Born Out of Necessity

I've always loved fashion. When I became a boy-mom, I realized there wasn't a lot of options  for "cool" boy clothes--everything had trucks or dinosaurs on them. As a fashion loving boy-mom, it took no time for me to want out of the very limited design "box" designated for boys. So, I ventured out to design a clothing line specifically with boys, my boys in mind. 

As a Black woman, I have always been aware of the negative way Black people, especially males, are viewed by many in a world where color still influences. That awareness became even more terrifying as I realized I am raising two black boys in that very world. Two Black boys who are precious and priceless but may be viewed as otherwise.

In the height of the social and racial unrest in 2020, it came to me to create something that spoke to the sentiments shared by moms--my boys are loving, kind and dear to me.  Sad to be necessary, but I wanted to show everyone how I feel about my boys, and probably how mothers feel about their children ; that our kids are loved and irreplaceable just like everyone else's. That their being Black is no synonymous with being criminals or threats. That they deserve to be children. I figured since the world was still judging book by their covers that would spell it out on a shirt for the world to read, so everyone who sees my boys would know exactly how I feel about them.

From that desire, Ian and Ari Apparel was born (the birth of a baby of a different sort). I truly hope that everyone who purchases and wears this shirt loves it, but more importantly understands that all mothers want the best for their children. We all want our children to feel and be safe. We all want a better more equitable world in a world in which we raise them. I pray this little shirt is a big step in that right direction.

It can be tough to get your kids up and going in the morning, so our aim is to make getting dressed fun and exciting. We hope that our clothing helps start today with a smile.