Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marquies Maith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Marquies, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

I Host Popup Shops with my brand potentially once a month, rather than going for a flagship store. I believe the build up for the popup is more consumer involved and memorable experience than your day to day store operations with consumers. Along with a more entertaining experience and building a relationship with consumers you can potentially profit in one event, just as much as you would in a month having daily store operations.

Marquies, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a 30 year old African American male from Baltimore City with a vision for a successful, creative and diverse streetwear brand. Relations was started by me back in 2013 and as many proud moments I had with my brand I also dealt with hardships. My brand focuses on building relationships overall and of course Quality. Branding with clothing can be tricky and trendy, which brings competitors. There are some beautiful and creative brands coming out of Baltimore City and everyone wants the recognition. I’m the guy that wants to collaborate with the fellow brands and help grow one another. From boutiques, to online, to selling out the back of the trunk was the dedication and hard work I put into my brand. I always caught the eye of consumers with the creativity, quality in my pieces and my Logo. I believe that’s what kept me in the mix for so long my logo alone. At one point I took a step back for about 2 years with my brand, I developed “creative block” and avoided going with the trend. I’m all about originality and simplicity. Which led me right back to the soul of my brand, My Logo. From that point on I always looked for the newest and original ways to get consumers more involved and build relationship with other brands. It finally hit me, collaborating and popup shops was key. I’m now working on my 6th Popup shop here in Baltimore for March 2023 and after collaborating with several brands I’m proud to say this pop up means a lot to me because it’s my first by myself and I’ve rebranded myself to the point I’m right back in the mix but pushing for the next level this go around.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Relations was my side hustle, until I learned that to be a brand and scale it you have to become the brand. I was a truck driver for years working long hours and actually taking majority of my earning to fund my business. One day I woke up and what I like to say is “I fired my job”. I had a plan to save as much money as I needed to take care of my bills and push my brand to the next level. The monument I networked and gained relationships, I went on to do my first Popup and it was a success.

Have you ever had to pivot?

After years of creating and making my own art and designs, I started to develop a creative block. Form that point on I noticed I had to get professions involved. That was the pivot of my brand and it took my brand to the next level with quality and creativity. Networking and collaborating is key when it comes to branding. Sometimes you need that push from others to put you in the right headspace or creative mindset to better your brand. Never hold back from reaching out for help and support.

Contact Info:

• Website: Soon
• Instagram: @Relationscl

Image Credits
Relations LLC Union Brand LLC