When we are little, we aren’t afraid to be who we are. But as we grow up, we begin to pay a little too much attention to what the world deems acceptable. In the process of trying to fit in, many of us lose ourselves. Entrepreneur Samir Neal wanted to help people stay authentic, which is why he launched his apparel brand One of None. In a quick chat with Mahevash Muses, Samir talks about what inspired him to start up, how One of None is essential for young people, and his brand plans for the future.
As a college freshman, you already have a lot on your plate. What inspired you to launch an apparel brand?
Being a college freshman is a full-time job in itself. But my drive to express my creativity and make an impact on society led me to start up an apparel brand. The idea sparked when I noticed how a meaningful design, no matter how simple, can compel a person to be authentic.
At One of None, we value individuality and encourage people to stray from conformity to express themselves. Our target audience is people who feel like they have to suppress their true identity in order to fit in with their peers or be seen as “more normal.” In reality, we are all unique in our ways and we are just trying to encourage people who need that extra nudge to be themselves.
Do you think that social media is killing individuality, especially when it comes to young people?
Social media definitely contributes to the killing of individuality in young people if you use it mindlessly. Due to the overexposure of famous people on social media, we try to mimic their lives either intentionally or unintentionally. Sure, you can get famous quickly by copying someone else, but is temporary fame worth selling your soul?
The people who are most successful at creating lasting online brands use social media platforms as a tool to express their true selves. For long-term personal and professional success, you have to be genuine. Only when you are honest with yourself can you have goals and dreams in alignment with your life’s purpose. And when you are real, you will attract like-minded friends and followers in your life.
It must be hard to be authentic and have commercial appeal. How do you do it?
While producing apparel, we stay true to our values by offering diversity in our designs. Thus, we attract people who find our apparel attractive and people who are curious about what we have to offer. We welcome rebels and outsiders just as much as those who fit in with the norm. Via inclusivity, we aim to enable self-discovery and self-acceptance in our audience that is socially, culturally, ethnically, and economically diverse.
What are your future plans for One of None?
Our primary focus at this point in time is to continue growing the brand to reach more and more people. Topics such as mental health, diversity, and identity are emphasized in our brand, but there is much room for growth and expansion beyond that. For example, we will be launching an interactive blog offering a place for individuals to express themselves and receive support. Our ultimate goal is to be seen as more than an apparel brand.
Samir Neal is a freshman majoring in Financial Economics at Louisiana State University. One of None is his entrepreneurial venture for non-conformists and rebels. You can visit his store at https://nealsamir.wixsite.com/mysite.
In my thirties and it seems this kid’s life is more sorted than mine. Yay. Sorry this worldwide situation is really getting to me. I hope his venture works.
Love it when young ‘uns startup. Good luck, young man!
I know, right? I hope he goes a long way :)