We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Omod Cashmere a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Omod thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I’d love to share about the meaningful projects we’ve created for Scorpion Creed. These designs are not just clothing; they’re pieces of my life story, my experiences, and my journey.

One of the designs that holds a special place in my heart is “Blessed.” It’s a reminder of my upbringing in a God-fearing, church-going family. I was taught to find the goodness in everything, even when life took unexpected turns. This design is a tribute to the idea that we should always try to see the blessings, even when life doesn’t go as planned. It’s about staying grateful and finding the silver lining, even in challenging moments. This perspective has been the root of my sanity, knowing that life is short, and we should be thankful for all things.

“Better Days Coming” draws its inspiration from a song by the talented Le’Andria Johnson, one of my favorite artists. During my lowest moments, I would listen to this song on repeat as it breathed life into me and provided the strength I needed to keep going. The design serves as a constant reminder that, no matter how dark life might seem, better days are just around the corner.

“Respect All Fear Nothing” is a straightforward yet powerful design. It embodies my personal philosophy on life. I firmly believe that while full respect should be earned, I choose to show respect to everyone unless they give me a reason not to. Fear is reserved for one entity, and that’s God. Regardless of the challenges and life experiences I’ve faced, this design reflects my unwavering stance as a warrior who confronts adversity head-on.

Then there’s “Socially Awkward” which is one of my earliest designs, and it’s incredibly personal to me. It encapsulates my struggles with excessive self-consciousness, social anxiety, and the lingering trauma from my past. On the surface, I often presented myself as the likable people pleaser, always eager to make others happy. But beneath that smile, I was battling with my own insecurities. This design is an expression of my journey towards self-acceptance and an acknowledgment of the internal struggles many of us face. It’s a reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and we should be more empathetic to each other’s hidden battles.

Lastly, “Fxck the Haters” holds significant personal meaning. Growing up as an adopted only child, I often surrounded myself with individuals who made me feel like family, yet failed to support me in my times of need. This design represents my journey towards self-empowerment and learning to be my own validation and company. It reflects the realization that I don’t need to adjust and adapt to keep people around for the sake of acceptance or friendship. Instead, I’ve learned to embrace my own strength and independence, changing my surroundings and opportunities in the process.

I take these life lessons and channel them into creating compelling graphic apparel that allows me to express myself and, hopefully, resonates with others who can relate to these experiences. In the end, I hope that wearing my apparel empowers others to embrace their own journeys and stand strong, just as I have.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Certainly, my journey in the world of fashion has been a somewhat unique one. I’ve always been a multi-talented individual with a deep love for various art forms, including spoken word, music, paintings, dance, food, and, above all, fashion. Despite these talents, I’ve often found myself shying away from the spotlight, opting for the safety and comfort of the background. This reluctance to take center stage largely stems from self-doubt and a feeling of not being worthy of the limelight.

Nonetheless, my lifelong dream has consistently been to leave a lasting and cherished mark through my creativity, regardless of the specific artistic avenue it may lead me down. I have an inherent fascination for the aesthetics of life and the beauty it holds, even during the most challenging times. However, my most significant passion has always revolved around fashion.

This passion was deeply influenced by my upbringing. I was raised by my grandmother, whom I regard as one of the most stylish fashionistas I’ve ever known. She had a distinguished career in the military, held corporate positions, and was a lightheartedly dedicated member of the church. She would frequently take me on shopping sprees, regardless of the time, whether it was early morning, midday, on weekdays, weekends, or after school. It was a constant quest for the latest outfits and accessories, a pursuit that, as a child, I couldn’t always appreciate. My feet would ache, and I’d be hungry every two hours, but what I cherished most was observing her creative process.

My favorite part of those shopping trips was watching her meticulously build a completely new wardrobe, often acting as the ultimate judge of what was stylish or not. While she ensured I was well-dressed, it was evident where most of her fashion efforts were channeled. This experience ignited my passion for clothing, the art of crafting an ensemble that was not only visually appealing but also a reflection of one’s mood and personality for the day.

Even in my diverse high school, I could discern much about an individual’s character and personality based on what they wore and how they wore it. During that time, I wasn’t much of a dresser, given my focus on athletics, so my wardrobe largely consisted of sweat suits and t-shirts. Nonetheless, I couldn’t help but envision what it would be like to model or design my clothing someday.

Fast forward to my young adult years, and I had the opportunity to expand my fashion sense and put it into practice. I dabbled in modeling for a brief period, but the lurking anxiety and fear of inadequacy prompted me to put it on hold. As I continued to develop my skills, I realized that instead of pursuing careers that placed me in the spotlight, I could create my own clothing brand that served as an outlet for self-expression, encapsulating the various moods and experiences life brings our way.

