PHASHINJUNKY

HATS OFF TO A INDEPENDENT BRAND & CLIQUE THAT THRIVES FOR THE OPPOSITE

Left to Right: Ruca, Ladybird, Tyler

Anxiously standing in front of what seemed to be your average, Northeast Portland residential home, the door opened. With his beard screaming PNW comfort, wearing shoes of the athletic supreme, & a welcoming facial expression, he introduced himself as Jimmy. We swapped intros & exchanged the tip of the hats, as Jimmy graciously invites me in. Before I got the chance to take a gander, 3 beautiful 4-legged creatures greeted me with a strong & loving presence. Almost like this had been rehearsed for months, each dog strived in strategic mechanisms for making sure I knew that this interview, will involve the 3 amigos. From Gator, with superior kisses you can’t reject, to Ladybird standing at a close second with glaring-jealous eyes that will melt your soul. Then theres precious Ruca, a gentle giant with silence so golden, you can’t help but drop everything you’re doing.

Now trying solely not to surrender to the forces of puppy love, I turn my attention back on Jimmy, who's now stepping through a door into a garage. For what generally stores family automobiles, dad’s never-used tools, even cherished “with-come-age” toys & trinkets, is now storing Jimmy's full throttle gem, a 5-speed Machine that needs more than the "wax on/wax off" treatment, & a polished squad ready to tackle anything in its way. For putting the pieces together, Jimmy is the inevitable Jimmy Hickey. Not only the brains & founder, but he eats, sleeps, even shares his home with his prize possession FINDLAY HATS; A Epic Hat & Apparel company thriving on a unique snapback, while ranging from beanies to graphic tee’s. even with a upcoming women's line in the making, all of this isn't what sets the bar for Findlay. With over 600 styles, not only does this particular team have the Headgear steez on lock, but Findlay Hats takes the phrase "Hold On to your Hats," into heights a huge company like ZUMIEZ had to be apart of.

PHOTO VIA @PHASHINJUNKY

Now knowing this wasn’t your average house, garage, now even hat, this company grasped something that would take a outdoor voyager & their love for the snapback to the next level. It was plain & Simple. Strapping their patent pending interchangeable coming in a variety of rad colors & styles, so even in your most wild sporting/ outdoor event, the laces are there for you to never worry about your hat falling off. When the laces aren't keeping you & your hat together forever, they fashionably rest on the bill, making a statement & staple in the hat fashion era. While this brand make dreams come true to the vigorous outdoors athletes & explorers, it completely fits the Pacific Northwest motto.

"...Findlay [Hats] was just a Side Project." Jimmy

Now for most people who live their lives in pro sports, outdoor activities, or hat enthusiasts always come to major issues with sportin' headgear, while participating in sporting events. For Jimmy, in 2003, it would all stop there. For he decided to excel to a extreme by adding laces, a patch, & some dedicated fury to his snapback, only to create what is still today, the only snapback in the game to let you continue on your craziest outdoor adventures, while keeping your love for headgear alive. For once a dope photographer ranging from bad ass action shots with our Portland Big Boys, to making families proud shooting senior portraits, Jimmy now wears hats of all trades. From designer to customer service rep, to photographer & sales enthusiast. Giving everything emotionally, physically, & financially, Jimmy decided to share with the world, that losing another hat from dwelling in the heart of mother nature didn’t have to be a problem anymore.

" 90% of my time consists in this garage..."

Findlay Hat Patent Pending Laces

Still fathoming over how this crew keeps the portland spirit alive by operating in this garage, I finally stepped in, now fully aware that every square inch of this garage is used for the sole purpose of Findlay Hats. From organized buckets of multi-colored laces, to sick DIY back drops, everywhere I turned was another amazing step into making what over 17,000 people on Instagram go for. As my head slowly comes down from hat heaven, I Lock my eyes on Tyler (@tybearthegreat). Another Bearded & stylish gent, his role in this Squad is Findlay's Instafamous Sponsor guru & Sales machine. With over 23,000 social media followers & a supreme true passion & dedication to Findlay, he instantly showed true appreciation & gratitude towards his duties here. From once just being a Super Fan to getting a remarkable chance to work besides Jimmy, he surprised everyone making unbelievable sales that even Jimmy couldn't believe. Not knowing many companies that reaches out to fans hands on, In Findlay's Case, it was very beneficial.

