Unapologetically dope!

What is this? Is it a new brand, a movement, or perhaps a business idea that I've always wanted to do since I was a kid? Nope. The truth is, designing apparel and creating an online store was not part of the plan...well, at least not my initial plan.

Betti

It's 2008, and I was a fresh Graphic Design graduate with dreams of doing something great with my expensive degree. So I partnered up with a great friend of mine and started a streetwear clothing line called Betti (inspired by Kung Pow). Business cards - check, website - check, a big box of stock in the bedroom - check. We did it! We were officially entrepreneurs, and it was now time to become a household name and get a shop or two on Oxford street!

But then life happened, also known as a reality check.

In early 2011, I told my business partner that I would be stepping down from the company. I realized I enjoyed the creating part more than the running of the business. Dealing with suppliers, maintaining the website, marketing, filling out self-assessments, and all the while trying to figure out WHY ON EARTH THAT BIG BOX IN MY ROOM STILL HAD STOCK IN IT!!! Why was this so hard? I'd put my heart and soul into Betti, but...it never took off how I imagined it would. And that my friend, was the problem. Not the business concept, timing, or effort but my imagination. I was young, new to the business world, and a bit naive to be honest.

Creative Therapy

Fourteen years later and I'm back at it. But why? Good question. I guess this time I'm not imagining it to be something it's not. For one, this all started as digital art I made on the way to work...on my phone. Yes, all the designs were made on my phone. It's a form of creative therapy, a way of expressing my thoughts through vibrant colours, frantic etched lines, and beautiful photos.

One day, I thought “Hey, what would this look like on a t-shirt”. Just for me, no bigger plan than me wearing my art. After printing a design and doing a fun creative video with it, people seemed to want one too –– how interesting! But although the requests were flattering, I didn't want to start something just because of a few comments and likes. I had to weigh up how much it cost me in; time, energy, and money it would cost to create a fully functioning store. In the past, I'd rush this part of the process but for creative people, these are probably the most important questions to ask before starting anything. You won't always have all three in equal amounts.

Wonderfully made

The great thing about the time we’re in now is that there are now systems that help creative people stay creative. God helped me find a system where I could share my designs without too much of the hustle I was dreading. And I can now do most of it on the phone on my way to work—Ha! That’s dope.

The first collection is called Wonderfully made and celebrates expressive souls, brown skin, and God's love. Leading with jumpers was more of an artistic decision, as I feel they have a better surface area for the artwork and are less likely to fold/crease whilst walking. It's really more about art than fashion.

Right now I'm just enjoying the process, the journey, and the ever-changing creative narrative. In times past I have allowed my imagination, ambition, and the idea of success, to slowly turn my creations into chores and goals. Now I tell myself:

No matter how talented, well-informed and passionate you are about launching anything, just know great things will always take time to build.

View Collection

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Hey, if you enjoyed this post, I'd love to know what you think in the comments below and if you like the artwork then check out my 👉 store.

Arthur