For fashion entrepreneur, designer, and visual artist Blu Boy, designing and creating unique clothing brands has always been his passion since his early childhood. Born Hassan Secka, popularly known as “Blu Boy” he started his clothing line WNTD Apparel in 2014.
In a recent telephone chat with our reporter Cyril, He talked about his come-up, the struggles of being an independent artist and fashion line owner, and the lessons he learned from having to do everything by himself to save costs and conserve resources.
Everyone calls you Blu Boy. What’s your full name?
My government name is Hassan Secka but most people know me as “Blu boy”
Where are you from?
I was born in Atlanta, Georgia
How/when did the love for fashion begin? When was your brand founded?
I founded WNTD Apparel in 2014. From the very first time I designed a piece of clothing I loved how fashion let me express my artistry. As an artist, you need your audience right in front of your work for them to grasp your artistry to the fullest but as a designer, you can live in my art. I don’t have to bring my sketchbook to you.
What was it like, trying to launch your fashion brand?
It was harddddd! I didn’t have any money to hire anyone, so I had to take on everything by myself. I had to teach myself to be my cheerleader, to be designer, marketer, model, financial adviser, and everything! Learning from scratch and experience only made me stronger And to this day I still run my brand fully independently.
Can you tell us about your brand WNTD?
My brand is my life. From day one, my mission has been to create a lifestyle brand for creatives. I felt as though there wasn’t a clothing line that was exclusive to artists. By building WNTD Apparel, I believed this would create the representation within the creative community I thought was lacking.
So why fashion, design and styling?
It’s what I was born to do. Creativity is in my blood. I have been an artist since I was a kid. Art has always been my go-to place of solitude and being able to express myself through my art is extremely freeing.
What do you love to do, besides fashion/styling?
Aside from being a fashion designer, I am a full-time visual artist. Creating art was my first love. I also love playing video games and watching anime.
What advice do you have for young upcoming fashion designers and stylists?
ART IS WAR! You are going to have to fight for your ideas, dreams, and values as an artist. The uphill battle never ends but it’s your job to make art worth fighting for.
Do you have anything cooking for 2022?
This year has already been filled with so much excitement. Having my sprite can with Coca-Cola, designing my collection with true Religion, working with MCM, and now dropping my 6th collection on Oct 31st. And participating in my first complex on the event this year as well!
What is your greatest fear in life?
I don’t live with a fear mindset, so that’s a hard question. I naturally only think about the things that empower me, but I never want to fail in any goals I set for myself.
What has been your biggest lesson since you founded your fashion brand?
That anything is possible with the power of self-belief and faith in God. The barriers I’ve been able to break as an independent artist so far are phenomenal.