Carl Wesley, President and Founder of up and coming Hip Hop clothing brand 'Six Figgaz,' has been a user of SoJones On-Line
for quite some time. Recently the brand executive found the free time to answer some questions about the Six Figgaz brand,
which has been publicized on television, in newspapers, and the internet.
The always-busy clothing brand president discusses issues that range from his experiences in the urban fashion industry
to the future of Six Figgaz clothing, and much more with totally open thought.
A brand that's definitely getting all kinds of hype beasting, uproar, and demand going, SoJones creates yet another classic
Hip Hop fashion industry interview.
[ SoJones ]
SoJones On-Line is back in full swing with the fashion interviews. Focusing on fashion this week, one of today's hottest
fashion brand's is 6 Figgaz Clothing. Launched in _2003_the line has since become a nationally known brand on the celebrity
market and strongly demanded in the general public. Founder Carl Wesley sits down to answer some questions for SoJones'
web publication and talk about his career, brand, and drive for the fashion business.
[ Six Figgaz' Carl Wesley ]
Starting off.... Who are you? What Brand Are You With? Last, What do you define the brand name as?
My government name is Carl Wesley but everybody that's close to me call me "Six". The brand I'm with and represent to the
fullest is Six Figgaz Clothing. The brand holds a powerful name that employs motivation which can be interpreted or defined
as success.
It also represents your average hard working men and women in the world trying to achieve the "American
dream." It also is a message for other entrepreneurs attempting to make something out of themselves encouraging them to
reach for the stars without limitations.
[ SoJones ]
Before the birthing of the 6 Figgaz clothing label, what were you into fashion wise? Were there any celebrity or
fashion trend inspirations that helped your creative visions begin?
[ Six Figgaz' Carl Wesley ]
No not really. Before I launched the clothing line, I had my hands into a variety of business projects and enjoyed
business period! I affiliated myself with anything that I felt was fun and had money making potential. From shooting
my own independent movies and managing a rap group by the name of Platinum Status, I did it while still in high
school!
But of course, I have always been a fan of fashion! I also have always been color coordinated. Whether it was my
fitted hats to my shoes laces I paid attention to details! As long as I could remember, I have been a creative
person when It came down to my outfit's. It wasn't until I my college years that I really let all my creative
juices flow!
[ SoJones ]
When was the 6Figgaz brand officially created and what were some of the first moves made?
[ Six Figgaz' Carl Wesley ]
The name 6figgaz was officially made and bestowed on me when I was still attending high school back in 2001. I didn't
start branding it on clothes until 03' around the time I started school in college.
One of the first major moves I can remember making was organizing my own fashion shows. Also, having former Cash
Money Millionaire, Juvenile sporting my gear really took my confidence to a whole new level!
[ SoJones ]
Was there any schooling or self-training involved in the process of you getting 6Figgaz Clothing launched?
[ Six Figgaz' Carl Wesley ]
Yes, Although I studied business while in college, most of my knowledge about the industry came through reading, and
talking to other experienced individuals in this field. But for the most part, I'm constantly learning new strategies
in this fashion world the do's and don'ts, and small business practices. It wasn't until after seeing a large demand
for the custom acrylic painted clothes I designed in my dorm room, that I naturally switched into business mode. I
still pick up a business book or journal every now and then.
[ SoJones ]
Many people think brands are successful overnight. However, most everyone inside the industry knows that is false.
What were some of the doubts and struggles you had, that you look back and probably could have avoided possibly?
[ Six Figgaz' Carl Wesley ]
I really believe in the quote "Thing's happen for a reason!" With that I don't regret anything that I've done
because many struggles only makes you stronger! Naturally, there are going to be doubts but I try to stay positive on
a day to day basis.
Some of the struggles I have faced has been raising money and providing enough capital to cover my business expenses.
Since I haven't had a regular 9-to-5 since 2001 and have been self-employed, it has been hard paying bills. I called
that stage the crossroads stage of success. Although it's a struggle and may be difficult, it's something many
companies must experience before they reach there success. It shows them how to really appreciate it.
[ SoJones ]
6Figgaz has become very successful across America with you as the brand spokesperson. The Texas rap scene, being
a huge influence on Hip-Hop and Hollywood these last 5 years, has embraced your brand openly during this process.
