Monday, March 5, 2012

YOUNG & SUCCESSFUL: HERDS OF THE FATHERS

Herds of the Fathers
Owners: Tobi & Jason
By: Tayo O.

            Herds of the Fathers, the name simply speaks for its self.  This brilliant idea came together when two young, motivated, “Fly” guys decided to share their ideas, love and passion for fashion together. While both attending Rutgers University (NJ), Tobi and Jason have had a big influence within the fashion scene on Campus.  Herds of the Fathers is a “ lifestyle brand that is eager to provide every accessory needed to keep up with the ever-changing gentlemen “. These precise words truly explains the vision and creativity both Tobi and Jason have as the brand owners. Being a designer is not the easiest thing to do in today’s generation because things are always changing so therefore you have to always keep up with what people would like and want.  As Designers and owners of Herds of the Fathers, Tobi and Jason are both very creative individuals and have shown that with their fashion, designs and the best “Herds of the Fathers”. I had the opportunity to interview both Tobi and Jason.

1. What is the concept and meaning behind Herds of the Fathers?
Herds of the Fathers is a company that will eventually provide all the needed accessories for the everyday man. When we were coming up with the name we wanted to create something that would sound relevant 100 years from now. The concept stems from the idea that everyday you live in a group, whether that be at work, school, or your community. That is where "Herds" comes from. Out of these groups, there are people who "help give birth" to everyone else's style. That is the "Fathers" portion of the brand name. Our online store is where these "Fathers" will meet; creating new "Herds"...Herds of the Fathers.

2. What or who inspires you to direct your focus to fashion, why fashion out of all things?
Jason: I think I'm more attracted to the business aspect more so than the fashion aspect of what we do. I always wanted to own something when I was younger, just didn't know what it would be. It took me 21 years of life to finally find something I was kind of good at. We chose leather accessories because we felt we could create things that everyone could wear, no matter your preference in clothing or style.

Tobi: I would not say one person drew me into fashion. I can’t even say myself that I am into fashion. I call what we do re-innovation. Taking something that already exists, find a crack, and make it better.

3. How long have you guys (Jason & Tobi) been working together for?
     Tobi and I have been working together for about 3 years now

4. Looking down the line, where do you see Herds of the Father as a company?
Jason: Looking down the line, I see our brand being able to stand side by side with any company in the world. I see us opening a design studio where other young minds can come and think of ways to advance the accessory market and the culture in general. I've always dreamed of having my own headquarters where I can come and create all day.

Tobi: With time, I want our craft to get better. Like I say, every company starts from somewhere. Apple or Google did not happen overnight. It took years of hard work and dedication. I am looking for our brand to make progress year after year, continue re-innovating and focusing on the end consumer of our products.

5. If you had the opportunity to work with a designer within the fashion industry who would it be?
Jason: I would work with Nigo from BAPE (A Bathing Ape). I have the most respect for that man and what he was able to build from selling T-shirts at first. Their clothes are more my style and I think we could come up with some crazy concepts.

Tobi: If given the opportunity to work with any designer, I would have to choose my God father Ralph Lauren, because this man gets “it. He forces his own ideas and taste onto consumers. The problem with many brands is this thing we call trend. They feel like if they don’t keep up with the trends of the market, they loose out. They can look at RL, and learn something from him. This man has never waivered with any collection. You can spot a RL shirt from 20 years ago, and I can guarantee it will resemble something in his current collection. 


6. What were your college experiences like at Rutgers University?
Jason: I was very social during my college experience. I think I learned more outside of the classroom than I did during lessons from my professors. What a lot of people don't realize is you have to have great people skills to start something like this. You have to be able to have a feel for what people want, even before they know themselves that's what they want.

Tobi: My experience at Rutgers University cant be described in a few words but I really enjoyed my time there. The people I met and the different things I involved myself in has been of help in aiding me to where I am today.

7. Seeing that you guys do enjoy traveling, where are your Top 5 vacation spots?
Jason: I haven't done much traveling. I've never even been outside the country, honestly. I'm hoping this company opens more doors for me. The furthest I've been is Miami and I loved it. It was just a different aura down there. I went on a regular weekend when there wasn't a lot of tourists, not during Spring Break. It was just so chill and carefree. My next destination is California. I think I'll fit right in over there on the West Coast.

Tobi: I wont consider myself as well traveled but I have been to quite a few places. To be honest I don’t have any top 5-destination spots because I have yet to take 5 vacations. School sort of got in the way, but if I had to choose my number one spot, it would have to be Nigeria.

 
Herds of the Fathers is growing and is having an influence within the fashion industry. Providing its clients with the best products and services, you can expect to see more from Herds of the Fathers.

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