There are many different types of clothing brands. You’ve got the luxurious brands, like Prada or Gucci, and the casual brands, like H&M and American Eagle. But this brand is one of a kind. Based in Frederick, Maryland. Two young African Americans run a clothing brand named “Made 2 Move.”
Though many other brands sell the same thing, Made 2 Move sells clothing that promotes general well being and spreads positive messages. Listed on the back of their hoodies and t-shirts, it reads the definition of persistence. On the front, it reads, “Keep Going.”
Along with their hoodies and t-shirts, they sell beanies, sweatpants, and clothing sets. Both founders, Kokou Emejue (Chibi) and Joseph Poleate have set their goals and have stuck to them. I was given the chance to interview Chibi and get his perspective on their business.
Q: What really motivated you and Joseph to start this whole journey regarding Made 2 Move?
A: “What really motivated me throughout the journey would be not having other people motivate us. We were each other’s motivation. I figured I’d use my natural leadership skills for good. I am pretty well spoken. I like helping people and motivating other people. Made 2 Move really just came from an idea I had at 2AM. I wanted to change lives, but I didn’t know how.”
Q: What advice would you give to someone who’s just starting their business?
A: “For anyone who’s just starting a business, I tell them to stay true to yourself; stick to what you believe in. You’re supposed to be unique and not like anyone else. Take risks. Higher risks equals higher reward. If you don’t take risks, you won’t get rich. I would also tell them to mark everything that you do. Take as many pictures as you can, and write every payment. Everything that you do, jot it down.”
Q: How does your business look now compared to what it did when you guys first started?
A: “It looks a lot more organized. It looks a lot more enthusiastic, especially in the moves we make. We have been taking a lot of risks and we got way more confident in taking risks. Just way more confident in the way we pertain to the business.”
Q: If you could go back in time, what would you change about your business journey?
A: “If I could go back in time, I would change the way we marketed. Even though the first job was successful, I don’t think it was successful enough. I’m grateful for what God gave us and the amount of orders we had, but I think there could have been more through a good marketing strategy and working out what we have to do for the next job. As for now, I think that with every job, we learn something new and with every job we get a little bit better. That’s what’s really important.”
Q: Where do you see Made 2 Move in the next five years? Ten?
A: “I see very high social media influence. I don’t know why, but I’ve been seeing it a lot lately. Just inspiring people and changing lives. I’m not just saying it to say it but truly changing other people’s lives. If we can do it, anyone can. In the next 5 to ten years, we’ll have a warehouse, not just one clothing brand, and with God’s grace. along with a program and Made 2 Move going to different branches.”