Today we’d like to introduce you to Teddy Monclaire.
Hi Teddy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Started my brand in 2016 driven off of expressing my art and gaining recognition for the time n effort put behind my craft.
What made me start my brand was me always lending out my art or passion for art to others and never getting accredited for the work done so I wanted to figure out a way where I can hone in on my own skills and apply it to what I like to do already. Which is art and fashion then AURA Nation was born an acronym for As U Recognize Accomplishments, this acronym speaks volumes into what the brand is about.
We started with local fashion shows and school fashion shows for all ages. Would make hats the would vividly express are through my eyes with bleach and paint.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a road with a lot of ups and downs there were times I was ready to give in and would question if this is my passion. I’ve noticed people who don’t follow my brand or like my brand, people who don’t respect my brand and it ultimately shows when it’s a business transaction. You go through being lowballed and people wanting your merch for free. What I still struggle with is finding the proper manufacturers to mass produce my merch, due to them normally being foreigners and the dialogue between English and a foreign language can get messy and they don’t understand what you asking if them. It’s hard to show people you are a serious brand and gain more followers and recognition.
Where I live upstate the city is about a popularity contest and if you aren’t someone whose name always ringing around in the streets, you won’t get people to gravitate toward you unless you got clout.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in art I create my own graphics for my apparel I do my own embroidery I make sure that everything associated with the brand is hands-on and gives the feel of originality. A refreshing new look on fashion. I’m known for my art and the very simplistic logo that always catches people’s eyes. As well as my own fashion. I’m most proud of my accomplishments and never giving up, no matter the odds stacked against me. Due to my character and personality, I’m a different bread of artist from the way I can create fashion ideas and graphics no one else has thought of.
Any big plans?
Planning on creating the webpage get more of an online presence with my brand. I want to build a team of loyal companions that see the same vision I do and are willing to do anything to get there.
Pricing:
- Custom orders -$160 (sweatsuits)
- Custom orders (shirts) $80
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Aura_nation
Image Credits
Photo credits to Tiara Nichols
