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

Solimar, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Since I was a little kid I was always interested in Fashion. As I grew older my interest in fashion only grew, but I could also see how the space wasn’t necessarily sustainable or welcoming to everyone.

The reason I started UNBTHRD was not only to make a difference in fashion, but make a difference through fashion and I knew with that base idea everything was going to come together.

The idea of creating UNBTHRD was to create a safe space in fashion where everyone feels welcomed as well as giving back to the community.

Another reason the brand was created was to merge the gap in the retail space when it came to quality and price. UNBTHRD prides in having good quality long lasting comfort items that you can always reach for without breaking the bank.

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

My name is Solimar (it means Sun & Sea) I grew up in the Dominican Republic and moved to the US when I was 17 in search to fulfill my dream to have a fashion brand.

I worked many jobs that in one way or another trained me to become a business owner. From learning cost, materials, how to keep the books and how to explore manufactures and talk to them in the different terms that are used in the industry.

What UNBTHRD offers is high quality comfort unisex fashion with a message. That fashion should be fun and you should be UNBTHRD about what people think about you or the way you dress so long as you are happy.

One thing that I am the most proud of is that throughout the years and all the challenges that come with owning a business the brand has stayed true to its core values.

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

That there are some things you simply cannot control. Like the shipments from factories.

Things can all be going right but then a shipment gets delayed/lost and this can seem like such a huge mountain to climb. The truth is that there are many things we cannot control.

Instead of taking it as a set back I took this as a learning lesson to be more prepared. Maybe in the form of giving myself more time to launch a collection or for a restock.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

UNBTHRD is a self funded business so it came with a lot of planning and saving. Initially the capital invested was very minimal and the numbers have increased through the years but I think the most important thing is to keep the books clean and to make sure you are keeping track of the brand spending.

Making sure you have a little nest saved for any issues or expenses that might come with the brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.unbthrdfashion.com
• Instagram: www.instragram.com/unbthrdfashion
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unbthrdfashion

Image Credits

Photos by Hannah Edmondson
IG @_lilhannah_photo