a hiatus and began building our family. Fast forward some years later, we’ve returned to our first love, sharing a message with the world. We live in a world where communication takes place via t-shirts and we aim to make change through our messages shared.
What I’m most proud of is the fact that this simple message encourages others to let down their guards and love on us (Black people).
We’re a young Black family consisting of more than two parents and two children. Society would have you to believe that a Black man and woman cannot coexist in love and support a family of multiple children. What I find most is that people are mesmerized by the size of our family. The Black family portrayed in the media today seems to consist of mama and children. My wife and I come from single-parent homes and we break generational curses daily!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
This city is a fair place to begin business. The demographics is ideal for what we offer. There is a wealth of people in the DFW area who are progressive. DeSoto has been called “The New Black Wall St”, compared to the former in the early 1900s in Tulsa, OK. This place is rich in resources with Black people exhibiting entrepreneurship and cooperative economics daily.
Atlanta will always be another hot spot for one to begin a business. The love and support is present in Atlanta, Black people understand the potential and seize the opportunities.
We’re providing the balance for our children that we weren’t given. For the family is the foundation for communities and onto the nation. The importance of being entrepreneurs and financial literacy is being imparted to our children. It’s truly a family affair.
Pricing:
- I LUV YOU (BLK) MAN t-shirt $25
- I LUV YOU (BLK) WOMAN t-shirt $25
- I LUV YOU (BLK) BOY t-shirt $15
- I LUV YOU (BLK) GIRL t-shirt $15
Contact Info:
- Website: www.eansteam.com
- Phone: (469)454-0889
- Email: eansteam@gmail.com
- Instagram: @eansteam
- Facebook: facebook/eansteam
Image Credit:
Marchello Eans
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