Rising Stars: Meet Dre Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dre Smith.

Hi Dre, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Welcome to FR8TEES. We are dedicated to giving you the best apparel by focusing our designs on quality, uniqueness, and, most importantly, culture. FR8, pronounced “Freight,” is a brand about connection, networking, and inspiration. Our brand represents the connections of individuals coming together to form: one unit, one team, and one love. Founded in 1988 by Dre Smith, FR8TEES has come a long way from its humble beginnings in the small town of Goldsboro, North Carolina. FR8TEES consists of friends dedicated to fashion, unity, and culture. When we started on this mission, our passion for creating dope t-shirts drove us to produce some thought-provoking design concepts and gave us the impetus to turn hard work and inspiration into a booming online store. FR8TEES designs are created from a cultural viewpoint and are intended to inspire dialogue. Our designs cover every aspect of culture. We now serve our valued customers all over the United States, and we are thrilled to be a part of the socially conscious wing of the fashion industry.

Our mission is simple: “E Pluribus Unum”
We hope you enjoy our products as much as we enjoy offering them. If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,
Dre Smith, CEO, and Founder

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Funding, Funding, Funding. Obstacles or challenges we have faced since the creation of our brand to take our brand to the next level, more funding is required. Marketing, apps, and storefronts, all require a certain level of funding. We are constantly trying to balance time and resources.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
We create beautiful, inspiring, and thought-provoking t-shirts. Our goal when creating a t-shirt is to figure out what makes a person: see, touch, and then feel it. First, you see the inspiring image. The image must speak to you literally. Something about this process makes designing amazing because once you get it, you get it. Secondly, you touch it. You feel the quality of the garment. Checking for softness, checking vibrant colors, and checking fit. Finally, most importantly, you feel it. You must have this product because it represents everything about you. We are most proud of our customer’s reaction. They are so proud of their purchase; their smiles are worth everything to us. Our commitment to developing a superior product that inspires and connects people from all cultures sets us apart from others.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
Think and Grow Rich-Hill, Rich Dad Poor Dad-Hill, Life and Def-Simmons, 48 Laws of Power-Greene, 50 Laws of Power-Greene 50 Cent, Graffiti School-Ganter

Contact Info:

• Website: www.FR8TEES.com
• Instagram: @FR8TEES
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FR8TEES
• Youtube: FR8TEES