I recently had the chance to interview an amazing up and coming designer, Kamii Nettles (also a friend of mine whom I’m so lucky to have met) about her burgeoning company, TRUTH. We met in our color theory class at the Savannah College of Art and Design and became instant friends, I’ve been following her brand since it’s debut on Facebook. I think she is fabulous and her designs are equally amazing. She is truly inspiring to young women my age showing that you CAN start your own company, you CAN follow your dreams and with love and dedication you absolutely CAN achieve what you want.
Miss Smalls: What inspired you to create TRUTH?
Miss Nettles: A lot of my inspiration comes from life itself. Between my friends and I, we have enough going on in our lives to write a book or even have our own reality show. Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang and Anna Sui are just a few of my favorite designers in the fashion industry whose work influences me. As far as places, I’m inspired by international trends such as art and designs from Tokyo and Paris. I have a new love for vintage jewelry and I am continuously inspired by art history. I also love to visit museums and see work created by artists that I admire.
Miss Smalls: Your mother Sonja Nettles is the Co-Owner of the company, how did TRUTH get created and how did you both get started?
Miss Nettles: My mother is not only the Co-Owner, but my best friend. I felt as if the partnership between mother and daughter create a fun, peaceful, and loving environment which makes designing even more enjoyable. With that said, I discovered TRUTH shortly after graduating from the Savannah College of Art and Design. After coming out of a broken relationship, I decided the only way of getting over it, was to put my focus elsewhere. The main problem with the relationship was honesty. Spring 2009, I started a brand and called it TRUTH.
Miss Smalls: Why did you start out designing tank tops as opposed to any other article of clothing? Will you eventually expand your designs into other areas?
Miss Nettles: Well, I’m a tank top lover myself and to be honest I was tired of the tank tops I was seeing in stores. I believe in quality over quantity. So I wanted to pick a product that I could afford to produce on my own. Although my vision for TRUTH is more than tank tops, in the future there will be denim, handbags and more.
Miss Smalls: What have been the biggest obstacles you have faced starting your own company?
Miss Nettles: My biggest obstacle so far has been money. I did not begin my company with a loan or with an angel investor. I wanted to start my company using my own finances. What I did realize is that a little bit of money goes a long way.
Miss Smalls: What has been you favorite moment that keeps you motivated to continue to pursuing your dream even though you face obstacles such as finances?
Miss Nettles: To be honest, I’ve had a couple of favorite moments but if I had to pick one, I would have to say when Bloomingdale’s contacted me and wanted pieces from my collection to be in their upcoming reviews. Having a huge retailer such as Bloomingdale’s interested in a designer’s first collection is an honor in itself.
Miss Smalls: That’s fantastic! What advice would you give to other young adults our age that are thinking of starting their own company but just feel it’s too daunting?
Miss Nettles: Don’t let ANYONE tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams. If it’s for you, no one can take it away from you except yourself. Stay driven, focused and trust God.
Miss Smalls: I love your tanks so where how or where can we buy TRUTH?
Miss Nettles: Thanks Suzanne! TRUTH is currently being sold in a high-end New York boutique called KrisTees. You can also visit truthcollection and click on the stockists button to see an update of stores carrying TRUTH in your area. Fans will soon be able to shop directly from the website.
I hope you find her tanks as fabulous as I do and get one for summer! You can like her website on Facebook here or follow her on Twitter @truthcollection.
Miss Smalls 