FASHTALKS WITH THE HIDEOUT CLOTHING

What inspired you to create your own brand?  

It’s hard to point to one thing. Growing up in Trinidad I always liked dressing ‘fresh’ whenever I stepped out. I was always into the streetwear culture, starting first in skateboard wear and then more urban wear. After opening our store and selling other brands, my business partner and I realized that we should start selling store-branded merch. Eventually, this grew into full cut-n-sew collections.

"I didn’t even know what it meant to be a designer until pretty recently, and to this day I’m still not sure I know what it means."

Did you always know you wanted to be a designer?

Definitely not! I didn’t even know what it meant to be a designer until pretty recently, and to this day I’m still not sure I know what it means. I try to create clothes that I would wear personally, as well as the people around me.

What is the inspiration for your brand’s name?

The Hideout Clothing made a cool abbreviation – THC – so we went with that in the hopes that people would remember the brand.

What was your previous work experience before launching your brand?

I didn’t have much professional work experience other than a few odd jobs.

If you could do something different before starting your business, what would it be?

Honestly, I wouldn’t do anything different. I love my brand and my business.

What was the toughest circumstance you overcame when just starting out your business? 

One huge obstacle for us would have to be when we got hit with credit card fraud on our website. We almost went out of business, but we were able to pivot and manage through those troubling times.

How important is social media to your brand?

Extremely important – it’s our main marketing medium.

"I don’t believe fashion can be defined."

How do you define fashion?

I don’t believe fashion can be defined. Fashion is wearing what you feel comfortable and confident in.

What does the word “success” mean to you?

Success for me is continuously growing in your business and personal life. Never stop trying to continuously improve.

Do you see your brand ever expanding into a different avenue? Why or why not?

Yes, I see our brand growing into ‘high fashion’ in the future. Or maybe a sub-line of limited, higher-priced items.

If you were not in the fashion industry what other industry/job would you be in?

It’s hard to say, but probably music in some form.

Are you passionate about something other than fashion?

I am passionate about family, building relationships, and money.