We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mizani Peaks. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mizani below.
Hi Mizani, thanks for joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
With the support of the closest people to me I was able to bring my business to life. Around my 20th birthday, I shared my ideas for my clothing line within my circle. Shortly after I gained a few followers to @starplayerclo on IG & received support from my circle It left me with no room for procrastination and showed me that my support was there. I gathered my resources (graphic designers, materials, content creators) tested product for a month creating customized pieces for friends that they still wear to this day to ensure my quality was there. Testing product was key for me because I wanted what I put out to be of lasting quality especially since this was my first business and first time getting into fashion. It’s important that my customers trust my brand to deliver.
Figuring out shipping method was the hardest for me because I didn’t understand the process of purchasing stamps online. YouTube university looked out for me in that aspect as well as many other parts. I purchased packaging materials, business cards, and set my website up with product pictures as well. Learning how to establish my business especially in terms of logistics was difficult & stressful but I launched feeling confident in my brand & quality. I sold out of my entire site within a few weeks.
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?
Star Player is streetwear highlighting people that are pursuing their passion as well as situations we may come across. Our Spring 2023 release ‘Star Player Recreational Camp’ encourages people to find their balance between fun and productivity! I came up with this idea thinking about my personal experience as a camper combining learning, networking, productivity, fun, and new experiences that allowed me to have an amazing summer experience! I love that my brand makes people feel empowered and apart of a community of individuals that are like-minded! My brand has also served as a platform for networking and opportunity which is what I enjoy most about what I do and that I feel truly sets my brand apart from others.
As far as networking many people will reach out to me such as music artists, artists, models, streetwear brands, influencers, and Star Players (customers) to model for upcoming releases. As far as executing photoshoots I usually bring on a photographer to bring my vision to life or take the photos myself on my camera. During the release I will tag the model and share with my audience their niche, services, and/or artistry so that they can tap in with them also! I provide people with an opportunity to showcase themselves in the best light possible in regards to the theme. For the Recreational Camp release the theme calls for “recreational activities” which in this case would allow me to highlight the hustles of each model who participates in this campaign.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building an audience on social media is a fairly difficult process. I am still learning how to grow my audience and bring traffic to my website. Initially, I had friends and family following my business page in support of me especially knowing me personally. The challenge was catching the attention of people who don’t know me as an individual by showcasing my creativity in a way that attracts to my audience. Recently, I have started to work with people who are pursuing their passions and connecting audiences which has brought my following up daily. Networking in person in spaces that are built for creatives to thrive is the best way to build online presence! Connecting with people in person and transferring that relationship online works to create longevity and mutual support.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Receiving public recognition for my accomplishments, collaborating with locals, delivering quality, and executing vision. Building credibility amongst people has allowed for people to trust that being apart of campaign shoots will allow for them to be presented in a fashionable manner that highlights who they are as well. Also delivering product on time and up to quality standards.
Contact Info:
- Website: starplayerclothing.bigcartel.com
- Instagram: @starplayerclo
- Twitter: @starplayerclo
Image Credits
Models: @biiaxbiia @yagirltsavvv @30kboof @j6cian @brazzymfbrayy Photography by Mizani Peaks