We were lucky to catch up with Aubyn Lewis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Aubyn, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The inception of BlackASF Clothing was a culmination of my passion for celebrating and embracing Afro-centric culture. Frustrated by the lack of representation in mainstream fashion, I envisioned a brand that would fill this gap, offering vibrant graphic t-shirts, hoodies, and accessories that radiate cultural pride.

The idea was born from a deep-seated desire to empower individuals to wear their heritage with pride. I recognized the absence of a brand that truly captured the essence of Afro-centricity while maintaining Unapologetically Black.

Witnessing the underrepresentation and misrepresentation of Black culture fueled my determination to create a platform that resonates authentically with our community. BlackASF Clothing became my way of addressing this gap, offering a unique and genuine celebration of our culture through thoughtfully designed apparel.

The logic behind this endeavor was clear – a genuine representation of Afro-centric culture was missing in mainstream fashion. I wanted a Juneteenth T-shirt and I could not find one for the life of me. I saw an opportunity not just to fill a void but to create a movement that fosters a sense of belonging and pride. The excitement stemmed from knowing that BlackASF Clothing wasn’t just a brand; it was a cultural statement, a celebration that resonated deeply with individuals seeking genuine representation in the fashion landscape.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Two years ago, the seed of BlackASF Clothing was planted in a quest for a Juneteenth T-shirt that couldn’t be found. Fueled by the desire for authentic representation, I took matters into my own hands and crafted a shirt that not only filled the void but sparked a movement. The positive response from friends and strangers alike affirmed the need for a brand that spoke authentically to the Black experience and celebrated our rich culture.

In that moment, the vision of BlackASF Clothing emerged – a brand that goes beyond apparel; it’s a celebration, a statement, and a nod to unapologetic Blackness. The journey began with a single T-shirt but quickly evolved into a broader mission of crafting a line of graphic tees, hoodies, and accessories that authentically embody the vibrancy of Black culture.

The name “BlackASF” encapsulates the essence of the brand. It’s not just a clothing line; it’s a bold declaration of Black identity in a space often devoid of representation. The deliberate choice of “ASF” speaks to the bold unapologetic stance, and adds a layer of bold strength to the narrative – a celebration of resilience and pride.

The decision to turn this passion into a business wasn’t solely about filling a gap in the market; it was about creating a space where persons in and around the diaspora could find apparel that resonated with our experiences. BlackASF Clothing is more than just fashion; it’s a movement that seeks to redefine the narrative, celebrate cultural nuances, and empower people to wear our identity with pride.

BlackASF Clothing offers a diverse range of products that proudly celebrate and represent Afro-centric culture. Our product line includes:

Graphic T-Shirts: Express yourself with our thoughtfully designed graphic t-shirts that showcase vibrant and culturally rich imagery.

Hoodies: Stay cozy and stylish with our hoodies featuring unique designs that embrace the essence of Black culture.

Apparel: From joggers to sweatshirts, our apparel collection extends beyond t-shirts and hoodies, providing a variety of clothing options to suit different styles.

Accessories: Complement your look with our accessories, including hats and bags, designed to accentuate your cultural pride.

Each product from BlackASF Clothing is a piece of wearable art, carefully curated to celebrate individuality, heritage, and the unapologetic expression of Black identity. We strive to provide a comprehensive range that allows our community to integrate cultural pride seamlessly into their everyday style.

As BlackASF Clothing continues to evolve, it remains anchored in the original idea – a vision sparked by the search for a Juneteenth T-shirt and fueled by the desire to create a space where being Black is not just celebrated but embraced as an unequivocal strength.

Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?

Pros of Selling on Our Website:

Brand Control: Operating on our site gives us complete control over the brand image, customer experience, and overall aesthetic. This control is crucial for ensuring a consistent representation of our values and identity.

Direct Customer Relationship: Selling directly on our website fosters a direct relationship with our customers. This enables us to gather feedback, address concerns promptly, and personalize the shopping experience.

Flexibility: We have the flexibility to experiment with marketing strategies, promotions, and website design, tailoring our approach based on real-time analytics and customer behavior.

Customization: Our website allows for a higher degree of customization, ensuring a unique and immersive online shopping environment that aligns with the brand’s personality.

Cons of Selling on Our Website:

Marketplace Exposure: While we benefit from full brand control, there may be a trade-off in terms of the immediate exposure that large marketplaces offer. These platforms often have a built-in customer base that can drive quick sales.

Competition: Standing out on our website requires a robust marketing strategy to compete with the visibility that major e-commerce platforms inherently provide.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

Maintaining strong communication and fostering brand loyalty are integral aspects of our strategy at BlackASF Clothing. We employ a multi-faceted approach to keep in touch with clients and build lasting relationships:

Email Marketing: We leverage email campaigns to share updates on new product launches, promotions, and exclusive offers. Personalized newsletters and automated sequences ensure timely and relevant communication with our audience.

Social Media Engagement: Active engagement on platforms like Instagram, and Facebook allows us to connect with our community. We share behind-the-scenes content, user-generated photos, and culturally relevant posts to strengthen our brand identity and encourage interaction.

Customer Surveys: Periodic surveys help us gather feedback on products, customer experiences, and preferences. This valuable information aids in product development and enhances customer satisfaction.

Personalized Shopping Experience: Our website is designed to provide a personalized shopping experience. Tailored recommendations based on previous purchases and browsing history enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Responsive Customer Support: Timely and responsive customer support is a cornerstone of our customer relations strategy. Addressing queries and concerns promptly demonstrates our commitment to customer satisfaction.

By combining these strategies, we aim to create a holistic and engaging brand experience that goes beyond transactions. This approach not only keeps our clients informed and involved but also establishes BlackASF Clothing as a brand deeply connected to the community.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blackasfclothing.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackasf_clothing
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackasfclothingandapparel/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/blackasfclothing/ https://www.tiktok.com/@blackasf_clothing