Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcus Estell.
Marcus, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started this company with a partner name Def Macc (He’s from Dixon Circle) and we come from opposite sides of the gang culture. We formed a brotherhood out of conflict when we where in prison together. Def was released first and a few years later, I was paroled. Once I got home, I presented him with the idea of started a(n) apparel line that would represent togetherness and peace among opposing gangs. He loved the idea and together, we launched OriginalGood Apparel, “Certify Your Originality.”
We continued to grow in our communities and among a lot of young people. So we started mentoring and speaking, which led us to taking the Brand to a new level. Eventually, we begin to allow our business statement – Certify Your Originality – to be motivated because we believe in being the best you can be and that’s why the word “Certified” is inscribed on all the apparel, certify who you are as a person. With that, we grew and continued to grow.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No. The road hasn’t been smooth at all. If you want to start a clothing line, you have to stay focused and educate yourself about the business. The biggest block is going to be money. It takes a gang of money to pay legal fees… trademark, etc. We learned on the fly and it cost us. I lost a lot but I would not change the lessons I learned for nothing in the world.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the OriginalGood Apparel story. Tell us more about the business.
OriginalGood Apparel is in the urban communities to uplift our youth and motivate anyone to be the best versions of themselves. What sets us apart from others is the fact Def and myself have lived a lifestyle that landed us in prison and we decided to change our lives and rebuild the neighborhoods we once help tear down. We know where we’ve been, how we got there so it is our human duty to help prevent anyone (young or old) from traveling those same roads. Our message through the company is to inform, educated and motivated… Certify Your Originality!!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’m not a believer in luck. I believe in God. So I am going to call it ‘blessings.’ The very things I thought was bad in my life turned out to be lessons and as one friend always says,” Lessons turn into a blessing.” The good things are exactly that, Blessings.
The biggest of blessings of it all is we are still able to operate even with very little money. We’re pushing forward with the message in hopes of some funding in the future but even without we are going to continue to push the message because saving lives, or making them better, is our mission.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 214 270 7786
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: ogbrandsceo
- Facebook: Marcus Estell
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