Starting with what I knew best, t-shirts, hoodies, and crewnecks, my vision for my clothing brand is deeply personal. Each piece I create is an authentic reflection of me in some way, serving as a testament to my life’s journey and my efforts to break out of my self-imposed cocoon. My brand empowers me to express thoughts and feelings I might not otherwise voice, allowing me to take pride in my authenticity.

What I’m most proud of is the unwavering dedication and consistency I bring to my brand. Every entrepreneur will tell you the mental challenges that come with starting a business from scratch. It’s like watering a plant, not seeing immediate growth, and worrying about failure, when, in reality, there’s a lot happening beneath the surface.

I’m aware that my brand isn’t on the same scale as industry giants like Nike, Puma, Champion, or Ed Hardy, and that’s by design. I aim for my brand to be iconic for its substance and meaning, with each word and design carrying significance. I want my brand to bridge the gap between societal norms and the idea that supporting a hardworking creative can be cooler than supporting a millionaire with limited community involvement, all for the sake of a designer label. True fashion is cultivated by the people all around us, waiting for their moment to shine. To expand your fashion horizons, you must first expand your mind.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most valuable lessons I had to unlearn when launching my clothing brand was the expectation that everyone I knew would automatically support and be proud of my new venture. I initially believed that support would manifest not just through financial contributions but also simple actions like reposts, likes, shares, or word of mouth – something that would take just a few seconds and no financial investment.

The reality I encountered was quite the opposite. Out of a hundred people in my social circles, I found that only a handful, perhaps two, would genuinely support. Another ten might waver on the fence, and the rest would simply observe from a distance.

This was a rather tough pill to swallow, especially considering my nature and the role I typically played in my social circles. I’ve always been the go-to person for a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, unwavering love, unbiased advice, and any kind of support I could offer. I’m naturally caring, protective, and incredibly loyal – traits that align with my Scorpio nature when it comes to the people I love.

However, I had assumed that the respect, good nature, and loyalty present in my associations and friendships would automatically translate into robust support for my new endeavor. It was disheartening to realize that this wasn’t always the case. It was initially a bit of a shock, and I brushed it off as a minor setback. But over time, I started to question why some of these same individuals would readily ask for favors from me while not reciprocating the same energy, even when they watched my work go unnoticed.

Coming to terms with this realization was indeed challenging. It forced me to reassess my approach and target audience. I began to understand that my friends, associates, and family weren’t necessarily my primary audience for my brand. While I believe that friends should support one another’s business ventures, I also recognized that the most crucial audience for my brand was comprised of individuals who didn’t know me personally but could deeply resonate with the message my brand conveyed from a creative and unbiased perspective.

Unlearning the expectation of unwavering support from friends and acquaintances helped me approach things from a different angle. It reminded me of the fundamental reason why I started my brand – to self-express and connect with like-minded individuals. If those individuals aren’t the ones closest to me at the moment, that is perfectly okay. I learned to stay true to myself and my vision, believing that the right audience would find their way to me in due time.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part about being a creative is the incredible release it provides from the demands of everyday life. It’s like that deep exhale after a particularly challenging day, week, or even month. Creativity offers me a safe space to unburden my mind and find solace. It’s a sanctuary where I can clear my head, making room for new thoughts and ideas to flourish.

I place great importance on self-care, self-awareness, and self-empowerment. These principles are essential for me to prevent unconscious self-sabotage and maintain my overall well-being. In a world that often feels like it’s trying to sideline us, creativity serves as a lifeline. It’s my go-to source of rest and rejuvenation when life’s pressures mount.

As a creative individual, I have a range of creative hobbies I enjoy, such as writing spoken word, drawing cartoons, listening to music, singing, working out, and, more recently, exploring the world of cooking. Having these diverse creative outlets to tap into is invaluable, especially during moments of mild depression, when I’m feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or mired in anxiety where my thoughts race in every direction.

Taking personal time to slow down and fully engage in these creative pursuits allows me to be present for myself. It’s a form of self-preservation that enables me to recharge and, in turn, show up for myself in a more wholehearted and resilient manner. The power of creativity lies not just in the joy it brings, but in its ability to center and replenish me, ensuring that I can continue to face life’s challenges with renewed strength and resilience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://scorpioncreedthebrand.myshopify.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/Scorpioncreedthebrand
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078696524625&mibextid=LQQJ4d