Meet Aaliyah Gaines | CEO, CFO, Account Manger

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aaliyah Gaines and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aaliyah, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The thought process for me starting my business was kind of simple and a no-brainer for people who know me because I’ve always been doing some kind of side hustle, it just took some time to figure out WHAT exactly I would sell that would stick. I’ve always known a lot of people and my sister would tell me “You need to start doing something to make money off all the people you know.” She suggested me being an “influencer” and we were about to go full blown photoshoot, Jayda mode. Honestly, I was just too lazy to get dressed and take the pictures. Then, one day I was just at home and I text my boyfriend like “Bro I wanna make some t-shirts that say where I’m from. Like a map of Dallas type shit.” And honestly, neither of us thought it was going to be anything because I made one graphic and it was just listing places in hoods of Dallas. I made like an “Oak Cliff” shirt and a “South Dallas” shirt, they never got dropped. Fast forward about maybe a month or so i came up with a simple “214, Tx” design and had that on the front of a pocket tee and threw “DDD” the back neckline. I didn’t make a website or anything, just vibes and cash app LOL. At this time the only local clothing brand I knew of that was a normal person selling clothes was Swelly. I used to see the owner, Dante, selling clothes being the only vendor at events. So when I first started selling shirts, I’m looking at his website and Instagram thinking he’s like a genius.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Something I think sets me apart from other companies is I’m selling stuff that can definitely help people represent where they’re from. When I first started doing the T-shirt’s, the only brand I saw that sold clothes that had stuff about Dallas was the store Centre. They’ve been around forever and I used to shop there in high school. I found this one font that looked similar to the Backwoods label and I’m like “that’s hard as hell, I hope they don’t sue me but I’m putting Dallas in this font and putting it on a shirt.” I dropped like three color ways of this shirt (originally) and then I thought about making a reflective version. At this point, I’ve made the website and I’m doing photoshoots, I’m getting more and more popular as a brand and it’s flowing pretty easily. I started dropping women’s workout sets with tights and biker shorts. I was making custom pieces, hoodies, crewnecks, sweatsuits, beanies. Like I really started snapping! Til this day, I can’t even remember all of the color ways and different things I’ve dropped. That’s another thing that separates me from others, for almost every event I get inventory made that will only be sold at that event. So when I see someone wearing something, most times I know what event they bought it from. What I’m most proud of is I’m the only person that runs my business. Like Gucci Mane said “I’m the CEO, CFO, account manager, and security”. I come up with all my designs and color ways, do my mock ups, find sources, get inventory made, do my shipping/packaging, order supplies, everything is all me. So I get to deal with all the consequences and learning curves of starting a business by myself, but I also reap all the benefits, all money in.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For a week long trip, I’m not going to lie, we would probably go out to eat five of the seven days. I love food and trying new food places for sure! I would probably take them to Klyde Warren park, the aquarium, the malls or Mockingbird Station, and of course we would be going out to eat. Now depending on if this is Pre-Covid or now, we probably would have gone to some type of club too. I think in Dallas, the most fun you’ll have is at a kickback. Everyone has their friend groups and they all get together and drink and that’s almost more fun that going out. If you’re looking for somewhere to see creatives or good shopping 211 N Ervay is a perfect spot. CreateDFW & DailyTx are there, on a random day you probably will see a pop up shop going on too.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I think my success is mostly just owed to God, of course. Also my sister, mom, and my son Kyrin. As far as people who encourage me as far as being a creative, I would say my boyfriend, my friends, and the people who copy my designs and don’t give recognition.

Website: theewopshop.com

Instagram: theewopshop

Twitter: AaliyahGuwop

Image Credits
@mediasensei