Last May, Central State University graduate Austin Oten released his new clothing brand, Wrath, which is a skate-punk clothing brand geared towards skaters of all color. The black university graduate is someone who has always been inspired by fashion. ”An idea came to me to start a clothing brand that would fuse skate and punk culture,” he told HBCU Buzz. He says that Wrath is also for those who enjoy quality fashion. ”I started this brand to be an inspiration to my son, and I have a passion for fashion,” he said.
HBCU Buzz recently got the opportunity to catch up with Oten discussing things like what’s his favorite moment so far in regards to being a relatively new and small black-owned business, real life heroes that he gains inspiration from, and his alma mater, Central State University.
Tommy: Your clothing brand is now in its first month of being open to the public, what’s your favorite moment so far in regards to this new venture?
Austin: ”My favorite moment since our launch has by far been bringing along my Wrath Ambassador team, meeting this great group of individuals over the past month has been awesome. These guys have inspired me to grind that much harder because those that put in the work with us will continue down greater paths with this company.”
Who are your inspirations?
Austin: ”One of my biggest inspirations to start my company was Jay-Z verse on ’What’s Free’ by Meek Mill. It made me want to be an owner. Nothing like having something to call your own.”
Tommy: Any comments on being a black-owned and startup business?
Austin: ”Yes, being a black owned business is a tough thing in today’s society because there’s a lot of negative stereotypes that come with being a black owner. I’m here to change that mold, I believe conducting yourself with a certain level of professionalism is the way.”
”We may not be a million dollar business yet but we will continue to display proper service as well as supply our customer base with quality clothing.”
Tommy: How has Central State University impacted your life for the better?
Austin: ”Man Central State was the best thing that happened in my young life. Taught me so many lessons inside and outside of the classroom. I learned how to carry myself no matter if I’m amongst friends or a room full of CEOs and that confidence is still here today.”
Tommy: Who is Wrath, or what is your target audience/customers?
”Wrath Brand is a skate-punk clothing brand geared towards skaters of all color and also those who enjoy quality fashion. I started this brand to be an inspiration to my son but also because I have a passion for fashion.”
Shop now at wrathbrand.com.
