Meet Onya Hankins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Onya Hankins.

Hi Onya, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi, my name is Onya Hankins, I am 27 years old, I reside in Atlanta, GA but I was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles. I am also a PROUD alum of the illustrious Clark Atlanta University. My business came about at random (literally), I was going through a rough patch in my life emotionally and mentally, and while at a bible study hosted by my friend, something randomly came in my mind, “I may be on FIRE, but I’m not burning”. I had no clue where that came from but it spoke volumes to me and I have carried it with me ever since. Fast forward, in 2019, I decided to create an acronym for the word FIRE since it’s a word I’ve used so heavily since I was a teenager. The word FIRE is used to describe something that we like or something that is “nice” or “dope,” like food, shoes, outfits, music, etc.

So I thought to myself, let’s create something positive and powerful with this popular word and create clothing since that is one of the many ways we express ourselves. With input from my friends, I decided to go with Fearless, Iconic, Resilient, Empowered for the acronym. Now that’s FIRE! I applied for my LLC in 2019, and throughout that year, I mapped out ideas and concepts that would attract people to my business. Being that I wasn’t financially able to launch my business, I let a year go past, and when the pandemic hit, I spent a lot of time at home, and a voice said to me, “Do it, spend whatever you have and launch your business” so I did. I dedicated my launch to the legendary Nipsey Hussle, who was born and raised in the same city as me, Los Angeles, California. March 31st, 2020 was the one year anniversary of his passing, and since he was influential to me and exuded what F.I.R.E. stood for, it was only right to launch my business that day. Since my launch, I have been able to release several items, network and gain new customers near and far. Hard work, dedication, and patience are the key factors that have gotten me to where I am today. I have learned that as a business owner, it is important to remain humble, motivated and consistent. The rest will follow.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This hasn’t been a smooth road at all, but the bumpy ride made it all worth it. Some of the struggles I faced was not having enough money to pay my bills and pour into my business. I had a lot of times where I had to put my plans on hold because my bills took over. But since then, I have learned how to better manage my finances. Time management has also been a struggle for me. I work a 9-5 as well so I am balancing that and my role as a business owner. I have learned to dedicate my off days to my business and also prepare orders, create and plan when I get off work. Lastly, creating the perfect content to attract your audience is another struggle for me. Sometimes I have a million and one ideas racing in my head, and the next my mind completely goes blank lol but all in all, everything is a process and as long as I remain focused and determined, I will be successful.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?Outside of being a business owner, I currently work for the department of homeland security as a TSA officer. I have been working for this agency for three years. What I will say I am most proud of is my ambition and my willingness to succeed at all costs. What sets me apart from others is that I am optimistic, a team player, a motivator and a leader.

Contact Info:

• Email: iamfireclothing@yahoo.com
• Website: www.iamfireclothingllc.bigcartel.com
• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/iamfireclothingllc/

Image Credits
Photographer: Trisity Miller