Today we’d like to introduce you to Rafael Miranda.
Hi Rafael, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Miami Bums began with an idea. I knew I always wanted to make a clothing brand. My grandfather was in the garment industry, and I always seemed to have an affinity towards the design aspect. I grew up in Miami, so the sayings on my shirts are Who I Am. It wasn’t easy to start up, though. The first step of the process was the actual designs. I spent hours refining and editing them.
I still have some of the first-ever shirts made, and they’re not too pretty. I knew I wanted a retro-skeletal look with big, bold letters. It was all about standing out. After weeks of designing came the actual garments. This was paramount for me. I went through countless print providers. It had to be perfect. I must’ve given away truckloads of samples until I found the right one. At Miami Bums, we use the best of the best. We take a lot of pride in our quality because we represent the Hispanic community, and that, to me, is invaluable.
Once the groundwork was set, I focused on the website. This was quite a task. I ended up taking classes in web design because the website is the face of a brand, and it is the first thing people see. Everything I’ve done for Miami Bums, I’ve done with love, pride, and a lot of work. It’s my baby and I hope that shows through our quality.
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?
I wouldn’t call any of my setbacks a “struggle,” as I’ve loved every minute of it. There have been a lot of challenges, however. When you put so much time and effort into something, anything but perfect is unacceptable. Getting the website to look and feel how I wanted was definitely one of the bigger challenges I’ve faced. Web design is a language, and at the beginning, was not one I spoke.
I spent so many late nights just trying to fix one small detail that only I would notice, but it was all worth it. I’ve always had a knack for graphic design, but having to really put it to the test was not easy. Moving forward to the printing, there always seemed to be a setback.
Either the design came out blurry, the fabric was not up to par, or something as simple as I didn’t like the shade of black that blank carried. I always had a smile on my face though. Miami Bums has, and always will be, a project of love and passion.
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? What are you most proud of?
At Miami Bums, we represent people. As Hispanics, it’s essential to show off our culture and heritage, which is what we try to do. I wouldn’t say there is one thing we are known for, but the “La Toxica” and “Brujeria” designs definitely turn a lot of heads. I’m most proud of our community, honestly.
We’ve faced a lot of adversity, yet we always find a way of seeing the fun in life. Hispanics are proud people, and I love that. I want to think what sets us apart from others is our quality. We’ve put a lot of work into this, and we hope it shows.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
So many. From practical life lessons such as web and graphic design to unforgettable ones such as the value of hard work and taking pride in what you do. I’m always learning with Miami Bums and that’s all I can really ask for.
Pricing:
- T-shirts: $35
- Tank Tops: $35
- Hoodies: $60
Contact Info:
- Website: https://miamibums.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miamibums/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miamibums
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/miamibums
