Meet Phree Hester of Phree Art in Downtown Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Phree Hester.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Phree. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Hi my name is Phree Hester I am a Los Angeles native born in Inglewood California. I’m a Aries. I grow up between Inland Empire and Los Angeles. I’ve been a fashion designer for 8 years and a artist for 15 years. I use my fashion as A vehicle to drive my art into the hearts of the world. As a kid I was always drawn to the arts. I loved color and how art allowed me to express myself in a way like no other.  I use to be teased because I wasn’t that good at drawing and now I get paid to travel the world and showcase my gifts. My dream has always been to elevate myself and those around me with knowledge and experience that teaches us how to be the best us. That feeling of being PHREE is what drives me to continue creating and inspiring. My Fashion acts as a function that allows me to showcase my ideas that may have been created on a canvas that now allows me to use my creative style in fashion creating high quality Art Designs. I strive to create the best quality possible.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Definitely has not been a easy road. I have encountered a lot of tough lessons along the way. I had to go through a lot by myself and it was hard from not having enough for food or gas,to having to sleep on my friends couch or even sleep in my car. I recently had to battle a serious lawsuit against a old mentor who stole my Art from me then tried to blackmail and falsely accused me of things that I didn’t do and because of my skin color I was looked at as guilty and had to fight to prove my innocence. Since that day I vowed to stand up and fight for myself and others in situations like mine. I wouldn’t wish what I dealt with on anyone. Losing your PHreedom is worse then losing anything you thought was important. I’m thankful to have a great support system from my family to my real friends.

Please tell us about PHREE Art.
Phree is a expression from Art to fashion which is ran by myself and a small team that help me gather my materials that I need to create Art. I’m known for my custom jackets that are all handpainted by myself and also my fedora hats that are uniquely designed with art and tassels. Many people and big celebrities have sought after my unique designs because it allows them to personalize the piece or even just stand out from the ordinary and be Phree. My creations are out the box ideas that I constantly do my best to push the boundaries of normality.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Everything I’ve done I wouldn’t change because if I did I wouldn’t be the Man I am today. But I would tell myself to be more aware and make sure I could discern the intentions of others and have contracts. I feel dealing with business it’s imperative to make sure you have evidence to prove that the transaction that is going to happen is clear and on paper so that both parties can know what to expect. Also not everyone you meet is going to have your best interest so it’s best to have discernment dealing with people you don’t know completely.