Today we’d like to introduce you to Imani Watts.
Imani, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Imani Apparel, LLC has been open for seven years now but is not what it has always been. The progression over the years is what I am most proud of. Imani Apparel, LLC is a fashion boutique that I created in 2012 which started as a high school business selling customized vintage clothing to students. Throughout my matriculation at Spelman College, I noticed the lack of unity between the schools and created as well as trademarked a brand called Sparkhouse™. It all started in my college dorm room freshman year, that’s where my inventory were. Right next to my bed I had clothing racks and boxes of clothes that I would bring out to Spelman College’s Market Friday, where I would set up a pop-up shop. I began designing college paraphernalia in hopes of providing a helpful solution for students and alumni to connect. Unity is definitely at the forefront of my business, and I plan to expand my designs and create paraphernalia for other Historically Black Colleges and Universities to further my mission. Since my freshman year in 2016, I have been able to unite students from three different institutions: Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Clark Atlanta University, all through fashion. I focus on selling clothing and accessories with my brand Sparkhouse, which is a combination of each of the school’s names. It makes me proud to witness the countless supporters of our schools and prospective students wearing my clothing because it serves as a reminder that unity has extended past our institutions and into the community. I was blessed to be interviewed by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution about being a young entrepreneur in Atlanta, which inspired me to do more in my school community and in the surrounding community to continue to be an inspiration for others.
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?
Like every business, there were definitely things that I struggled with in the beginning. One of the major challenges that I ran into when bringing my business to Spelman College were copyright issues. I first created hats with the school’s name but it became increasingly popular because I sold colors that the bookstore did not have, and came with brand new designs. Soon enough, the staff was trying to figure out where they could buy a hat and that is when the administration found me. But I am so glad that this happened because it was the start of something new. This issue led to me create my own brand Sparkhouse which I then trademarked, putting complete ownership in my hands. I found this to be an extremely innovate idea because not only did it cover any legal issues, it also gave my business a new purpose and intention which is unity amongst all schools.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Imani Apparel story. Tell us more about the business.
Imani Apparel, LLC specializes in fashionable paraphernalia for Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Clark Atlanta University through the brand Sparkhouse. My business is mostly known for the wide variety of colorful Spelman hats I once sold, and the most popular, Sparkhouse reflective hoodies. As a company, I am most proud of the number of people I have been able to impact through my brand. I’ve met some amazing people through fashion, and have been able to inspire so many young black people to become entrepreneurs. What sets me apart from others is the fact that above anything, unity is at the forefront of my company. When you see Sparkhouse, you see community. The brand makes you think, it makes you wonder what that word means. In that, you find what it stands for, and when wearing it, you now have something to stand for, and that is unity.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I would say that good luck has been on my side in my business, but that’s only because God has been on my side every day in life. Through all of the ups and downs, I just take a look back and remember all that I have done, and I’m only 20 years old! Prayer and faith is the only reason my business has made it this far, not just luck.
Pricing:
- Everything in ‘Imani’s Closet’ is ONLY $10!
- If you donate 5 clothing items or more, you can receive $5 off any order!
Contact Info:
- Website: ImaniApparel.com
- Email: spelmanapparel@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imani_apparel/
Image Credit:
Photographers: Imani Watts and Stephanie Richland
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