Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Bankamwabo.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The dream for a brand of my own was always with me starting from high school and up. It was all patience, manifestation and determination to get where I am now. 2015 I invested in a MacBook air and began self-learning photoshop on my free time which led to a small side hustle of creating cover art for artists. When I felt the stars aligned whatever I had made for myself or the brand I’d test waters and see how folks would react but more so on subliminal aspect not too up forward with it. It also took a ton of trial and error, a lot of socializing to find the correct distribution who can take what was made in photoshop to the physical clothing form to match my liking. In turn each drop from 2019 to the most recent, we’ve reached goal after goal and continue to grow with a core following.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No but I’m glad it hasn’t. One struggle would definitely be finding the best distribution that could process blanks to finished product in the best time frame and best quality. This took me roughly three years to settle with who I rock with at the moment.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Anti Ü – what should we know?
Anti Ü an up and coming streetwear brand which specializes in creating clothing and miscellaneous pieces form life instances that connect with the people. Within the short year of releasing our latest hoodies, lighters and patches all sold out in three days which was a great milestone reached. What sets us apart is our understanding or connection to our following, with anything that comes out has a story behind it of its own but our supporters create one within the experience of release and purchase. This is something that isn’t out there with most brands out there I feel.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’m super connected spiritually so if this was the case all parts of life until this point helped whether it was a small conversation or mentorship leading to one thing. To name a few I feel have been there from the idea of the brand and help push with growth and belief of it as a whole vision would be first my dad, my mother, my big brother Gylain, lil bro Benji, Shema, Saedie, Max, Juice, Uncle Jay, Abdi (full moon) my Tia, Ms. B and Gretchen. To our first two ambassadors: recording artist Sainvil and Instagram public figure Maya Everon. From there it’s been anyone who has ever supported with a purchase or shared anything and lastly to my hometown Portland, Maine just for showing the love it has.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://antiu19.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antiu19/
Image Credit:
Max Bickford/Saedie M.
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