Screen Shot: Dont Wait
Website: dontwait.co
City Based: Tasmania, Australia
What inspired the brand name?
The brand name comes from the fact that waiting SUCKS. It’s not about being impatient, its more about not waiting for opportunities, or people or anything. Creating your own future, opportunities and whatever it is you desire. Good things don’t come to those who wait, good things come to those people who create.
At what moment did you realize you wanted to start a brand?
I think the idea just came out naturally from our love of streetwear and expressing ourselves. We both share similar interests in clothing and style and just wanted to create something that not only we would wear, but that also extends past a physical product, that offers a story, has a personality and a distinct voice within an influential market.
What helps you get over creative blocks?
“The best place that helps me think is either in bed with headphones on, really vibing to some music, or driving, also vibing out to music. So, I guess the common denominator is music, hip hop specifically.” - Bailey
What is the biggest mistake you have made?
Due to the fact we are only 6 months into running Dont Wait, we haven’t had any big mistakes. We have had 2 items turn out not so well, and we decided not to run them. We figured a short-term loss on the product is better than damaging our reputation by selling items we weren’t happy with, and that our customers wouldn’t be happy with.
What is the biggest success you have had?
One of the best moments we’ve had is gaining our first stockist. Soon, we will have a limited range of our clothing available in New Zealand.
A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION PEOPLE MAY FIND WEIRD?
“I find a lot of inspiration from music especially, for me I tend to visualize music based on the lyrics, which often leads to new ideas.” – Mackenzie.
Favorite color to use?
“Favorite colour changes frequently but I would say at the moment it would be orange, specifically - PANTONE Orange 021 C.” – Mackenzie.
ARE THERE ANY RETAIL SHOPS YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU BRAND IN?
There are a huge range of sick shops out there, that stock the brands that we love. So, there isn’t really a specific store, its more the stores that stock the brands that we would like our brand to be seen alongside. I guess some examples of stores would be, The Sure Store, Fast Times, Street X and many more.
ANOTHER BRAND THAT INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?
Supreme has been a huge influence in our work and our approach. From their rich skateboarding background, they have etched themselves into the streetwear history books. Throughout their history they have manage to collaborate with lots of amazing people, groups and brands and created products extending way past what’s considered conventional “streetwear”.
Where do you see yourself and the brand in 1 year and 5 years?
In 1 year, with persistence, I see us selling out our drops, having people hanging out for the next thing from Dont Wait.
In 5 years I would love to be working full-time for ourselves, with our own physical location, that offers more than clothes, that offers a place to hang out, share interests, listen to music and drink good coffee and beer.
In 5 words or less describe your brand?
Create your own future.