Screen Shot: DIVINE LOTUS

City Based: Columbia, South Carolina

What inspired the brand name?

I figured I wanted the website to be authentic. I didn’t want the name
To just be random. The lotus flower inspired everything. To be able to persevere through the struggles of life. The flower grows in muddy waters & its roots grow up. It’s life everybody on Earth is dirty is someway, but one day we flourish and grow into something beautiful.

At what moment did you realize you wanted to start a brand?

For one When I was dead broke. I got a partial scholarship into art school & I knew I didn’t want to be broke or in debt, or continue living off my parents. I joined the Air Force to use it as a stepping stone. I just wanted to do something that I loved no matter if I got paid to do it or not. On top of knowing my family couldn’t take care of me forever.

What helps you get over creative blocks?

Music, & every other brand I see. Every part of fashion & streetwear is different in its own way.

What is the biggest mistake you have made?

Not taking advantage of my youth. Just wanting to grow up extremely fast. I wanted to be grown and on my own way to early, when in fact I miss being a kid everyday. It’s true that when you’re young to enjoy it while you can, because it won’t last forever or get easier.

What is the biggest success you have had?

This year. Doubling my brands net worth. In one year I doubled my net, basically everything in the last 4 months.

A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION PEOPLE MAY FIND WEIRD?

I honestly don’t have a source of inspiration that people may find weird… I mean

Favorite color to use?

Orange. It’s basically life in itself. Every positive thing you could think of is compatible with the color orange. It brings out or gives me a good feeling. Maybe that’s my weird inspo. Bright colors are my thing.

ARE THERE ANY RETAIL SHOPS YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU BRAND IN?

Pacsun . Urban outfitters. StockX there a online retail store.

ANOTHER BRAND THAT INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?

AMOK. Never really chopped it up with those guys, but there killing the game. The team they’ve built & people they have around, just looks positive. Nothing but good energy & friends pushing a lifestyle.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AND THE BRAND IN 1 YEAR AND 5 YEARS?

1 year… I really couldn’t tell you. The crazy thing is I couldn’t tell you where I’d be in 1 year, but in 5… I believe we could be in multiple stores. Basically the brand being in Cali. Storefront of course. Instead of just me, a official team. That’s probably been my hardest part, finding people with the same mindset. Social wise I just want the brand to be known everywhere. Everybody deserves to know they all can push through this thing called, LIFE. SHOUTOUT TO STREETARCHIVE

IN 5 WORDS OR LESS DESCRIBE YOUR BRAND?

Eccentric. Modern. Colorful. New. Moody.