Today we’d like to introduce you to Aldon Peoples.
Aldon, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Well, I grew up in the small city of Ocala, FL (yeah, I’m sure you’re asking yourself where that is). For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been into the arts since I was able to grasp the concept of putting an idea on paper. However, growing up in a family full of educators, bankers, and state workers I’ve always felt like the oddball. Add that on top of growing up in a city known for its prestigious horse farms, it’s not the ideal environment for someone wanting to pursue art. Throughout grade school, I exercised my talents in drawing, painting, as well as acting. It wasn’t until high school that I picked up a camera and became exposed to photoshop.
Back then photography and graphic design weren’t as popular & in demand as it is now. It was hard for my parents to cope with the idea that I wanted to pursue an art career and originally talked me out of it. When I got to college, (this was a time when Myspace was hot and Facebook was still “invite-only”) I found myself spending more time creating custom graphics and photos for people on myspace than my schooling. Ironically, I never wanted to solely be a photographer or graphic designer, because I didn’t like creating under a client’s terms. It just wasn’t me. It was also a time I started to pay attention to my fashion tastes.
It was the one thing outside of art that made me feel good about myself, because I would always get compliments on how I dressed. I had always been influenced by my two older cousins, because they wore the coolest clothes in opposite lanes when it came to style. One was always wearing Duckhead Polos, Ralph Lauren khakis, and Jansport backpacks. The other wore Vans, Girbaud jeans, and South Pole tees. I adopted both styles which made me more versatile with my wardrobe. That’s when I decided I wanted to make clothes. I attempted to start this brand with a couple of my close friends from high school called “shooting stars”, and it was a complete and utter mess, this is the first time I’m even mentioning it publicly. It never got past one t-shirt.
I spent the next couple years trying everything in terms of jobs, but nothing could ever keep my interest. I was still doing little art projects here and there, but the feeling of satisfaction was nonexistent. Life seemed like it was going downhill, fast. Then a moment that I’ll probably never forget happened. I experienced heartbreak for the first time. It was at that moment I felt like I didn’t belong here. I wasn’t in tune with my passion. I wasn’t interested in the different careers I was trying, and the person whom I fully opened to completely shut me down. It was the lowest point of my life. I was completely in the grip of depression and it was BAD. Then, one day this idea for a brand hit me and that was the birth of my second brand called “Coeur”.
I figured that if I could take my negative thoughts & emotions and express them on a canvas that people could connect with then I wouldn’t have to hold it all in. The idea was there, but the name was hard for people to pronounce being it was a French word. Not to mention I’m not French in the slightest. It just didn’t hit. Then one day I realized that there are people that share my thoughts and emotions too, society does. That night I came up with what is known today as Heartbreak Society. A year or so in, my longtime friend and Brand Liaison, Cortez Allen came on as a partner to assist in building the brand. Ever since then, we have been on this path taking it one step at a time.
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?
It’s been a rollercoaster. Although I have extensive knowledge from a graphics standpoint, the process of designing a garment has been another ball game. Also, overcoming creative blocks and trying to learn the business, while staying true to your vision has been interesting. Fortunately, I’ve overcome each obstacle that has tried to obstruct my vision, and that’s what allows me to continue pushing myself forward as a creative and a business owner. I’m enjoying this journey.
It’s been a rollercoaster. Although I have extensive knowledge from a graphics standpoint, the process of designing a garment has been another ball game. Also, overcoming creative blocks and trying to learn the business, while staying true to your vision has been interesting. Fortunately, I’ve overcome each obstacle that has tried to obstruct my vision, and that’s what allows me to continue pushing myself forward as a creative and a business owner. I’m enjoying this journey.
Please tell us about Heartbreak Society.
Heartbreak Society is an evolving concept brand. We create unique products of premium quality that embody creativity and progressive lifestyle, while bringing awareness to societal pressures that are present in today’s world. I’m most pleased with how the brand has matured from when it first started. No one else is really creating relatable stories with fashion like we are doing. We’re really creating our own wave that’s not just a reincarnation of something else. This is from the ground up a completely original brand.
Heartbreak Society is an evolving concept brand. We create unique products of premium quality that embody creativity and progressive lifestyle, while bringing awareness to societal pressures that are present in today’s world. I’m most pleased with how the brand has matured from when it first started. No one else is really creating relatable stories with fashion like we are doing. We’re really creating our own wave that’s not just a reincarnation of something else. This is from the ground up a completely original brand.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
It’s definitely a three-headed monster. I believe the combination between me being a deep thinker, being open-minded, and ambitious sync together to really make things work out. The first two being the foundation of my creative process which is pretty intricate. Everyone has an imagination, but that’s usually where it stops with most people, a thought with little to no action. My ambition doesn’t allow me to sit on my ideas (even the bad ones), and each time I learn and grow. Success is a state of mind. It’s who you aspire to be and right now I see myself becoming that person I want to be clearer each day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theheartbreaksociety.com
- Email: info@theheartbreaksociety.com
- Instagram: @hbksociety , @apvision__
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hbksociety
Image Credit:
Photo credit: Whiteout Media, Kiona B.
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