Creating unique tees with designs from their brand logo to local Indy artists to university emblems, James Scott Apparel has set out to becoming one of the most prominent companies in the business, all while remaining exotic and spunky. Owners Fenrick James and Ryan Scott weighed in on their work.
Alex Belden: Describe the motive or message behind your brand.
James Scott Apparel: Our company was started initially to produce university branded clothing for universities whose quality was less than what we thought it could be, whose designs were too simple and not a true representation of the school’s brand. Eventually we decided to expand and develop our own private label brand. That let us really show our moxie and create the heart and vibrato behind the brand.
AB: What prompted you to share this idea through your business?
JSA: We didn’t feel like anyone was meeting the true essence of what James Scott Apparel represents, and for us it’s personal. It’s our way of putting out messages and in many respects “our art”. It’s fun, funky, controversial and humorous. It’s subjective; it’s raw passion and brilliance.
AB: What are some of the main challenges you face as an entrepreneur?
JSA: Balancing time, family, other work and commitments.
AB: What is the biggest reward you experience as an entrepreneur?
JSA: When we see someone connect with the product we made. Seeing people wear our shirts shocks me every time. Knowing that there are hundreds of people that have bought our shirts is humbling.
AB: What do you think Indianapolis can do to support more local brands?
JSA: Indianapolis can incorporate more stores that are willing to carry more than the three most popular brands.
AB: Describe the kind of person who would wear your product.
JSA: James Scott is the person that craves the best quality clothing – not just the look, but also the material. It’s the person that stands out from the rest. Young and older people alike can wear James Scott Apparel – they just have to have the right attitude and mindset.
AB: Who is one person you’d love to see in your brand?
JSA: Ha ha! Naomi Campbell. That woman has so much attitude it’s ridiculously wonderful. But on a personal 2002 crush level it would be Tyra Banks.
AB: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
JSA: Just go out and do it. If you fail, you fail – at least you tried it. There are less people willing to try and it takes a special person to make that attempt. It’s hard work, though, and not everybody is cut out to be an entrepreneur.
AB: How do you hope your brand will evolve in future years?
JSA: I hope it stays an aspiring brand- one that challenges people’s thinking, but also increasingly has fun witty and passion focused tees.
AB: How do you think celebrity endorsed streetwear is influencing modern street style?
JSA: People follow trends – good and bad. Having celebrities endorse clothing is always good for that clothing brand… so if any celebs want to endorse James Scott Apparel, just holler at us.
