Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlon Moore.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My story began as a child born with Spina Bifida. Growing up, I never viewed myself as any different than my peers. However, in middle school, I became very aware of how my disability caused challenges physically and emotionally. I was told countless times that I could not participate in sports because of the limitations that others placed on me. I have to admit, internally there was a struggle with me understanding why I was born this way. It is with this same determination, I now embrace my disability and use my understanding to educate people, as well as, inspire others with disabilities.
By the time I reached high school, I felt the need to change people’s perspective and make them more aware of disabilities and the stereotypes associated with having a disability. This is when I began to learn about advocacy and inclusion. I became involved with the Spina Bifida Association of Georgia, volunteered at Camp Twin Lakes camps for kids with disabilities and the SPED classes in my school.
Society is driven by fashion. Therefore, I chose to use fashion as a platform to influence and inform people in a way that they can relate, while at the same time enjoy the style. It is with this drive that I formed The Con$cious Kid Brand.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As an entrepreneur, life is not always facile, at least in the beginning. Therefore, it’s very easy to get discouraged when something goes wrong or the brand seems like it’s not expanding.
I have encountered difficulties with being a young entrepreneur and obtaining adequate resources to properly market my brand. At times it is a struggle to create a team of individuals who feel that this is a compelling issue and collaborate ideas to build the brand.
I am not always taken seriously when it comes to my clothing brand due to my age, my disability or simply the assumption that I don’t know what it takes to have my own clothing brand.
Also, other challenges I faced were me marketing The Con$cious Kid Brand from a perspective of awareness while society commonly misrepresents the reality of disabilities. For instance, I have noticed many times where movies have actors portraying a disabled role instead of actually hiring a disabled individual to play that role.
These are some of the obstacles I strive to overcome as I educate society.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Con$cious Kid story. Tell us more about it.
The Con$cious Kid Brand was created to educate society on Inclusion vs. Exclusion. And also to erase the stigma associated with disabilities.
From T-Shirts, hats, hoodies and other accessories, the brand is making its mark on a variety of casual apparel. I take pride in knowing that not only can I educate from the stance of having a disability, but I can also be a voice for those like me who are often left voiceless.
The Con$cious Kid Brand is set apart from other millennial-owned companies as we were built on education, inclusion, advocacy, and consciousness.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck has been a major part of my life beginning with the doctors telling my mom that because I was born with Spina Bifida I would not be able to walk and be confined to a wheelchair. But, by the time I was three years old, I began to walk. Also, throughout life, I have been lucky to overcome various hardships.
I feel lucky to have the opportunity to be a part of this magazine and have my brand exposed to different avenues that will help further expand my brand and the mission for my brand.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
My biggest supporters have been family. Beginning with my mother, Patrice Walton, who has pushed me to defy the odds in spite of the naysayers. My father, Marlon Moore, Sr. who has provided me with wisdom and the spirit of dedication to my passion.
Contact Info:
- Website: tckbrand.bigcartel.com
- Email: theconsciouskidbrand@gmail.com
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