Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Easley.
Brian, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to create–build, solve, initiate, inspire. I used art (in many forms) to do so. I drew, built things with Legos, sketched houses and floorplans, played instruments, arranged music…this was all before I finished high school. Over time, I decided to make a ‘smart’ decision about my career path that led me to the most confusion I could ever remember. Graduating college as the economy began to slump into a recession left me searching for answers. I had a degree in accounting and had started another dream of real estate. While both were cool, neither of them quite scratched my itch to create something. At one of my most alone times, I started another art form: poetry. I believe this reignited my fire. From there, I began to teach myself photography. This was a dormant desire I had for a long time. Shortly after, graphic design and apparel design. My thirst was unquenchable!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not only has the road not been smooth, most of it requires big tires and mud flaps! I faced the same economic troubles as anyone graduating from college in the late 2000s. Jobs were hard to find. I also started a career in real estate as the market crumbled. I worked jobs I hated. I was laid off from jobs I loved. I left jobs that didn’t respect my time, effort, or accomplishments. I’ve had to fight to keep my dreams alive and be a dedicated husband and father. Most difficult, I’ve had to fight anxiety and self-doubt. The latter truly pushed me into AGTX. Anxiety is usually associated with the unknown/worst case scenario. Our minds are tricked into worrying more about the most unlikely outcomes than the possibility of good things happening. Our mental comfort zones more closely resemble holding cages than fortresses that we believe they are. However, while we must push to explore the outer limits of our mental comfort zones, our clothing comfort zones are free game!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve spent the bulk of the last decade creating licensed apparel with my business partner, Thaddeus Reed of Reed Enterprise. We have been partners for about 9+ years and became the biggest online presence for our Alma Mater, Jackson State University, licensed apparel. We also do custom screen printing and embroidery for many other entities. We have been credited with igniting the surge in custom apparel for JSU.
In 2019, I took the steps to start my own positively charged athleisure label, AGTX (All Good Thingx Expected). This was an idea that I had shelved years prior because I wasn’t ready. AGTX specializes in producing stylish, comfortable, versatile clothing with positive epithets for inspiration. Ironically getting its birth around the start of the pandemic, the garments are designed to make the wearer feel like the best versions of themselves as they take on life’s mundane chores or exciting endeavors. I’m big on energy. The way you look can sometimes make or break your day. It can change our productivity levels, change the vibes we give, and lift others.
The niche of the brand is the versatility–the ability to wear the styles in various settings and styles. This usually includes, but is not limited to: joggers, hoodies, sweatshirts, caps, t-shirts, ladies leggings, etc. One thing that we’ve learned over the past two years is acceptance for change. Your mental, physical, and emotional well-being are closely related.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Follow. Share. Purchase. An organic social presence is so important to being intimate with customers and potential customers. Everyone wears clothes and it seems sometimes that everyone is making clothes. The experience is what matters most. Shop online at agtxbrand.com. Follow agtxbrand on social platforms.
Contact Info:
- Email: agtxbrand@gmail.com
- Website: agtxbrand.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/agtxbrand
- Facebook: Facebook.com/agtxbrand
- Twitter: twitter.com/agtxbrand
