Today we’d like to introduce you to Ron Louis.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I got inspired in high school taking a clothing construction class. I fell in love with the feeling of making a garment from scratch and giving it away making someone happy with something I made. After high school I attended International academy of Design and Technology but had to drop out for financial reasons. I continued to sneak into schools lab to make custom cut and sew tee shirts and saved up enough money to buy my own machine. I had a music blog in high school as well and used the connections I built within city to put them in product. One of my clients worked at a local boutique and my name blew up from there for custom cut and sew t shirts. I then began designing for local rappers and then celebs. (King Louie, Dreezy, TaRhonda Jones, Jerikka Karlae, Demi Lobo etc.). I then started working with brands here in Chicago with projects like styling (Aaron Brooks, Pusha T, and others) creative directing, and design assisting. I currently work closely with Kanye West latest signee Valee and released my separate brand “Phera” known for the words “Designer” placed on garments.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has been definitely a challenge. I have ran into scam problems with manufacturing and people stealing ideas. I run into problems with fabric sometimes not having enough of the right fabric for product. Financial struggles not having enough money to make new product or samples. The list can go on forever but you have to keep pushing. One story I want to tell is how I was working in LA and paid my last to get samples started on some cut and sew garments. I waited two months for production to only find out that the company was fraud and ran off with my money. I tried to take legal action but at the time didn’t have any proof that I did business with them and they disappeared from location. In short I came back to Chicago with 0 dollars but had a box of white hoodies and floral patches. I decided to hand dye the hoodies pastel colors and add patches in hopes of them selling. I posted online and sold out within a day and took that money and kept investing back into my clothes. Taking my time this time to reach where I want to go and willing to work for it no matter what.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Phera co story. Tell us more about the business.
Phera Co is a Chicago based clothing line by Ron Louis (me). We have a team full of free lancers and focus on producing the best product possible per project. Our aim to inspire those who wear it to feel important to carry themselves as such. Promoting individuality is important to me and decided to use clothing to push this agenda. We specialize in street wear and some athletic wear designed for mostly both sexes. Popular right now for our signature “designer” print on our garments representing the concept of person wearing garment being the designer of their life and the double meaning of the actual garment being a designer piece. I think our packaging and simplicity but detailed concepts set us apart from most brands. I think our color selections for pieces are different as well we try not to follow trends.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck has played a huge role in my brand. The way the things are going it just seems like I’ve been at the right place at the right time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ronlouiscustoms.com
- Email: designerronlouis@gmail.com
- Instagram: ron_louis and Phera.co
- Twitter: Ronlouis_
Image Credit:
Photography: Models:
Bianca Garcia Essence Taylor
Chelli Sav White
Ron Louis Arieous
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
