Meet Jared Williams | IT Business Advisor & Owner of Deux Union Brand
We had the good fortune of connecting with Jared Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jared, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I wanted to create something that had a significant meaning behind it, with the goal of spreading positive vibes, uplifting Godly messages, culture/history, etc. but I wasn’t sure where to begin. Early on in the pandemic, I found myself doodling one day, drawing out a tattoo idea for myself that met the aforementioned goals: positive vibe, uplifting message, etc. While drawing, the idea came to me to redirect what I was doing as a tattoo to be a design for a shirt. I have always had an affinity for sneakers and clothing, so the idea to turn this into a shirt wasn’t too far off to me. Knowing that there are clothing businesses created left & right these days, I wanted to differentiate my brand from what others were doing. That’s when the idea of taking a portion of what I earn monthly and pour into different community organizati
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The best part about art is that there’s not just one cut and dry way to do things once your creative juices start flowing.
It took a ton of trial and error to get to this point. It’s actually hilarious to see how far some of the designs that I have created have come when I take a look at some of the first things that I created. I originally started designing graphics, backgrounds, etc. back in middle school and high school, so it took quite some time to knock the rust off. The biggest learning for me has been it’s OK not to be perfect on the first, second, or even third go. In fact, I had to toss out the word perfect; otherwise, I would have never started the brand.
Deux Union (pronounced dough, like in a bakery), if you break down the meaning, two (Deux is 2 in French) Union. My favorite number is 2 and with the design I created, pairing two 2’s facing each other, it forms a heart in the middle; hence the Union.
In addition to creating clothes, etc. for the brand, I also collaborate with other organizations, companies, initiatives, etc. to help bring their stories and visions to life. My excitement is tied to knowing that the work that I create will be able to fund and help others thrive in the community.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Some of my favorite places to go are in Midtown: Belle Station, Lost & Found, Thirteen, Taste Bar. Second to Midtown in probably the Richmond/Galleria area, where I would hit Prospect Park, Atomic Bottle, Kamp or Parma.
Outside of both these areas, I’m a fan of Lucillie’s & Leeland House.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It would be too difficult to call out everyone who’s helped or encouraged me along the journey so far. Once I relayed my vision for Deux Union to my support system/loved ones, I received enormous support. I know from reading others’ experiences, you have to be careful who you share your dreams and aspirations with. Fortunately for me, it was received well by my support system. Some were a bit confused because it somewhat came out of left field what I wanted to do, but I have received nothing but love and encouragement from my folks and I am tremendously grateful for them.
Website: deuxunion.net
Instagram: DeuxUnion
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-williams-11167956
Twitter: DeuxUnion
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