Today we’d like to introduce you to Teryn Simmons.
Hi Teryn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up as a shy, introverted, artistic yet ambitious, young girl from the Southside of Savannah, Georgia, I always had a passion for fashion. Fashion is a form of expression. Fashion is art. I was never much of a “Girly Girl,” and the way I dressed reflected just that. Coming up in the 90’s, my style was heavily influenced by R&B groups like TLC, Xscape, and other artists like Aaliyah. Tomboy Chic is what I liked to call it. I found that what I wore brought me a sense of comfort and helped me to express myself in ways that words never could.
I love how the clothes you wear can make you feel empowered, or sexy, regal, chill or beautiful etc… And I loved that I had the ability to control that as well. So, I created my clothing brand, Top Twelve Clothing, back in 2016 with the intention of replicating that exact feeling for others. To create a brand that allows individuals to boldly express their uniqueness on their own terms. A brand that allows for the silenced to be heard… for the overlooked to be seen. Top Twelve is more than just a brand. It’s a feeling. Whether it’s a dad cap with your favorite saying or a crew neck with a timeless piece is art, the goal is to provoke emotion and to remind us it’s ok to feel.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The road to where I am today has most definitely not been a smooth one. It’s been filled with bumps, potholes, cracks and any other obstacle you can think of along the way. For instance, choosing the right manufacturers, deciding on which method I wanted to use for producing garments, materials, identifying my target audience, getting my brand’s name out there, price margins. I mean, the list can go on. And this is just a shortlist of things to consider when initially creating a clothing company. There was a lot of trial and error, but I’m grateful for each and every experience: the good and the bad. I’ve learned that you have to let go and trust in the process. I’ve gotten something valuable from each experience that I’ve gone through, which in turn has allowed me to run a more efficient business.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Top Twelve Clothing is a lifestyle brand that offers quality, customized apparel we like to call “STATEMENT APPAREL.” It’s also a company created, run and owned by a black woman. It was a few years post receiving my Biology degree from Georgia State University. I was managing merchandising and apparel for a local management company here in Atlanta. It was this experience gave me my first introduction to creating original, quality apparel for distribution. I knew then that I wanted to create something of my own. Not just a clothing line but a brand. A brand with an edgy style, custom art designs, and socially conscious subject matters.
I set out to create a clothing brand that was by the culture and that was also for the culture. Top Twelve Clothing is just that. Too Twelve promotes self-expression, self-confidence, creativity and most importantly self-love. The goal is to uplift and inspire through the art of fashion. I’m so proud of how far the brand has come and even more excited about where it’s going. I also believe in giving back to the community that supports us. We’ve got two successful charity campaigns under our belt. The first being our “Have a Heart for Haiti” relief fund after hurricane Matthew back in 2016. All proceeds from any sales from our IREP Collection were donated to E’Cole Nortre Dame Marie and the community of Petit Paradis. We are also currently running our “Spread Love” campaign, where all profits will be donated to the Loveland Foundation and the Atlanta Solidarity Funds.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I’ve learned the importance of having a solid, loyal group of supporters. A group of supporters that believe strongly in the quality of service that you and your brand provide. Top Twelve supporters have remained loyal and patient, especially during these trying times and we truly appreciate each and every one of them. Another thing this entire pandemic has taught me is to learn to be resourceful. Very resourceful in fact. Items I needed to make clothing were unavailable. Production times had slowed. Deliveries were a delay, but through it all, we remained committed and so have our supporters. Thank you.
Pricing:
- Item price range:$15-$80
Contact Info:
- Email: toptwelveclothing@gmail.com
- Website: www.toptwelveclothing.com
- Instagram: @toptwelveclothing
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/top12clo/
- Twitter: @top12clothing
