While most students focus on school work and extracurricular activities, junior K.J. Martin is taking a different route. Martin created his own streetwear clothing brand, Solo Proof Clothing. Featuring shirts, hoodies, and two-piece sets, Solo Proof Clothing is taking off and growing day by day.
“Ever since I was a kid, I have always been into fashion,” Martin said. “So once I got the idea that I could do it, I just made it happen. I started off with t-shirts and ever since the cold seasons came around and the weather changed, I just ended up coming out with the track suits and it has been a hit.”
Martin is finding his way in the clothing world, navigating the ins-and-outs of designing and making his ideas come to life. From digitally producing designs to sending his visions to overseas manufacturers, entrepreneurship is something that this sixteen year old has taken to a new level.
“I see something that I like and I go to Procreate, I get my mockups, I get all the designs and I edit on there,” Martin said. “Then you have to find your manufacturer. Once you find your manufacturer, you have to download the files, then send it to them. For example, those windbreakers I posted, I just ordered the samples yesterday, so I’m gonna try to have a photo shoot by the end of the month.”
Martin started selling clothes his sophomore year at the age of fifteen. Solo Proof started out with t-shirts, making local sales to fellow students. Now the brand has evolved into matching sets for the winter season with stylish designs and patterns. Martin is selling these sets to college football stars, rappers and other social media influencers.
“You know, I pray that my business goes globally,” Martin said. “I want to go bigger than big. But seriously, it has been a blessing. Last night I picked up a new transfer to Ole Miss from Oregon. Then I got another rapper that hit me up last night. He has like 200k followers. He said he is going to get NLE Choppa to wear it too because they are good buddies. Me and Kewan [Lacy], we’ve been texting. Deuce Knight followed me a few days ago. So it has just been a blessing.”
Whereas most entrepreneurs work with others as a team, Martin likes to do things solo, hence the name Solo Proof. Working by himself might add more to his plate, but he has managed to build this company from the ground up successfully on his own.
“I am more of an independent type of guy,” Martin said. “I do not like asking people for anything. So with that being said, I’ve been on this journey by myself and with my granddad and my mom. They have just been my biggest supporters and they have just been there for me.”
Currently to order Solo Proof clothing, buyers need to send Martin a direct message or message the Solo Proof CL account. However, Martin is working on a digital website to make his ordering process much easier.