Findlay Crown Point Snapback Hat

After Tyler explained how they finished a huge order, I was shocked. For everything had a home, and every nook & cranny had a story. The Garage was breathtaking. Then it hits me. This is exactly why this Findlay Hats, gets to be in over 35 Locations at Zumiez. And being the Hand-ons stars they are, not only did they create a collection just for them, but from state 2 state reached out to different Zumiez locations, teaching peers about Findlay, what they stand for, and giving much props to the now sub family that continues to put them on the map.

ROBERT HASLAM, PRO FMX VIA FINDLAY HATS

Maybe your a realist, a person who needs solid proof of something with this much praise. Of course they also have that covered. check out the strong clique that puts Findlay Hats to the ultimate test. They are called the Findlay Force. From #1 in the world ranked Flyboarders, out of this world skateboarders & Skydivers to boss ass musicians, these men & women have Findlay's back 110%. with culture, extraordinary passion, and a product that talks the talk and walks the walk, Findlay Hats are just as needed to us, as we are to them.

While discussing how they became a brand of such a supreme, grabbing some BTS shots, and realizing that the dogs were in fact having their 10min of fame, 3 more members of this Portland team arrived. First there's Sarah; the Bad ass with some mad sewing skills, wearing the Co-founder & Seamstress crown. Nick Hammond, the suave designer & Art Director pops in, followed by Krystle, the fashion forecaster that knows her shit & killing it managing the upcoming exciting new collection for the thriving women. I was now surrounded by the sole core of Findlay. It was hard not to notice how comfortable they were around each other. To not only eat sleep, work, unwind and socialize with one another, seeing them communicate smoothly, backing each other up, and finishing each other sentences seemed like only a dream for any squad goal. It was clear that whatever they're doing, they're doing it right.

" We somehow find our inspirations work together..." KRYSTLE

As the brain picking commenced, I decided to then dig individually and asked each team player, what inspired them. From anyone to anything, I wanted to know what motivation got their creative juices flowing. It didn't come to a surprise that each of them had a amazing story behind with different elements of people, settings, and experiences that activated their thinking caps to continue being #1.

JIMMY (@jimmyhickey1): "...Cyrcle! My boys, they are real freaking artist. Being around them for a half hour and you can see they are on a different level. Their Artwork is fascinating."

GATOR: "GRWWWWLLLLL!"

NICK (@nhammonddesign): I kinda turned my back on the Art World, I went to school for design for about 2 years before i had to submit a portfolio,and it got to the point where your work was being judge by the not in the field doing anything. Getting sick of that shit and doing Art for themselves then grabbing degrees in other realms. Seeing artist on interviews saying they "hate" when other artist do things is subjective. Not having a single artist, I enjoy seeing the Malloy Brothers. Pro surfers that got into climbing, and they do a really good job showing how ti push your own boundaries, and they continue to do whatever the Fuck they want.

SARAH (@sarwish): "... Everything around me gives me inspiration. I look at everything, even taking my old pieces of clothing, its hard to pin point inspirations as a seamstress."

TYLER (@tybearthegreat): NICK HAMMOND! HE KILLS IT!!

KRYSTLE: " Me & her [Sarah] carry a notebook, and when theres anything relevant were jotting it down for now or later. That also brings the functionality of it all. If we were using this item right now, how do we want it to look, or how do we wanna feel wearing it. Drawing a lot from nature, even our color story we get from everything around us..."

Left to Right: Nick, Jimmy, Tyler; The Garage

As different as their inspirations were, its all seemed to make sense of what Findlay truly stands for. This crew has given their life to continue a brand that already sells itself. For this average Northeast Portland residential home is home to The hat that will be with you on those new and exciting adventures, and with a guarantee from the homies themselves, and the thousands of people right behind them. As I Walk away, now being another member of the following family, Its clear to me that wearing this hat not only shows style & security, but as it accompany's me on my next adventure her in the Pacific north west, its doing my part to stay & Live local.

