Meet Ez | Entrepreneur / Vintage Curator

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

Hi Ez, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Growing up as an openly gay black male , I was told that I could not do certain things, or even wear my hair a certain way/color. Sometimes by family, mainly by the area I grew up in. I’ve always expressed myself through fashion whether it was my hair, shoes, or outfit. I’ve inspired so many people that I’ve grew up with. Growing up several of my classmates called me ghetto for being into street wear, and sneakers. There are a lot of people that are afraid to give me my flowers for inspiring others. I’m here to break that door down today. If I listened to the general public I wouldn’t be where I am today.

What should our readers know about your business?
When I introduced my friends, and some of my ex friends go thrifting + sneaker culture in 2010 they called me names. I oftentimes used to get told that thrifting was for poor people, and that Jordan’s were ghetto. Fast forward I’d say for the last couple of years that’s all everyone asks me about. Those same people are into Jordan’s now. It was not easy getting to where I am today, because yes it bothered me a bit. I would just want everyone to know that you can’t get rid of me, or silence greatness. In 2019 I was tragically shot in my dominant hand. I thought that I wouldn’t be able to continue making human hair wigs. I thought my whole world was over, until I picked tried to make a wig while I had my hand in a cast. It turned out beautiful, after that I just kept pushing my limits.

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.
One of my favorite spots in Houston is Toxik Daiquari it’s a black owned business located on the Eastside of Houston. If they didn’t drink, we could definitely visit The Breakfast Klub another black owned business located on Travis St. One of my favorite hidden gems to go to is Yolo Houston the chicken wings are the best, they always show me a good time! Riding the scooters from Glyder Scooters downtown Houston is such a fun vibe as well.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Growing up Nicki Minaj really inspired me to be the person I am today, she made me feel like it was okay to express myself through fashion. In 7th grade my mom took me to Target to purchase her debut album ‘Pink Friday’. I fell in love with her during that era. She made me felt like it was okay to be black, and gay. Even if others weren’t accepting of it. Another person that inspires me to this day is Ye formally known as Kanye West. She took me to purchase his 2007 album ‘Gradation’. I was in the 4th grade. I see a lot of myself in them, they are misunderstood, and often times bad at articulating things. My bestfriends Lace, Diamond, and Jadah inspire me to keep going. They tell me to keep going even if I’m feeling down.

Instagram: instagram.com/iamkidretro

Other: Vintage Instagram: Instagram.com/vntgbyariel