Today we’d like to introduce you to Jefreda Presha.
Hi Jefreda, 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?
In 2010 I lost my brother, who was a role model to me. He was very into music, fashion, and the arts, which lead me to want to be exactly like him and turn my passions for fashion and music into a reality. Fast forward to the present, I started The Code Clothing officially in 2020 to represent urban cities, black celebrities/ influencers, and our history. The Code is in reference to urban cities, such as when you hear the 215 you think of Philly, or when you see the 404 you automatically think of Atl. The brand is meant to be like no other, as it is designed to be a part of the streets, our culture, and who we are as individuals.
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 Code Clothing has had many struggles over time. The brand has been an idea since 2018, struggling to find vendors, the finances to fund it, and overall social media presence has set the brand back. I lacked the amount of time that was needed to run the brand as I had other obligations such as working two jobs to pay for school. The hours spent at work or school didn’t leave me much room and time to flourish or to help the brand grow. Growing up, I was taught to get an education, then get a nice career and eventually retire at an older age, so that was what I did, putting my actual dreams and my brand to the side to please others because I thought it was the right thing to do. Having a clothing brand wasn’t an ideal route for a career to some of my loved ones, so I had to work twice as hard to prove to them otherwise.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Code Clothing is a streetwear brand dedicated to urban cities. Our slogan, “Be Fly. Be Diff. Be You.”, is everything our brand stands for, being fly, unique, and true to yourself, as when you wear one of our shirts, hats, or custom items, you can guarantee that the person next to you will not have the same thing on as you. What sets The Code apart from other brands is that all items are designed in house by the CEO, who does the photoshoots, designs, prints, marketing, shipping, customer service, all by herself, with no help from vendors or manufacturers. The Code is different from most because it isn’t just about money, this is what I love to do. Seeing support from strangers who are wearing something that I created is all this brand is about. I want others to experience my art, my passions, my thoughts. It’s about bringing my visions to life. Brand wise, I am most proud of the work that has been put in and the feedback I receive from the hard work. My brand has grown to heights I never knew it could and I know it is only the beginning. I may only have 830 followers on my Instagram business page, yet 80% of them are strangers, and that means everything to me.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is that someone is always watching and ready to support you. In my hometown of Trenton, NJ I probably have had a handful of people support my brand. They wouldn’t share my post, like it, or purchase anything from me, and that caused me at one point to believe that my brand wasn’t good enough or something people actually liked. Once I learned that strangers would support you faster than someone you may have known for years, I realized that I shouldn’t give up and keep pushing because there are people who love what I put out and are willing to show me that every chance they get. Networking and putting yourself out there is key.
Pricing:
- T-$hirts: $30
- Trucker Hat$: $30
- Bag$: $30
- Hoodie$: $30
Contact Info:
- Email: thecode.brand18@gmail.com
- Website: https://thecodeclo.bigcartel.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecode.clo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecode.clo
