Sunday, December 5, 2010

Q&A With Joe Baron Founder of Branded Baron

Timeless Q&A with no average Joe!



Joe Baron
*Timeless Question* 
To help the readers connect with the Q&A could you please introduce yourself and talk a little bit about Branded Baron?

I am Joe Baron, founder of Branded Baron. Branded Baron is based in Northern New Jersey and is committed to providing quality designs at reasonable prices that are “No Less than Stunningly Fresh” for anyone who is wants to stand out from the crowd.

*Timeless Question* 
When did you first create your line and how difficult was the process? 

It was launched to the public in August of ‘09. What was difficult was making sure everything was ready for the release. I had to do my research, make sure the designs I had to go through the designs that were going to be released, have the funding for the printing, building up hype, etc. There’s a ton of work and it’s a constant uphill battle.

*Timeless Question* 
Some lines do everything in house, are you one of those brands?

For the most part, yes. My fellow Branded Baron designer Danette and I handle most of the design work, but there have been situations where I felt there was an artist who’s style fit with Branded Baron.

*Timeless Question* 
Where does the name Branded Baron come from and how does it represent you? 

When brainstorming, I wanted it to reflect my interests and represent quality. A baron was part of the royal heirarchy, who was a nobleman who spoke for the people. I wanted this to be a brand for the people with quality apparel to designs with a positive message. It just so happens that “baron” is also my last name, so that’s how it represents my interests. When that name came up when we were figuring out what to call it, that one to me stood out and I think it has a nice ring. Branded Baron.

*Timeless Question* 
Does the fact that the world is in a recession change your business plans at all, if so how? 

Haven’t you heard? The recession is over. I’ve always had a goal to provide the customer with quality product with an affordable price. Plus, if you follow Branded Baron on facebook, twitter, or our mailing list, you’ll occasionally see some info on discounts for our online store.

*Timeless Question* 
What are some of the mistakes you made that you have learned from?

Timing is everything. Plan ahead and make sure everything is on schedule. If everything isn’t ready it can be embarrassing. There will be setbacks, so plan accordingly. 

*Timeless Question* When you have questions about what to do next regarding your line, who do you talk to?  

When it comes to thinking of what’s next, I’d speak with my vice-president, my fellow designer, and maybe ask advice from some other clothing company owners that I’m cool with, as well as some close knits friends who help support Branded Baron.

If it’s new designs, I’ll ask the same people and have my own little focus group of people I know will say tell me what they do and don’t like. I’d also take the feedback from the stores that carry us for consideration. 

I just have a calendar/planner for the whole year and know what I want to do and fill the days in if something new pops up. You need that inner circle you can trust and strategize as best as you can.

*Timeless Question* Could you name some of the brands you wear regularly and do they ever inspire a design? 

I rather not say, but there are shirts from other indie brands. I honestly wear Branded Baron pretty much everyday. As I’m answering these questions I’m currently rocking the Red Baron tee, so I’m 100% behind what we create. 

*Timeless Question* How did you go about getting your line sold in local stores?

I would go directly to the stores, so I could speak to the owner. They would get a chance to meet me and I would be able to talk about my brand. I would carry my line sheet and samples with me for them to see, so they could look at it when they’re interested. It’s a bit easier when you can speak to someone face to face rather than e-mail. Either way you need to have hot products for them to be interested in carrying your stuff. I’ve seen some items that I thought would be perfect for a particular shop, not be carried by one, but carried by another. You have to know the stores demographic and see if your company would be a good fit for them.


*Timeless Question* 
How difficult is it to update your website and keep your designs current? 

It’s not that difficult to update the website at all with the products, blog, etc. It may take awhile if I want to redesign it, but for the most part I’m happy with it.

Keeping up with designs is another thing and they’re a bit more difficult. Now it’s good to want and be a trend-setter, but you need to know what’s out there. You should see where fashion is going, so you know what the competition has. There was one bad case where a designer friend and I came up with the same concept and his design was for a bigger brand and we both released the same design at the same time. Let me tell you I was pissed when I walked in a small boutique and saw that. I personally think my execution was cleaner and a lot better, but that was an accident. No one stole each other’s idea, just two designers coming up with the same concept. It happens, but it sucks. For the most part I think our designs can hold its own, especially with some of the concepts we have. It’s really about making our design stand out where someone needs to have it. Blood, sweat, and tears go into producing Branded Baron. 

*Timeless Question* What can we expect from Branded Baron in the next couple years? 

