Today we’d like to introduce you to Ray Hodge.
Ray, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Whether it was becoming a stylist, store owner, or brand maker, I’ve always seen myself in the fashion world. Life happens, though and adulthood altered my plans, and I started to focus on making ends meet, but I’ve always known I would be a fashion mogul. Daymond John inspires me. I’m a seller at heart, so it’s not hard for me to pitch an item to anyone, but to love what you are selling is another thing and I love clothing. I love to dress people. I love to see how people love themselves. Clothing does that for people; it’s like a fresh cut or a new hair due it brings a refreshing feeling, and I love it.
Great, 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?
Building Freshway has not been a smooth road. I want my brand to represent high quality. With that being said, I had to go through a lot of trial and error, so in the testing stage of figuring out what different styles, prints, fabrics, etc. I would be interested in using it while building my brand. Furthermore, fashion is a tough avenue to get into. Help is rare and information is tough to get from people. You have to work hard to get it right, but I am grateful for it all. I took my trial and errors and grind. Going to pop-ups and working my butt off to get recognized for my craft. I’m still going, but I see my name making a statement. People can point out my brand. I constantly think of new designs or colorways to create more Freshway designs in early mornings and late nights. I love it; I am not the average joe who sees this as an income. I am the man with that constant drive because this is more than just money for me.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I’m a clothing designer. My business is to make you feel Good thru clothing. I’m known for my meaningless behavior brand under the Freshway linage, but I have so much more in store for my true supporters we are just beginning. What I think sets me apart from others is I actually know how to dress. This has been something I truly can say I’m good at. I created the brand as an avenue to get into clothing but I love styling people allowing them to give me their input on what they see fit to wear and me adding my sauce and seeing them smile from the little ideas or adjustments I give to inspire there outfit for the day.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Like any other kid, I enjoyed playing outside with a few friends’ breaking ankles on the court or my street, but my true favorite memory is my mom. She passed away when I was six, and since then, she has been my drive to be something I always knew was in me. I think she left that drive behind for me, you know.
Contact Info:
- Website: Freshwaydrippinggems.com
- Phone: 305-416-8816
- Email: freshwaydg@gmail.com
- Instagram: Freshway_miami
- Facebook: Freshwaydrippinggemsllc
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