Today we’d like to introduce you to Tedric Taylor
Hi Tedric, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
BLI$$$–started out as a means to an end. At the genesis of my creative journey, I was working and creating as a musician. During that season, I spent many hours with graphic designers and digital artists refining album art and merchandise design. Eventually, that led to the purchase of my first MacBook–which then led to the creation of BLI$$$. BLI$$$ originally was ideated upon as the brand that was adjacent to my musical artistry–it eventually evolved into much more.
In 2020, a Charlotte based clothing entity known as The Whitaker Group–responsible for brands like Social Status & A Man Maniere– offered scholarships to talented and local creatives for a design program at Parsons School of Design (The New School) in collaboration with Complex Magazine. BLI$$$ was a recipient of the scholarship, opening up the doors for new heights of creativity.
Today, BLI$$$ has benefited from many seasons of industry mentors and creative iteration. The story now–has been what it was always be: about the journey and the necessity of evolution. The pillars of the brand focus on the concepts of rebellion, reform, inclusivity, & sustainability. Every garment is unique and acts as a one of one. Every piece is a painting. This is ARTWEAR.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey of refining an idea comes with a multitude of obstacles. Primarily–how does one create something that stands the test of time. My desire to create a fashion house is not derived from the potential of monetary gain but primarily entrenched in the desire to structure a community and define a culture.
Creating a culture around your brand is the most essential aspect in establishing longevity. This culture took almost five years to conceptualize and a year to refine. As an artist, there have been many phases of dissatisfaction associated with the quality of ideas and the perceived lack of originality. I also struggled with locating a manufacturer with the infrastructure to execute on my designs at the scale I could afford.
The process of creation shows itself evident in the intricacies of the garments and the culture surrounding them. BLI$$$ is founded in spirit of overcoming any obstacles that compromise the vision.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a creative I’d like to consider myself a multi-hyphenate. During the day I act as a Director of Design for a tech company creating cloud based solutions–this may affectionately be known as Product or UX/UI Design.
I am firm believer that creativity is a muscle and when exercised it can be leveraged for a multitude of mediums.
In addition to clothing and product design, I am a singer, songwriter, rapper, painter, sculptor, & film director–this may affectionately be known as a multi-media conceptualist. I’d like to think I specialize in whatever medium my spirit is drawn too in that season.
BLI$$$ has three units of art that exist within the collective: Fashion, Fine Art, & Music.
My primary focus for 2024-2025 is to create a culture around the intersection of Fine Art & Fashion. Essentially, blurring the lines between the two spaces.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risks are a natural part of the game. Innovation and risks are first cousins, you know? How does one recognize a boundary without being willing to push it? That being said–I love taking risk; calculated and impulsive. It makes me feel alive!
Risks don’t actually feel risky when you have a foundation of faith and understand that steps are being made, no matter the outcome.
I believe the biggest risk to growth and success is to allow oneself be paralyzed by fear. In this regard–I am not a risk taker.
Do something, do anything!
In my opinion, action is less riskier than inaction on any day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bli-sss.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blissscollective/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rosegoldromeo