I expect to see Branded Baron in bigger and better and in more stores. I also expect to have some custom apparel designed. Sometimes it’s hard to be patient and I want to release it all.

*Timeless Question* Where can customers find Branded Baron and contact you if they have questions? 

http://www.brandedbaron.com Check the site out and check out the blog, so you can see further what we’re about. You can use the contact form on the website or send an e-mail to info@brandedbaron.com Also, follow Branded Baron on twitter:and like us on facebook: You can even some of the videos we have on youtube.

*Timeless Question* Is there anything else you would like to add? 

Thank you for the interview and thanks to all those who read this. Thank you for all the supporters and future supporters. There’s FREE shipping for the rest of December on all domestic orders and low priced international shipping. 
Stay no less than Stunningly Fresh!





*Remember Im Timeless Here to Bring You The Latest Styles* 

Friday, December 3, 2010

Q&A With Brian Wanjare Founder of Sublime Dreamer


Timeless Q&A with a rising line. 




*Timeless Question* Being that your not quite nationally known could you please introduce yourself as well as talk a little bit about your line?


My name is Brian Wanjare, founder of Sublime Dreamer. I started it in 2008and shortly after I partnered with my best friends Kyle Gray Jr. & James Woods. When starting this line I envisioned something simplistic, but rare, and unique, at the same time. Therefore Sublime Dreamer was born.


*Timeless Question* When did you realize your passion for fashion?


Well I started off as always a sneaker lover at a young age, and I would always get sneakers that were uncommon so I would have to find clothing to specifically match them. I would say it started then.


*Timeless Question* How challenging is it to have a clothing line at such a young age?


I wouldn't say its challenging, I think its actually an edge because we are starting at such a young age. We've been in the fashion industry for two years now and I'm still only 19 and my partners are 21 and 20. We have the opportunity to grow and learn.


*Timeless Question* What qualities does your line possess that other brands lack?


I think our biggest thing is that our brand is universal. We dont cater to one specific market or group, and anyone can relate to our brand. Thats why I think we've gotten such a great response. Also the fact that we don't do things just because its popular or will make money, we make very conscientious decisions.


*Timeless Question* You cant possibly be doing all the work by yourself, so who else is helping and how is their job different from yours?


As I mentioned before, basically since day one Ive been on this journey with my partners Kyle Gray Jr. and James Woods.


*Timeless Question* Where did the name Sublime Dreamer come from and why did you decide on a name so unusual?


We all have aspirations to achieve some sort of goal or dream, and we all want to be the best in that specific goal, hence the name Sublime Dreamer.


*Timeless Question* Every season there are new designs meaning more work to be done, how do you come up with something different throughout the year?


Inspiration, everyday life inspires my designs, so its had to run out of ideas when everyday life inspires you.


*Timeless Question* How do you go about hiring designers or new employees?


We really keep a close, tight circle, the main core of myself, Kyle and James, we've known each other for seven years. Then we have others who are also on the team, but once again these are people we've either grown up with or known for years. I think keeping a close circle helps tremendously, because everyone has the brands best interest at heart.


*Timeless Question* Are you involved in anything else besides Sublime Dreamer?


We throw events in Delaware, we have started another company Merrim Live(www.merrimlive.com) for conducting the events. However, Sublime Dreamer is always the main focus.


*Timeless Question* What message does you line convey to customers?


Sublime Dreamer is a brand that embodies the ambitious never ending dream of success and achievement. We all have aspirations that we strive to accomplish, and not only to accomplish them, but to achieve them in the utmost fashion. Therefore, a Sublime Dreamer simply symbolizes an individual who dreams of being the best at what they do and working nonstop towards that goal.


*Timeless Question* Where do you envision your line in five years?


Hopefully with our own store, and larger presence nationally...well internationally.


*Timeless Question* Do you have any advice for other designers/entrepreneurs?


Always follow what you honestly believe in, never let money, fame or anything else drive your decisions. Also be prepared to fail many times, but consistency and hard work is what brings success.


*Timeless Question* Finally where can your line be found and how can you be contacted?


Our website is www.sublimedreamer.com and there is a contact us section where we can be reached.


*Timeless Question* Is there anything else you would like to add?


Just want to thank you for taking the time to reach out to us, and hope you much success with your own endeavors, defiantly a Sublime Dreamer. But also to keep an eye out for our highly anticipated 2011 Spring Collection, we've been really working hard to bring our fans something great.






*Remember Im Timeless Here to Bring You The Latest Styles*