How Marlon Watts and Nicholas Clark Built WRLDINVSN, One of the Fastest Growing Black Owned Clothing Brands

Today we’d like to Marlon Watts and Nicholas Clark of WRLDINVSN Clothing Brand.

It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?

As young boys, when we saw the impoverished state of their families, we took a step to change their present circumstance. This step created the movement behind our very own clothing brand.

In the eighth grade, I approached Nicholas with 12 t-shirts I designed on a website called Uberprints, ready to sell. We would try to find a way to make money by selling candy before. We were underprivileged. Fashion is big in New Orleans–the way you look or the way you dress–so we went into selling shirts.

Before either of us could hold part-time jobs, selling t-shirts was one of the limited options we could utilize to financially help our families. We quickly sold the shirts to our friends and peers. I introduced the designing website to Nicholas, and he began to handle the graphic design side of our newfound business.

Our brand WRLDINVSN was born out of the necessity and artistry of our 14-year-old selves. It laid the foundation of a dream to one day sell in stores and inspire others.

I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?

In 2016, however, we reached a fork in the road of our success which caused us to question whether we should continue our brand or not. We just wanted to have a good day. During a trip to Atlanta, the day began with a flat tire downtown and ended with a car robbery. All of the WRLDINVSN merchandise and, most of all, Clark’s laptop with his designs, were stolen that day.

Everything was taken and we asked, “Should we wrap it up? Should we do this anymore?” The incident left us completely torn between two options: continuing a possibly phased-out vision or following our own individual futures. We discussed that night whether the vision we bought into as 14-year-olds was worth risking everything for one more time.

At the end of the day, the situation was not going to change. So at the beginning of the next year, we started fresh and bought a new laptop. We figured the brand could be special because of us, and that was going to make us different.

We went on to graduate from Louisiana Tech University and are now focusing on our brand full-time. We are planning to expand our brand to women, children and activewear. With the expansion of clothing lines, we are able to share our story and vision with more people.

Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?

We specialize in the message behind the brand and our core values. We want to inspire others that come from where we come from and let them know that it is possible to start a business and be successful and accomplish everything you want to do in life.

Growing up in 7th ward New Orleans, LA. Not a lot of people around us owned businesses or even graduated from college so we knew that’s what we wanted to do to show those around us that it’s possible. We both graduated from Louisiana Tech University in 2018, and became the first in our core families to do this. What also makes us different is that we are just like and come from the same places as the people we market to and inspire. We are only 25 and are a living testimony that if you trust in your vision, you can make it reality. 

What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?

The best advice we can give is to define your own success. Do what makes you happy. Do what makes you hop out of bed every morning you wake up. Take life seriously, want to grow, get knowledge, put yourself around the environment that will help you expand your thinking 

Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?

Success means to accomplish and exceed your life goals which can be for yourself or your family. Success is not about having money. It’s about knowing your purpose and fulfilling that each day.

Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more.

Instagram @wrldinvsn

Youtube – WRLDINVSN Clothing Company

Facebook – WRLDINVSN

Twitter @wrldinvsn