SOULDEGA: What inspired you to enter the fashion industry to design and create clothing, and how did you develop the name Masone?
NICK: I was kind of thrown into it. A few years back, I was the lead graphic designer at DNA footwear and my CEO had tasked me with creating clothing for his company’s private label. Now even though the CEO shifted towards footwear instead of clothing, the buyers loved what I created and put the idea in my head to create my own line. After that, it was just a long journey of trying to figure out what I wanted my brand to be and what my brand meant to me. Being the person I am, I love to wear streetwear but I'm also very fond of a good suit. After playing around with names for a few weeks, I had hit a wall. Later, a friend of mine who was the head buyer at the time came up with the name “Masone" after my son Mason. The name itself gave my brand something meaningful behind it and also the ability to be either a luxury or streetwear brand which I loved. This was perfect because I never wanted my brand to be put in a box.
SOULDEGA: What is the most gratifying aspect about your line of work?
NICK: There are a few things-the ability to create whatever I want. To explore new ideas and create something from nothing. It’s the most amazing feeling to see something you drew on a piece of paper and seeing it on a random person on the street.
SOULDEGA: What are some obstacles you have gone through with the development and creation of Masone Collective?…
NICK: Haha, whew! There are entirely too many to count. Let's see, you have manufacturing issues where you are just trying to look for the right person to make your product. Not everyone can do what you want, or there might be some language barriers so things don’t always translate correctly. You have distribution issues where you have to really go out there and seek your product and because you're new people might not want to work with you right away. It can be difficult to randomly sell garments without having the credit of people seeing it in stores or on someone popular or famous. Lastly, marketing can be somewhat difficult as well on social and on your web store because if they don’t look dope and you aren’t constantly updating these things people will think you are trying to scam them. It helps to have a team of people working with you.
SOULDEGA: What have been some of your most memorable experiences thus far regarding your brand?
NICK: There are a few experiences. My first trade show at Solexchange, I sold 3 flannels at $100 a piece which I thought was amazing because I never thought that I would be able to sell anything at that price. Doing a shoot with Pooch Hall who is like the coolest guy for having us on the set of Ray Donovan. Lastly, I'm happy when I see someone wear something I made, they tag me in a photo on Instagram and I see in the comments (fire sign emoji’s). It gets me hype lol.
SOULDEGA: Your brand often uses the slogans "Keep Your Soul Hungry" and “Starve Your Fear” on its clothing. What is the significance of this statement to you, and do you feel it’s resonates with your audience?
NICK: the Masone mantra is " keep your soul hungry and starve your fear”, basically meaning don’t settle for less and don’t be afraid to get it. I feel that resonates with everyone since everyone has something to overcome or fight for.
SOULDEGA: What are some of your future goals?
NICK: I didn’t even think I would be able to do the things I've been doing now lol. But I don’t know to be honest. Hopefully my brand becomes a household name. All I know is I want to create wealth for my family and still have time for my family.