Today we’d like to introduce you to Althea Robotham.
Hi Althea, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Being from Brooklyn, NY I have thick skin, defensive reflexes, skepticism on level 1000, loyalty like no other, and confidence beyond imagination.
Throughout the course of life, I’ve come across many people that lacked confidence in themselves. Fashion was always the neutral zone to make people forget about everything else and focus on their accessory, clothing, and footwear coordinating skills. Every day is a runway show on the streets of Brooklyn and the tri-state NY.
Clothing alters emotions and perceptions. It is the first impression one has. It is expression. There are plenty of brands that people want to wear but can’t afford or they want to follow the masses. I simply thought about how many brands truly represent me. I mix and match my fashion style according to how I feel.
I’m always encouraging folks to strive for better in business and personal life. We all have an inner wolf we just need to Rekanize it exists and brings it to the forefront.
“Rekanize your truth.” is our slogan. In other words, understand you contain untapped potential. Discovering your wolf is the hardest part. Fear of failure and success is what prevents you from doing so. Belief in yourself will propel you forward. Your confidence will exude from your pours, your clothing, and footwear. Rekanize fashion possesses that attitude on your behalf in every design and thread.
I found a company online to print and sell t-shirts at first, then I found a manufacturer to construct footwear by hand, made to order. The business really took a turn upward when we released the Brooklyn Bam sneakers that say Brooklyn around the heel. When the high tops hit the market, then we really saw a liking for the brand. Plus people like saying you better Rekanize.
It has been an ongoing struggle to get the word out but I am relentless when it comes to achieving my goals. If I have to talk to 212 ppl to get my answer, trust I will get my answer. I get up in the morning and lose sleep at night just researching, networking, and learning all that I can to increase my abilities and education. My wolf pushes me toward greatness.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Smooth??? Far from it. It’s been years of back and forth, stopping and regrouping, doubting, and coming to senses. It’s been extremely difficult especially when numerous people compound upon your own doubt. I’ve tried various companies trying to get the right products with the best quality fabric and print. I’ve learned people will yeah yeah yeah you to death just to get the business, but can’t follow through with results. We had one company double-print our shirts to the point where the design looked extremely blurry. Their fix was to print it 2 more times the exact same way. Perseverance is my only salvation. What you want is out there, you just have to find it. My most recent venture is to enter the field of 3d printing and resin art. You are not going to believe what is coming. Oh, it’s so good. I’ve been learning and building upon my new craft for almost a year and the excitement is overflowing for the next launch. I think people will be shocked in a good way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Architecture was my first love and graphic design became my second in college. Every job I’ve had, fortunately, has been in graphic design. I’ve worked in the prepress business for years designing ads for major name brands displayed in magazines, newspapers, trucks, buses, billboards, staircases, train interiors, and exteriors, etc. For the past couple of years, I’ve been focusing on video, digital advertising, learning after effects, building websites, textual animation, and brand marketing.
I am most proud of never quitting. I would not be doing this interview if I quit the many times I wanted to.
If I’m designing for others, I study everything about the brand/product/service I am creating for. My designs represent the subject matter in the most natural and organic way possible. When it comes to Rekanize products trust and believe the quality is impeccable and durable. People aren’t just customers; they are human beings with whom I want to connect with on a unified level. We have to believe in ourselves in order to make progress in life together.
The wolf logo was created to represent power, courage, and confidence believed to exist in every being. The main focal point aims to trigger a self-reliant frame of mind using fashion.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
After Effects, Illustrator, Photoshop, WordPress, Mailchimp, Spreadshirt, social media in general, Garageband, Youtube, Google, Pixabay, Envato, Fiverr and Upworks. Just to name a few. Oh and my V-Moda headphones. Can’t work without those.
Contact Info:
- Website: rekanize.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/rekanizebrand
- Facebook: facebook.com/rekanizebrand
- Twitter: twitter.com/rekanizebrand
- Youtube: youtube.com/@rekanize
Image Credits
Anita Kurzyna