How does it feel to have this success in reaching the celebrities with your design and becoming a demanded product
amongst Hip-Hop artists, professional athletes, and other recognized names?
[ Six Figgaz' Carl Wesley ]
How does it feel?? Wow!! It's a blessing really sometimes I get speechless cause words can't explain the true inner
feelings' I have! The main thing that keeps me moving through out the day is being a positive black figure in today's
society and having people tell me that they look up to me and or appreciate what I'm doing! Those are the real
thing's that keep me moving! But whatever happens, I just make sure I keep God first and always remember that
everything can be taken away from you tomorrow so stay humble! (Real talk)
[ SoJones ]
I saw in photos that you had visited what looked like the BET "The Center" television set. Julissa had on a 6Figgaz shirt
and you were in the rap city booth. What was the story behind those photos and how did you get the invite?
[ Six Figgaz' Carl Wesley ]
It started with a 9:30am call from a BET intern explaining to me I was selected to be a guest on BET's THE CENTER.
The particular episode I was to be involved on focused on young black entrepreneurs!! WOW! All I could think of
at the time was dreams do come true! I didn't think in a million years I would be on B.E.T. at least not this early!!
When I arrived in the B.E.T. studios, I was lost for words! I remember feeling like a kid in a candy store! It
didn't hit me until I saw the 106&Park coach and the beautiful Julissa that I was really here in New York city and
not in a dream!! The Intern who called me weeks earlier said he heard about me in the street's while they were
doing casting for the show. It was an affirmation that my brand had grown and was reaching out to different markets.
[ SoJones ]
Do you ever pause on the thought of allowing a brand co-owner that likes your product so much they want to be a part of
its future?
[ Six Figgaz' Carl Wesley ]
Um... sometimes I do, but for the most part I'd probably just entertain there proposal because I am looking to
expand in the future!
[ SoJones ]
A lot of 6Figgaz' clothing designs vary to the point that you would think one mind could not create them all.
Who's doing the designs for 6 Figgaz clothing right now and is there any message behind the artwork?
[ Six Figgaz' Carl Wesley ]
We don't have one particular theme as does Lrg or some other brand's that thrive off of their image. We do like to
focus on what we feel is hot and trendy. Our focus is on longevity and anything that's not going to be a fad or
played out tommorrow. Although I have a niche at designing, I have been more involved on the behind scenes of
running the business. Lately I've been working with many different freelance designer's allowing them the
opportunity to shine.
[ SoJones ]
In fashion, it's all about rolling with the trends and trying to reset trends. What do you feel 6 Figgaz brings to the
current state of the Urban and Hip-Hop fashion world?
[ Six Figgaz' Carl Wesley ]
As I mentioned before, we focus on separating ourselves from the norm while still remaining trendy and fashionable. I
instill in my team everyday to think "innovation not duplication." We don't follow trends we make them! It's hard
to classify Six Figgaz in one particular category! I don't want 6figgaz to be classified as just an urban brand.
With the opportunity to increase sales and financially capital I want to expand my production and line to include
men's suit's and more of a culture look!!
[ SoJones ]
It's well appreciated you took the time to do this interview Mr Wesley, SoJones won't take up your whole day. In exiting,
is there any message you would like to deliver to the on-line readers?
[ Six Figgaz' Carl Wesley ]
I love quotes so I'm going to leave this interview with a few of my favorite quotes: And if you have any further question make sure you hit me up @ myspace.com/sixfiggazclothing and be on the look out for Sixfiggaz coming to a city or town near you!
-The best way to impress people is through results.You have to create success to impress people in the world of business!!
-Whatever you do, strive to do it so well that no man living and no man dead, and no man yet to be born can do it any better. As we face the unpredictable future, have faith that man and God will assist us all the way. -Benjamin Elijah Mays
-The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called Failure, a
loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called
Enemies, caution lights called Family. You will have flats called Jobs.
But, if you have a spare called Determination, an engine called
Perseverance, insurance called Faith, a driver called God, you will make
it to a place called Success.
God bless
[ SoJones ]
Those SoJones Don't just keep up with the trends... We set them... Until Next Time, Stay Tuned Everyone and Stay Up On
What Six Figgaz Clothing Is Doing! We're know this line is one of the Hip Hop Clothing market's next up.
