HUEYBRND

Last month I got a chance to talk to owner of HUEYBRND, Larry Davis about opening up his first store, what inspires him, advice for other entrepreneur's, and wardrobe staples he thinks every woman should have.

When did you first know that fashion was something you wanted to explore? 

Well I wouldn't say fashion it self, only because I am not that heavy into fashion so to speak. I can't tell you what season a certain item came out in, or the history of major fashion designers, but I am into clothes. Growing up I liked the way they looked, how they felt, and how they made an individual feel when they wore them, that is what initially got my attention. I'd say around 13-14 years old is when I knew it was something I wanted to explore. 

Where did the concept behind HUEYBRND come from?

Huey Brand came from a rebellious place, honestly. It Eventually worked out in my favor, I started designing custom clothing and the brand was HOJAōN (Ho-Ja/Own) which stood for "Hold Your Own". I needed growth creatively and spiritually, which inspired HUEYBRND. I knew it had to be something that was not only easy to remember, but catchy. Of course I thought about how it would sound in rap songs like the average inner city kid (lol). Now the concept itself just came naturally. I am really into color patterns and schemes, especially primary colors. Our concept has always been bold, vibrant and fun to put it simple. 

Of course when ever you start a business especially in fashion there are going to be some challenges, what would you say has been your biggest challenge so far? 

My biggest challenge throughout this entire journey has been fear. Thoughts like "what if I'm not cut out for this like I thought I would be?". However, fear is what keeps me balanced. Everything else I can handle.

In your opinion is it harder to design for men or women?

For me its waaaay harder to design for women. When it comes to women I don't want to just create anything, and their style can change at any given moment so it can be a bit overwhelming. I pay close attention to what women wear and what I like to see them. Once I get a clear vision of the type of woman that would wear HUEY BRND creating the actual garment comes easy. Men are relatively simple, we will can find two items that match and call it a day. Occasionally, I design for those type of guys, but for the most part I do it for the confident person with their own sense of style. 

If you could describe HUEYBRND in one word, what would it be.

Hellafun!

You've been doing this for a long time, and you recently opened up HUEYBRND Flagship store....What made you say OK I think I'm ready to open up an actual store?

I thought it was about time I faced my fears. Honestly I have battled with the idea of opening up my store for years and I could have done so years ago, but deciding if I should leave my city and go for a larger audience or stay here and be a strong representation of my town, was the hardest part. I feel like we don't have that in Baltimore City and if we do it's not being represented in the right way. When people visit they have nowhere to shop in areas that we grew up in. It's so much ill shit going on here, but people are just starting to see it, I want my brand to be a landmark for my city. I want to leave an impact so much that you cannot leave Baltimore without purchasing something from  HUEY BRND. I feel like most people leave because they think they cannot do what I'm actually able to do here, and that's make a living out of my creativity. That exact reason made me optimistic about staying around longer to have an impact on how the world views my hometown. That's what it's really about with me. I'm confident that Baltimore is going to be a different kind of city in a few years...and I would like be a part of that.

When it comes to creating new pieces for your line or just style in general where do you get some of your inspiration from?

I couldn't tell you one specific thing, I am very random at times. I could be having a full conversation with you and thinking of a design in my head based off of something you said or a color pattern I noticed on someone sitting at the next table. I don't know what it is about water but my best ideas spring up in the shower for some strange reason. 

I always like hearing a man's perspective on women's fashion, so what are five items you think every women should have in their wardrobe?

A pair of heels that she feels the sexiest in, red Lipstick or the best one that works for your complexion, a dress that hugs you like an orphan who finally met their real parents, accessories, and CONFIDENCE because that's what helps you make your wardrobe decision and its sexy as hell on a woman. Clothed or not. Love yourself.

What is the best advice you ever received, and the best advice you have for someone thinking about starting a business?

Best advice I received was to hold your own. Best advice I give is hold your own and do it from a real place, organically. And trust in it. But most importantly....enjoy and appreciate the process. That's the best part of it all.

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