19 year old, Howard University Sophomore, Tanzania Bridgett is wise beyond her years. In high school, Bridgett had the idea to start a clothing line that wasn’t just a logo on a t-shirt but a representation of her heritage. As a result, “Anceztaz” (pronounced “Ancestors”) was born. The line is dedicated to ancestors of all nationalities. Bridgett noticed the lack of knowledge the youth has for cultures outside of their own and wanted to bridge that gap by creating a brand of clothing that depicts a multitude of images and symbols from various cultures. Bridgett’s determination to launch her clothing line led John Paul “Sonny” Vaccaro-the former Nike executive that signed Michael Jordan to his first sneaker deal, to give her her first investment of $1200. “I emailed him every Wednesday for three months until he finally responded and asked how he could help” Bridgett recounts.
Bridgett’s ultimate goal is to start an entertainment company under the “Anceztaz” banner that will include a television network, record label and radio station. Bridgett is strategically working within various aspects of her ultimate goals. She is currently an on air personality for Howard University’s radio Station WHBC and she is building rapports with up and coming artists that may one day be apart of her label. In the midst of prepping for a fashion show featuring “Anceztaz”, AimerAmour spoke with Bridgett about the day to day work that goes into maintaining the fruition of her dreams.
Photographers: Emmitt McGee and Erik Mohn
Creative Director: Zon D’Amour
Models: Shani Crowe, Alana Gatling, Marcus Jamal Johns, Echoe Malone, Gwladys Mezance, Jyran Pridgen, Sydney Jane Ragland, Chris Sawyer
Clothing By: Anceztaz-Tanzania Bridgett
AimerAmour: What’s been the hardest part about establishing your line and how did you meet your first investor?
Tanzania Bridgett: Getting the money to get it started was difficult. I had the idea to start the line in 10th grade but I didn’t have any money. Last year, I got an email that former Nike Executive John Paul “Sonny” Vaccaro would be at Howard to speak to sports marketing majors. I overslept and had ten minutes to get there before it was over and I almost didn’t go. When I arrived, Mr. Vaccaro was done speaking and I asked him for advice for up and coming designers. He gave me his card and I emailed him every Wednesday from March until June and when we finally spoke, he asked how he could help and I said I needed someone to be an investor. He liked my persistence and send me a check for $500 and then a check for $750 because he was proud of my progress. With his investment I brought my trademark, business cards, and my business license.
AA: You participated in a business plan competition where Rapper 50 Cent and Author Robert Greene were judges. What was 50 Cent’s criticism of your clothing line? Do think it will be hard for people to understand the concept of “Anceztaz”?
TB: Initially, a lot of people don’t understand the concept or the logo until I explain it to them. The logo is the word if you put it together and vice versa. This year, I’ll be releasing more items that illustrate the message. “Anceztaz” participated in “Concept 120”, a business plan competition in which I had 120 seconds to explain the line to 50 Cent and author Robert Greene. “Anceztaz” placed 3rd in the competition because 50 Cent didn’t understand the concept and, he said I would run out of things to talk about. I wish I would have had the chance to rebuttal. My clothes represent and celebrate history and you will never run out of history. The front of one of the shirts from the 2010 line says, “Death is nothing, to live Defeated is to die daily” and on the back, it says “Napoleon Bonaparte” I just educated you in two seconds. 50 Cent is a rapper first, he isn’t a fashion expert. His criticism didn’t detour me, I know I’m still going to be successful.
AA: With celebrity endorsed clothing lines failing, you didn’t think starting a clothing was a risky business?
TB: I don’t think it’s a risky business at all. I think celebrity clothing lines fail because they are just trying to be greedy. Today’s artist wants to sing, act, open a restaurant, have a perfume, a clothing line and be everywhere at one time without putting forth the effort to make it successful. There is nothing special about the line but their name. I’m not threaten by competition, no one has meaning behind their brand line “Anceztaz”
AA:With all of your entrepreneurial aspirations, are you putting college or career first?
TB:Graduating from college is the long term goal and my line is the short term. The success of “Anceztaz” is attainable and within my reach. You have to accomplish your short terms goals to get to the next step. In terms of managing college and career, I prioritize really well. I take my career aspirations seriously, but I will graduate. If some one called me for mass production tomorrow, I could give them all I have-a couple hundred shirts and ask them to come to me. When some one buys a shirts, I reinvest the profits back into my business.
AA: What’s your advice for other up and coming designers?
TB: Don’t be afraid to take chances, persistence is key. If someone tells you to call them and they don’t answer-try again. Persistency is what got me my $1200 investment. When establishing a new relationship, don’t just talk about yourself, really get to know the person. Be personable and approachable. There have been many instances when I’ve asked established people for help and they were really rude. I have so much confidence in my line that I want to help others. There is always room for the next designer. You have to be willing to sacrifice and sometime give your product out for free to market yourself. Choose your friends wisely; I trust my entire team. Surround yourself with people that have similar goals. And get everything in your name.
(Interview with Tanzania Bridgett from the December 2009/January 2010 Issue of AimerAmour)