Today we’d like to introduce you to Frederico Adams.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m a young black male, 22 years old. Born and raised in Atlanta, GA. Jonesboro North projects to be exact. I started with a dollar and a dream. I knew that my ideal self has yet to come, while I’m pushing my real self to become the best I could be. I came from nothing, I know that my past and history doesn’t determine where I’m going.
I created my brand in early 2017 & showcased it throughout the year. I planned on dropping it March 2018. After so many people were in demand for my products, I was forced to take preorders, which allowed some customers to wear this brand the same day it dropped, my birthday. I’ve taken so many losses and made so many sacrifices, but I have a motive. I have to continue making my brand so big that I eventually employ all of my family members and pave a path for the sake of our family. IMPAID Apparel is a brand for anybody whom can relate or connect with it. The motive behind it is “Speak it to existence”, so no you don’t have to necessarily be “paid” to rock the brand.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth ride. I’m sure we all can agree that nothing comes too easy, especially success. You have to put the work in. A lot of work! We’re talking about running and managing a business, Keeping everything professional, allowing yourself to step outside of what you’re used to and continue to get exposed to great things that you may have never knew anything about. Not to mention, you still have a personal life to attend to and the everyday obstacles that comes out of no where. Getting through all of this is what helps creates that perfect success story.
I’m a full-time college student, father of two beautiful princesses, a big brother to 8 other siblings, a son, a grandson, a nephew, a mentor, and so much more. I have a very important role in each of those. At times I don’t even know how I manage to still attend school, deal with personal issues, run a business, take care of loved ones, and still try to make everyone else happy. I’ve already mastered that nothing comes too easy, so I’m willing to eat everything that’s on my plate. Imagine growing up with your mom in and out of prison, family giving up on you, no job, and a lot of pain and hurt, but a whole lot of ambition and determination to pave a path and create your own path. Well, that’s me. I’m him. #IMPAID
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about IMPAID APPAREL – what should we know?
IMPAID APPAREL is an urban streetwear brand. We specialize in clothes such as Tshirts, bags, hoodies, underwear, swimwear, etc. Here at IMPAID Apparel, we came to realization that there are several young people with goals and potential, but just not the right support. Eventually we would like to shine light on the young people who have come from nothing, who is willing to take as many sacrifices as needed in order to get that “success story”. Imagine the feeling that you have a super great plan or idea that could possibly change your life, but no one to ever support your dream or no one to open a door for you. That’s hard, and there are several people who are dealing with this. I’m proud to say that people have done nothing but genuinely support my business and have made me nothing but proud of my continued growth. My brand could be considered different from others because it’s not just a “clothing line”, this is my brand. And we have several messages and life learning experiments that we must express to the world. We came from nothing, we want everything. This isn’t only my brand. This is your brand! Own it.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My mother is one of my biggest supporters. No matter what, she’s always gonna support. I would also like to thank Gary Vaynerchuck, he’s like a mentor to me. I check his page out when I’m going through tough things. He never fails to get me through. I would also like to thank all of my supporters, I got people who have supported me since my brand had even dropped, like Lil Dab and Eazy Dolla. My family are some of my biggest supporters, especially my lil brudaa Nunti and Lil cousin Tay Tay, they always telling me how they would help me out if they got rich.
Contact Info:
- Website: Impaid.bigcartel.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/impaid_1
Image Credit:
IMPAID APPAREL CEO, Z3 Photagraphy
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