CP Feature: The BLACK Collection

Reggie Black is founder and CEO of BLACK Collection, a clothing design company. He is a recent graduate of Delaware State University.


You started in the fashion industry at the age of 12 while working in a family business. What was this business? What did it expose you to?
I began my first quest at business, retail and fashion at an urban store located in Washington DC called SOLO (Strive Or Lose Out) Sports. Working at SOLO Sports exposed me to the inner works of a business, and what it took to operate a company overall. It taught me so much; I just knew that I wanted to create a fashion company that would cater to a clientele outside of the local area.

Did you have other experience in the fashion industry growing up?
I actually didn’t. SOLO Sports was pretty much it. I just knew where I wanted to take the company, so I couldn’t wait until I was able to travel, learn, and see more.

What made you realize that you wanted to start your own company? How old were you?
Well ever since I used to work in SOLO, I couldn’t wait to start the line. I actually decided to start the line on a bus ride during my study abroad experience in South Africa. I was on the bus writing ideas, and I just told myself when I get back to the States, I was going to begin the groundwork for starting the line. I was about 21 years old.

So you decided to start the BLACK Collection. What were your first three steps? The first three steps were getting all the legal, and tax documents in order that was first. The second step was getting advice from some great friends of mine that had already had clothing lines similar to what I wanted to do. (Shout out to Tabi Bonney). Just so I would at least have an idea of what to expect. The last step was to just get to work.

How many collections have you released since its inception? In what way do you try to make each collection different?
WOW!!! Great question! We've never released “collections”; we've just released products, up until our newest release of the Spring/Summer 09. That was a collection. I’m pretty sure we’ve released over 25 to 30 products. Considering we are an exclusive, limited product brand we try not to release too much, at one particular time. Each product we release we bring something different, step outside the box a bit, but we remain on course with the BC sharp point. I feel we grow through each piece we release.

What is your favorite piece in your current collection?
Hands down it has to be the BC Cardigan. My partner Dylan Chase created a masterpiece. Its clean, chic, and the elbow pads have a great quality finish when you actually see the product in person. The picture doesn’t do the product any justice. You have to see it in person, or purchase one at www.blkcollection.com

Have you been featured in any shows? If so, which ones?
Yes, we’ve been featured in several shows. HIV/AIDS Awareness Benefit Show Sponsored by BET, Howard University’s Spring Homecoming Show 2008, St. Mary’s College Fashion Show, Syracuse University Fashion Show, Pretty N Punk Fashion Show, EliteDC Magazine Spring Issue 08 Fashion Show, Sex in the City Fashion Show which featured a performance by Lyfe Jennings, etc.

What has been your most reliable source of funding? Has it been difficult to find financial support?
The most reliable source has been us: Team BLACK Collection. We have decided to fund everything ourselves to remain sole control of all business operations. Most investors tend to want a percentage or some sort of input in day-to-day operations. It has definitely been difficult, especially now with the economic hard times we are faced with now.

As founder/CEO, what is a typical workday like?
As of right now BLACK Collection is my full-time occupation, but I also have a regular job. My current (8am-3pm) offers the flexibility I need to get things done. A workday starts off with morning recaps, and things to do with my partner Dylan Chase. This occurs every morning before we clock in to our other jobs. After that I’m replying to emails, text messages, Facebook post, Twitter replies, etc. I normally receive a text from our PR Director Sonnie Daze with updates in regards to PR opportunities, and any additional ideas she may have around 10:30am. We follow through with what she has to discuss, and close any outstanding business ventures. During the day its constant contact with consumers, and people interested to know about BC. I live on my Blackberry. After my 8a-3p it’s straight to the grind. Whether it’s creating products, meeting my partner to go to a networking event around the city, or simply meeting and planning it’s strictly to the grind. Days off, and weekends and a completely different story, it’s work for a large percentage of the day. Probably all day!

Do you design everything yourself or do you work with a team?
Absolutely not! Team BLACK Collection works collectively on our pieces. Two of our new products the “Love Is Suicide” hoodie, and the “Man/Woman Hearts Tee were designed by our new edition to BC, Sonnie Daze. Dylan Chase designed the BC Cardigan. We all bring something different that works well with our team chemistry. Team BLACK Collection is comprised of 3 individuals. Dylan Chase who I was introduced to by my initial partner Mike Briscoe. She has been with the company for almost 2 years, and Sonnie Daze who has been a great friend, and supportive of the line for about 2 years and counting recently just joined the company. Sonnie and I met through Myspace, funny but true.

What makes the BLACK Collection different from other brands?
We don’t base our brand on current trends like most brands. What they fail to realize is that once that trends fades so does their business. We create personality driven, classic, chic, innovative products that will be appreciated years from now. We focus on longevity, and timeless brand equity, and brand loyalty.

Have you had to make any sacrifices to pursue this career?
Yep! A lot! I’ve made serious financial decisions to fund BC. I’ve let go friendships of those who didn’t believe, I’ve sacrificed having a “regular social life” but that doesn’t bother me. The biggest sacrifice which I don’t regret one bit was dropping out of graduate school in the process of pursuing my MBA. I had to decide what it was going to be? I’m positive I made the right decision.

What suggestions would you make for a young person interested in becoming a designer?
Rule #1: Self-Validate: don’t wait for anyone to buy into your idea. Follow your dream, and give it 150% daily. Rule #2: Have Patience! You’re definitely going to need a lot of it in this industry. Rule #3: Don’t take short cuts, or you will definitely get cut short. Rule #4: Work hard Rule #5: Be Consistent!

Do you love what you do?
Wouldn’t trade it for anything!

Click here to see the BLACK Collection!