We recently connected with Cordae Mcafee and Nolan Musga and have shared our conversation below.

Cordae, Nolan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

In a world where style clashed with stereotypes, Soie Apparel emerged as a beacon of change. Born out of the frustration of being unfairly judged for wearing protective headgear in public, the brand Soie, meaning satin, embarked on a mission to redefine fashion and break down stereotypes.

Soie Apparel specialized in satin-lined garments, a thoughtful fusion of elegance and functionality. From beanies to bucket hats and baseball caps, each piece was meticulously crafted to protect hair without compromising on style. The brand’s founders, fueled by personal experiences of being labeled as a “thug” or perceived as “hood” for wearing durags or bonnets, set out to challenge societal norms.

The Soie journey wasn’t just about fashion; it was a movement. It aimed to empower individuals to express their unique style while embracing the importance of hair protection. No longer confined to the shadows of judgment, Soie became a symbol of confidence and self-expression.

As word spread about Soie’s transformative products, stories emerged of individuals reclaiming their narrative. The brand’s satin-lined creations not only shielded hair but also shattered stereotypes. People felt liberated, no longer hesitant to don their favorite headgear in any setting.

Soie Apparel became more than a brand; it became a statement. A statement that challenged preconceived notions, inspired self-assurance, and celebrated individuality. In a world that once scrutinized, Soie now stood as a testament to the power of change, proving that fashion could be both bold and inclusive.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Nolan Musga and I, Cordae McAfee, began our journey in college, where the beats of music intertwined our paths. As an artist skilled in traditional and digital mediums, I, Nolan, found a creative companion in Cordae, a digital marketing specialist and entrepreneur. United by our passion for music, we decided to channel our collective knowledge into addressing a prevalent issue in the streetwear industry.

We, as a team, recognized the stigma associated with wearing protective headgear in public spaces. Motivated by personal experiences and a shared vision, we set out to create Soie Apparel, a brand that seamlessly blends style and functionality, challenging stereotypes in the process.

Our partnership isn’t just about collaboration; it’s a fusion of artistic ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit. I, Nolan, bring my artistic skills to breathe life into our vision, while Cordae’s expertise in digital marketing provides the strategic foundation for our brand.

Determined to break barriers, we transformed our vision into reality. Soie Apparel isn’t just a brand; it’s a manifestation of our shared passion for art, music, and challenging societal norms. Our story resonates with a community eager for change, as Soie Apparel becomes a movement uniting people through style, self-expression, and the collective desire to redefine the narrative surrounding protective headgear in the streetwear scene.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

In building our social media following, Nolan Musga and I, Cordae McAfee, strategically harnessed the power of influencers who resonated with our demographic. Recognizing the significance of aligning with individuals who shared a passion for hair and beauty, as well as fashion, we engaged with influencers who could authentically connect with our audience.

Our collaborations extended beyond mere endorsements; they were partnerships forged with hair and beauty influencers, and fashion aficionados who not only loved our product but also believed in the message we aimed to convey. By carefully selecting influencers who embodied the essence of our brand, we ensured that their content would strike a chord with their followers.

The key to our success lay in the authenticity of these collaborations. Influencers seamlessly integrated our satin-lined apparel into their content, showcasing its stylish features while emphasizing the importance of hair protection. From vibrant images to engaging videos, we encouraged influencers to create content that not only highlighted our product but also resonated with their audience’s preferences and interests.

As a result, our social media presence flourished. The genuine enthusiasm from influencers sparked a ripple effect, resonating with their followers and expanding our reach organically. Through these collaborations, we didn’t just build a following; we cultivated a community that embraced our brand’s values and celebrated the fusion of style and functionality in Soie Apparel.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

In our approach to sales channels, Nolan Musga and I, Cordae McAfee, strategically balance the promotion of our streetwear designs to cater to different aspects of our audience. Recognizing the influence and exclusivity that social media and influencers bring to the streetwear scene, we prioritize these channels for showcasing our trendsetting designs. Our collaboration with influencers not only drives streetwear trends but also creates a sense of exclusivity that resonates with our audience.

Simultaneously, we recognize the importance of accessibility and practicality. For generic designs, we leverage platforms like Amazon, strategically targeting search terms to reach individuals actively seeking solutions. This allows us to tap into a wider market, providing a solution for those who prioritize functionality without compromising on quality.

To further enhance brand awareness and community engagement, we incorporate pop-up events into our strategy. These events serve as a tangible extension of our brand, allowing us to connect with communities directly, share our story, and provide a personalized experience. Pop-ups not only contribute to brand visibility but also foster a sense of community around Soie Apparel.

By carefully balancing our sales channels based on design, we ensure that our streetwear trends thrive on social media, our functional designs reach a broader audience on platforms like Amazon, and our pop-up events strengthen our connection with communities, creating a holistic approach to brand promotion and sales.

Contact Info:

• Website: soieapparel.com
• Instagram: @soieapparel
• Facebook: @lifeofsoie
• Other: TikTok @soieapparel

Image Credits
Jeffrey Hunter Jason Hunter