Conversations with Cayla Humphreys

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cayla Humphreys.

Hi Cayla, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
STRAPLANTA was sketched in 2019. For years, I wanted to create a brand that would show just how much I love Atlanta. A lot of brand names were tested, but none of them stuck, so I took a two-year break on pursuing the clothing brand dream. Fast forward to February 2019; I’m listening to a song and a rapper uses the word “STRAPLANTA” in a verse… and it was as if I had just struck gold. I kept rewinding the song back to that verse at least three times, and when I stopped the song… it clicked. The brand would be called “STRAPLANTA.” Now I’m sketching out how I wanted the logo to look, I’m making all these plans for this business, but no money to start anywhere. I had just started working at a fine dining restaurant in Perimeter and was barely getting hours, so I put STRAPLANTA on the back burner again for a little bit until I could gather up some money to put this business plan into play.

A year goes by, it’s now Feb. of 2020, and COVID-19 is at its beginning stages. I just got a $2 raise at that same job I was at and a brand new job title. I was living large, and then my job was forced to close its doors for some time as a safety precaution… now I’m sitting at my home trying to find a new hobby to keep myself busy. In March, I’m made aware by my family of the shooting that took Ahmaud Arbery’s life in Brunswick… that was close to my mother’s hometown; I went to school 20 minutes from where his life was taken. The fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor happens March 13th, then Derek Chauvin standing on George Floyd’s neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds happened. I was anxious. I stood in the middle of Centennial Park as everything around me blew up… as the CNN Center was being destroyed. I took it all in. I cried for two days straight, unsure of what to do, still jobless, but now emotions are high and I’m angry. I didn’t let a week go by before I was applying for my LLC for STRAPLANTA. I felt like the riot was my “aha-moment,” and so after filling for my LLC, I made a hoodie for myself to see if I liked it… I loved it and once I posted it to my social media, it took off. Everyone was messaging me asking where they could pick up a similar hoodie, not realizing that it was my brand and that they could get the merch from me. Fast forward to today; I’ve done three new drops since last August and am continuing to get bigger and better.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This hasn’t been a smooth road whatsoever. With success comes more challenges. I spend all my money on my business; I have no downtime. Between finding quality merchandise and making sure I allow myself to be inspired is a full-time job. I have to keep track of trends while also keeping up with orders. I’ve had my mailbox broken into with customers’ gear stolen, but you must keep your head up and move with confidence.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an all-around creative. I specialize in photography but feel like I can do anything I put my mind to. Right now, I’m considering myself to be a clothing designer/creative director since thats what I do with my business anyway. STRAPLANTA is known for encouraging people to protect themselves no matter how they strap themselves up for safety; you’re gearing up to protect yourself and those you care about. I’m known for being outspoken and free… an artist that’s very sensitive about everything she puts out and my brand is what sets me apart from others.

I’m a young woman telling other people to get gun licenses and to learn how to hold and use armed weapons. Problem is, people (kids too nowadays) have guns and don’t even know where they safety is located or how to discharge a weapon. In the future, I’m looking to start hosting tactical training classes specifically for women and those who want and need to learn how to properly use weapons to protect instead of harm. I’m most proud of my resilience. Before COVID, my old job was my life. I never took off work and was worked to death only to not even be asked to come back to help open the restaurant. I was depressed, and it took a toll on all the aspects of my life. STRAPLANTA put the spark back in my life… gave me hope and helped me remember who I was…

Any big plans?
My plan for the future is to start targetting local hip-hop musicians and putting them in my brand. I would love to make STRAPLANTA a big brand for the city. I’m already halfway there; I just need to work a little harder. I have a couple of collabs in the works as well.

Pricing:

• Hoodies range from $40-$60

Contact Info:

• Website: strap1antastreetwear.us/
• Instagram: strap1antastreetwear
• Facebook: Straplanta