Fashion is one of the purest forms of self expression. What you wear is an extension of who you are.
The options are limitless. Fashion provides an open platform for creativity, new ideas, cultural movements and of course gives people a way of expressing who they are and how the see themselves.
Rarely have we seen a clothing line that portrays these concepts like 8&9 Clothing. If you are not familiar with them, we highly recommended getting on their site to learn about their brand and their philosophy. In today’s world of consumerism, it’s difficult to find a brand that stays true to their own identity, culture and lifestyle without getting caught up in the fly by night hype of the fashion world.
I had a chance to sit down with Ray Guilbault, the Founder of 8and9 MFG Co. He was very generous with his time and gave Boca News and exclusive look into his shop, his team and his operation. I know you will enjoy this interview as much as I did. Let’s get started.
Ray Guilbaullt – 8 & 9 Manufacturing Company
Disclaimer: Some of the interview has been formatted and edited. All edits have been approved by Ray to ensure the message is accurately portrayed.
Boca News: Ray. Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with me. You guys are a worldwide influence and I’m grateful to be here with you.
Ray: My pleasure. Anything to give back to South Florida. This is where it all started for us.
Boca News: Perfect transition. How did this all start?
Ray: We officially launched in 2001. Our background was in retail and the truth is we launched to be able to provide better jobs for ourselves. Things grew organically from there. In the beginning, we were just screen printing graphic tees for the local scene in Miami. We kept at it and kept working and now the brand is what it is today.
Boca News: Tell me about the name 8&9. I imagine there has to be some meaning behind that.
Ray: 8 is infinite, 9 is a symbol of wisdom and knowledge and also a number of completion. There’s more to it depending on how deep you dig and even which culture or religion you’re from. The numbers 8 & 9 have many meanings and symbolisms.
People have always been intrigued with our brand name and we love it. It fits us. The point is that there is always room to grow. We may never reach this level of “infinite wisdom” but we will always be trying to get there. It’s about the journey you know?
At this point I had another round of questions to get through, however I took a moment to pause. As I was sitting in the shop, watching the 8&9 family (or BrainGang as they call themselves) bustle around, it occurred to me that this felt different than other brands I have interviewed.
Boca News: Ray – This is more than just clothes to you isn’t it? Bring me in deep. Who are these guys working here? What’s the vision?
Ray: **Laughs a bit** You’re very observant and you’re spot on. Everyone you see working here is family. We’ve been together 5 plus years. Ray Figgs and I have been together since day 1. That was in 2001. It’s been almost 15 years of this.
It’s way bigger then street wear and sneaker match shirts.
I’m a champion of entrepreneurship. We’re finally getting to a point where I can give back. Our consulting business is growing and we’re developing an online course to help young entrepreneurs start their own brands with much better odds of being successful.
As an extension, I’m working with Change The Play, a Connecticut based non profit to deliver curriculum dedicated to entrepreneurship. We’re working with at-risk high school students to accelerate their personal and professional growth. It’s all about entrepreneurship through fashion and music, the results and impact has been crazy.
Our program is in it’s second year and is offered in 3 New England high schools. We’re really positioned to impact these kids in a positive way. They call me on the weekends, they know we’re on their side and the progress shows quickly. A lot of the students seize opportunities the program presents and begin to excel. It’s kids that aren’t showing progress in school until they find a creative outlet, then you see it translate to the classroom.
Boca News: That’s amazing. My father always told me to watch those who give back because the universe rewards them first. Congrats!
Okay, let’s get back into the line. What’s new in terms of your line? Any new designs? New concepts? Fill me in.
Ray: The street wear game changes so fast. You really have to be out in front of it. We dress from the feet up and so do our customers. Outfits build from and play off the sneaker so we design accordingly. For years our customers were hype for Jordans or Foamposites. But with so many releases, consumers can’t keep up with the landscape and it is changing fast. Now it’s all about Adidas and luxury brands. Kids are still slimming up their clothes so Converse and Vans will see a good run soon.
We see our consumer evolving, focusing more on fabric and cut. We adjust and give them what they’re looking for. Our newest Sinsemilla collection is 75% cut & sew pieces with very few printables.
Check out a few products from the latest collection.
Boca News: What Does The Future Hold for 8&9?
Ray: Right now we’re in deep with product development, but 2016 is a big year for us. With social media being the way it is the landscape is perfect for a media based company line ours. Expect to see much more videos and behind the scenes content from us. We are proud of being on the ground level and able to touch our customers so that’s where we will stay.
That’s really all I can speak on without giving away too many secrets. Stay tuned. Big things.
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