Today we’d like to introduce you to Ralphy Vies.
Hi Ralphy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey started after I was cut from my college basketball team—a moment that forced me to rethink my path. Around that same time, my best friend challenged me to stop waiting for direction and start creating it. While I was still in college, he had just dropped out, and together we decided to figure out our future on our own terms.
We bonded over our shared love for fashion and launched a clothing line, which became my first real step into creative entrepreneurship. Music, however, had always been part of my DNA. I grew up hearing my grandmother and mother sing, performed with Highbridge Voices, and spent years singing at home before ever sharing it publicly.
Being born and raised in the Bronx—specifically near Sedgwick Avenue, the birthplace and Mecca of hip hop—played a major role in shaping my creative identity. That environment exposed me early to rhythm, storytelling, resilience, and culture. Hip hop wasn’t just music; it was language, movement, and survival, and it deeply influenced how I express myself artistically.
What began as instinct and passion has grown into purpose. Each setback became a pivot, and each pivot brought me closer to who I am today: a multidisciplinary creative driven by culture, authenticity, and the belief that where you come from can be the foundation for where you’re going.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road—and I wouldn’t expect it to be. Nothing truly worth having comes easy. There were countless sleepless nights, moments of self-doubt, and times where all I could do was pray for a chance—one opportunity to turn vision into reality.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced, like many creatives, is the financial side of creation. Music requires resources to produce, record, and release, just as fashion requires capital to design and manufacture collections. Those realities can be discouraging, especially when the passion is there but the means aren’t always immediate.
What kept me going was finding the will within myself and learning the value of sacrifice—giving up comfort, time, and certain luxuries to invest in what I believe in. Those struggles didn’t break me; they sharpened my focus and strengthened my commitment to my craft.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in what I call possibility—using fashion and music as tools to tell stories, shift perspective, and create feeling. I design clothing with intention, pieces that carry meaning and reflect where we come from and where we’re going. At the same time, I make music that tells real stories but still makes people feel good—music that gives life, direction, and movement.
To me, fashion and music go hand in hand. What you wear influences how you feel and how you show up in the world, just as what you listen to daily shapes your mindset and emotions. I approach both disciplines as extensions of identity and energy, not just products.
I’m most proud of building a vision that bridges worlds—creating a brand rooted in the grey area between luxury and streetwear, while pairing it with music that’s soulful, uplifting, and made to move to. What sets me apart is my belief in possibility: not just creating for myself, but showing others that dreams are achievable, and that culture, style, and sound can coexist to push both fashion and music forward together.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I’m big on learning from people who’ve actually lived what they teach. I regularly watch the Jim Rohn content for personal development—it helps sharpen mindset, discipline, and self-awareness. His perspective keeps me grounded and focused on growth beyond just career goals.
I also spend a lot of time listening to Gilbert Arenas’ podcast. I appreciate the real-life lessons he shares, not just about sports, but about attacking everyday life with confidence, accountability, and resilience. His experiences offer practical insight into handling pressure, success, and setbacks.
Both of them give me a strong sense of direction and serve as examples of what consistent hard work and dedication really look like. They remind me that growth is daily and success is earned over time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.viesnyc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ralphy_vies/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ralphyviesvevo
Image Credits
Erban Swerbz Fermon
