1) What is CRUZN COZY?

CRUZN COZY is an American luxury streetwear brand founded off of christian moralities and artistic self expression. The collision of two worlds. Art and fashion. The logo was hand-drawn by me and it came to me through a vision from GOD. CRUZN COZY is more than just a clothing brand, it is peace in a world full of chaos and confusion. It is traditional values with an artistic approach. CRUZN COZY is what my generation needs. Not only my generation but everybody. CRUZN COZY is the true definition of unlearning learned behaviors, especially with this social media age that is taking place and only becoming more progressive with time. As CRUZN COZY expands you will see exactly what I’m talking about with my designs.

 

 

 

2)What inspired you to start your own clothing brand?

Well, growing up my mother worked in neighborhood hair salons, leading to her owning her own hair salon. As a child I looked at her as just a hair stylist, but as I got older I realized that she was much more than that. She was an entrepreneur, who set the tone for her own lifestyle and managed her own time. She had no one to answer to, and naturally growing up seeing that, this becomes instilled in your everyday norm. Entrepreneurship runs in my blood you can say, so I never needed a start because it was always there.

 

 

 

3) Who do you keep in mind when designing your pieces?

CRUZN COZY designs are shared pieces, gender neutral even. This concept came to place so that no parts of the body will be oversexualized, exemplifying classiness but still intriguing enough to turn heads in any room. All of the designs are taken from male measurements, and although I am a woman I wanted to be an example to that little girl; to prove that women can do it too. Usually when you see a female designer you think that all the garments will be skin tight or oversexualized but I specifically designed my designs completely opposite of that ideology. So to answer your question more candidly, when designing my pieces I keep people who are not afraid to defy social norms in mind.

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4)Who is one designer that you have always wanted to work with?

I would love to work with so many designers so I can't say just one but I’ll give you my top 3.Jerry Lorenzo, Rei Kawakubo, and Dr.Martens the company because I honestly don't now if they have one specific designer.

 

 

5)What sets you apart from other brands?

 

CRUZN COZY is in a league of its own. Just look at the logo. You can never tell me that you have seen anything like that before. My brand is multifaceted, it's exclusive, it is something that we haven't seen in a long time, not in fashion anyway. CRUZN COZY was not my creation. It was the Lord’s, and as much as I was to take all the credit. I can't, and that’s what sets my brand apart from others.

​

​

6)What trials and tribulations have you faced and overcame since starting CRUZN COZY?

 

Over the course of 3 years, I have faced so many trials and tribulations. From the people closest to me not supporting me and believing in me, to being broke, feeling stuck and cornered with literally no way to turn, the list goes on and on. The 3 p’s that helped me overcome was prayer, perseverance and passion. Without those 3 things, I would not have made it this far. Now I realize that with success comes challenges, it's been like that since the beginning of time; but as long as I stay focused and never give up, those problems will be a small thing to a giant. I also built a strong team and network. I changed the circle of people I was around and connected with smarter, more positive people. Your network is your net worth, and I realized that being in the presence of bad company can really do damage. They say that if you are in a room with 9 millionaires, you are bound to be the 10th one. That saying is very true. Overall all, changing my mindset and my circle is what helped me overcome my challenges.

 

 

7) Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years with CRUZN COZY?

I remember going to a pitch conference that was being held by Brandon Andrews; the caster for the show Shark Tank, and he asked me what and when was my exit strategy. Let's be honest. Even though we love what we do, we can't do it forever. So in 10 years I plan on selling CRUZN COZY and making a profit for my future generations after me to benefit from. In five years I plan on expanding CRUZN COZY and starting multiple nonprofits and a school.

 

8) What is your advice to others that want to start a clothing brand?

There is so much advice I have to give but I would like to let people know to never let change discourage you from your dreams.For with change comes fulfillment.Never take the easy route in life because challenge is never easy. Nothing worth having comes easy, and becoming an entrepreneur is far from it. Hold on to your small victories and cherish them as much as you would cherish your big victories. Little progress is better than no progress at all. Never be comfortable with being comfortable.

 

So, many people around you will want to see you stagnated. They thrive off you being in the same predicament as them. As long as you are comfortable with people's judgement, criticism and the position you are at in your life, your business will never grow. There is always some work to be done and there will always be advancements in life to take you further than where you were the day before. So keep your eyes on the prize and never lose sight of your purpose. Lastly, create a meticulous business plan. Image and create different scenarios and really rationalize your ideas. This will help you with your pitch and it will make selling your product a lot less burdensome and more gratifying.“Failing to plan is planning to fail”. - Alan Lakein

​

​

​