Can a Clothing Line Help
Unify Black Men and Women?
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| Visit The Politically Urban Website |
Some of the most ubiquitous and responded to posts and commentary on social media seem to be rifts and beefing between Black men and women online. It is especially axiomatic across the legacy social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and even YouTube.
It seems like even social media upstart TikTok, thrives on divisions between Black men and women. However, professional graphic artist Quinnell Williams, sees it as his mission and worthy cause - to change this divisive dynamic.
Quinnell Williams, the Founder, and creative force behind his apparel company Politically Urban, feels his artwear designs with positive messages will make a difference in society. I was able to catch and convince the visionary artist to share his future goals for his inspirational socially relevant clothing company.
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Exclusive Interview With Quinnell Williams, Founder Of Politically Urban...
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| Kamau Austin (left) Quinnelle Williams (right) |
Kamau's Question: Can you tell me a little about your background? Like where you grew up and went to school?
Quinnell's Answer: I am from Yonkers, NY. I lived in Co-op City, the Bronx, when I was young. But I lived in Yonkers from middle school all the way up to high school.
I went to Palisade Prep High School. I graduated from SUNY Cobleskill. With my bachelors degree in graphic design technology.
Kamau's Question: Who or what inspired you to go into business?
Quinnell's Answer: I realize when I was in college that just living off a graphic designer salary wasn't gonna help me fulfill all my goals and dreams that I had. So I decided to start a brand where I can use my graphic designs skills and bring a high-quality product to the market. I don't really have a specific person that inspired me to get into business it was just my willingness to create a life for myself that included financial and time freedom.
Kamau's Question: What motivated you to take the leap of faith to start Politically Urban?
Quinnell's Answer:: I knew that I wanted to build a brand that brought black men and women together. I was tired of seeing black men and women fight about gender roles online.
I decided that I wanted to build a brand that sparked conversations and brought us together through art rather than separating us. I want to find a way to share my black art with the world and apparel is just my canvas.
I decided that I wanted to build a brand that sparked conversations and brought us together through art rather than separating us. I want to find a way to share my black art with the world and apparel is just my canvas.
Kamau's Question: What makes Politically Urban unique and how are you looking to use the clothing brand to empower your customers?
Quinnell's Answer: What makes my brand unique is that I have not seen a Clothing Brand that has a specific brand message to melanated people, eco-friendly and high-quality products. I see a lot of brands of people of color, that make a statement on a surface level with simplistic designs, but I want to show Black people in very illustrative way.
I'd like to use my clothing brand to spark healthy conversation within the Black community. I want my clothing brand to help my customers defy the negative stereotypes, when it comes to black businesses, but also help us understand that we can wear unapologetic apparel brands that speak to us.
Kamau's Question: Can you tell us about some of your goals and plans for the future of your progressive clothing brand?
Quinnell's Answer: As the business grows I want to hire or help other black designers achieve their goals in the fashion industry. I want to donate to black organizations that help out youth and have a creative outlet like a nonprofit. I'm even partnering with the Bonello Foundation.
Kamau's Question: What makes you think it is a good time to launch a Politically Urban clothing line for socially aware young people?
Quinnell's Answer: I want young people to know that everything they do a is a political act which says something about what they value. It's not just about the political government. Young people need creative outlets to nurture the gifts they have.
Representation is also very important because if you see examples of success you are more likely to believe you can do it. Art brings color to world and it's never too late to inspire someone.
Kamau's Question: what have been some of your greatest challenges in developing your company?
Quinnell's Answer: The biggest challenges has been finding the right people to partner with and access to financial resources to make it happen. It all starts with an idea. However without financial resources it is extremely hard to make your dream a reality.
I work full time and am looking for other streams of income to solve this problem. I am also learning about the importance of business credit and marketing, to make sure my target audience knows we exist.
I work full time and am looking for other streams of income to solve this problem. I am also learning about the importance of business credit and marketing, to make sure my target audience knows we exist.
Kamau's Question: How do we see and obtain your designs?
Quinnell's Answer: Visit us at Politically Urban
