We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Demariyon Futch. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Demariyon below.

Hi Demariyon, thanks for joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

I always had a passion for fashion. I remember as far back as middle school, picking out my own school clothes. Laid out on the bed, with shoes and socks to match. I joined Kappa League in my hometown circa 2006. My first task was to put together a fashion show for the city. Long story short the show was amazing! And I knew at that moment fashion was what I really wanted to do somehow. Soon after I went off to college, studying another passion mass communication. I then found different ways to connect with other creatives. Soon or later I started styling and creative directing for many major fashion shows while studying journalism at Stillman College. Soon after I did something that would really be a start to my career. I started a T-shirt line. This line spread throughout my college campus and Facebook fast! After that took place I new I had to go bigger. After graduating & relocating to Atlanta, Georgia in 2012. I had set out to take this company to the next level. I then started designing full on clothes. Tops, pants etc. Over the years, I have made major milestones while working in the fashion industry. Numerous awards, many magazines and fashion shows. Now thanks to the impact of social media ELEVATION XII is one of the most sought after small black brands, featured on celebrities such as Young Thug, Lil Uzi, Lil Nas, Jazmine Sullivan & more. And the road continues.

Demariyon, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a fashion designer & wardrobe stylist. I got in this career simply by going after what I wanted. Not just wanting it but doing it. Starting with only a T-shirt I then created a clothing brand. Tops, coats, pants and etc. I am a self taught seamstress. I not only design but I sew, market and do content also. I honestly think my creativity sets me apart. I’m BIG on originality. I’m most proud of continuing to still push the envelope and consistently chase my dreams.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to learn was to stop doubting my brand. Understanding my demand. I also had to unlearn my poor business ethics. Honestly no one is prepared to run a business no matter how much experience you have or degrees. I never knew I’d own a business it just sort of happened, all at a young age. I would get behind on orders, not making my business a priority. Relationships, partying and poor spending habits caused myself so much pain in running my business. It took years to unlearn and clean up. But once you learn discipline and commitment you’ll be fine.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I actually started my business with no initial capital. Literally “a dollar and a dream”. I had no savings or investors I just made it happen. Starting small until I could afford to buy inventory.

Contact Info:

• Website: cameronnwest.com
• Instagram: @Flyydotcom
• Facebook: DeMariyon Futch
• Linkedin: DeMariyon Futch
• Twitter: @TheFlyydotcom

Image Credits
DeMariyon Futch Young Thug Lil Uzi Keke Palmer Bobby Lytes Avery Wilson