Meet Anthony Hamilton II | Owner and Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anthony Hamilton II and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anthony, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started thrifting as a hobby, right after I graduated from college in 2016. During this time, I was working a full-time corporate job. I had aspirations for starting my own business but didn’t know which one I wanted to start. In the meantime, I continued to collect vintage clothing, because I love finding rare pieces of clothing that not only look good but have a story to them.

The defining moment of my career came when I was invited to go to a local vintage market in Houston. I was able to see other resellers market their own collections of vintage clothing so I knew this was possible. After the market, I knew that my passion for thrifting could turn into a profitable venture that could propel me into being a full-time entrepreneur. Since I’ve started Clay’s Classics in 2016, I’ve been a part of many vintage clothing markets, directed photoshoots/ video shoots, and have been a part of the Millennial Merch Fashion Show (2018) as well.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve learned a lot since starting my own business. There’s a lot of things that are out of your control so you have to keep a positive attitude and know that everything will work out. Another lesson I’ve learned is that you have to be disciplined as an entrepreneur because you have the responsibility to get things done and no one is going to do it for you. I want the world to know that Clay’s Classics is a brand that stands for being authentic and staying true to who you are. Through my brand I want to bring back the style of vintage clothing, but in a new innovative way. In some regards, secondhand clothing is looked down upon, but I believe that it doesn’t matter about what you wear but how you wear it. In the world of fast fashion, tons of clothing that don’t sell are dumped into landfills that end up hurting the environment. Selling sustainable clothing helps the environment by eliminating waste. Next year I’m working towards having my first fashion show, as well as hosting pop-up events throughout the year. 

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite spots to go to in Houston are; Erma Rose Winery, Betty Jeans Creole Cuisine, The Menil Collection, Museum of Fine Arts, Tacos El Grande, El Rey Taqueria, The Breakfast Klub, The Address, and Kamp Houston.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to thank God, my family, and friends for being with me along this journey.

Website: www.claysclassics.com

Instagram: @clays_classics

Other: Instagram: @visualsbyclay (personal account)

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Jared Patrick- Instagram: @_sirpatrick_