We were lucky to catch up with Terohn Mathis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Terohn, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

It was my sophomore year at Ferris State University and I was sitting in my dorm thinking to myself, “What am I going to do from here?”. I’ve always been ambitious, so it was no question that I wanted to be a business owner. However, I didn’t know what type of business I wanted to start so I decided to focus on the name first. I wanted it to have a deeper meaning so after rummaging through my thoughts I came up with “Willing Now Able”. One has to be willing to take risks and get uncomfortable in order to be able to do what they love in life. I typed that into my notes and left it alone. Towards the end of the spring semester, the pandemic started and all students were sent home. After that semester, I decided to take some time away from school and I started back working. I was working as a beer merchandiser when I ended up contracting covid. To get myself through quarantine, I would exercise and play video games, but I had lots of time left in my days so I started to make logos. I would send my friends my designs via Snapchat and they gave me an extra boost of confidence to start my clothing brand once quarantine ended. I remembered passing a print shop around the corner from my house on a job route, so I ordered my blank t-shirts and headed there once I was covid-free. The shirts turned out great sold out within the first couple of days and that’s when it became real. The meaning for Willing Now Able remained the same, but to make the connection to fashion, I would add that when you look good, you feel good. Willing Now Able would then be committed to giving consumers that extra empowerment by providing quality products and unique designs.

Terohn, 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?

My name is Terohn, but most people just call me “Tee”. I started Willing Now Able in August 2020, but I’ve had a passion for clothes since I was kid. My mom used to get my sister and I matching Jordans and styling them with different outfits is something I took pride in. Growing up, I played basketball and football and it was priority for me to have the nice sneakers and all the accessories. Those parts of my life easily led Streetwear to being my favorite style. The versatility of this style is incredible and I use that to my advantage. I’ve created many designs and I do my best to make them unique. Even when I get influenced, I know how to recreate an idea and put my own spin on it. This year, I want people to expect high-quality, detailed, and essential pieces. Any clothing released from WNA will be built to last and worth your while!

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

I had to unlearn being too eager. Wanting people to see my designs so bad that I would over invest when I still had inventory that needed to be sold or using blanks that i didn’t approve of. Timing is everything so now I’m learning how to be patient with my drops and if a product isn’t made exactly how I envisioned, it won’t be sold.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for me is word of mouth. It’s just more genuine than social media and people can’t dismiss your business as easily.

Contact Info:

• Website: Willingnowable.com
• Instagram: Willingnowable
• Facebook: Willing Now Able

Image Credits
Sam Davis Jovan Prints