Thanks Findlay!

What The Homies Won't Tell You About Starting Your Dream Brand in 2016

COLABINATION

Have you been itching to start a new brand, or wrapped in garments, fed up with dysfunctional model tryout flyers, & pointless location scouting? Wondering how in the hell other designers managed to be successful & Independent? Well, just by reading this, I want you to take a breath, drop it all, & pat yourself on the back. Deciding on going forth with goals & dreams can be stressful, but knowing that you're going to be the superior for most of the operations can be mind boggling. Wether it's been a dream you've had for the past 20 years, or recent strong beliefs that you can create & design a local/international product that will thrive over others; The only person stopping you, is you.

“I started it because I wasn’t pleased with how other local brands were representing Portland,” McCarthy shares. “I started selling shirts for $20 and began to grow a following.”

Evan McCarthy, Designer, Portland Oregon Via COLABINATION

As you receive positive & negative feedback on this amazing next chapter in life, your vision will only turn into creations, solely by your dedication, purpose, & understanding from within yourself. While thinking & bringing life to what you're trying to show your customers, peers, and family, I know now, you're now trying to find a setting, location, models, photographers, social media outlets, fashion show producers, even sponsors. Even you didn't think of one of those main key players to get your brand to the next level, please continue reading.

Now, What brings celebration, comes hard work. Remember, its only you sitting here reading this blog. No one else. You must trust your gut instincts on every decision that goes on from now on, wether its Major or small. Those sticky problems you once handed off to your boss or the head stylist, is now going to be your daily duty. It's challenging especially when you have no background in marketing, social media, or even fashion styling. When we start a new project, we don't always have the necessary tools we need to have in every realm in order to have a functioning brand. Designers can design, create, even vision their garments walking the runway on Models & celebs; But have no clue how to properly send out a press release, master sponsorship letters, or give proper model direction. As a Fashion merchandising student, i've had the the pleasure to dabble in a lot of different aspects of the process to getting a brand to its highest expectation. Or so I thought. not knowing what i wanted to do in the fashion industry, i decided to s my own mens collections. Thinking that since I had classes in image consulting, model direction, fashion show producing even a few sewing classes under my belt.

JUMFLO COLLECTION VIA EXAMINER

Now what I didn't have was the experience in any of these aspects. I was still very "Textbook." I knew what to do, but with no actual hands-on experience. I didn't have my own instinct and gut feeling, nor had the background & actual work experience to really get me off the ground. I was going off my handouts & notes straight from my professors, and everyone I contacted knew that right away. Looking back, now wishing that I had someone who was highly skilled in marketing, someone who knew how to write a press release, a team of social media junkies, or even a place like Colabination to take my inspiring, independent brand in to their hands, create not only a great traffic source for my collection, but advertisements on levels I never thought possible. Not even knowing how much a independent interview could better my entire overall feel of my brand, Colabination would have been a great place to start. You need a team; A team of peers to get you and your brand above & ahead on things you cannot tackle yourself. And don't feel bad about that. Stylists, cant style anything without clothes, fashion show producers cannot give a show without a amazing collection, and Colabination cannot share your story a& collection to the world without having your dedicated brand.

Im not trying to steer you from your dream, rather prepare yourself for what can happen. Don't feel discouraged, there are thousands of designers who were/are in your position. And now with 2016 just around the corner, social media is the new black; So in a since, you can say that everyone's branding. Branding themselves with pictures, comments, & making a presence known. But, Its getting to the right customer base & finding those target market audiences, or making social media your first middle and last name. which brings me back to the e-commerce start up that can only do great wonders for the collection you so proudly put in blood sweat & tears. I cannot stress enough about how Colabination will take your brand & life to new heights, ones you couldn't imagine possible. But thats the point right? They leave the designing to designers and showcase not only your pieces but your story. From the time you have read this article until your being interview by one of their Local Blog Ambassadors, Colabination thrives to gathering independent designers together in one place so not only will your customers be able to purchase your collections, but they will see the hard dedicated work you pulled off. Because remember, its only you reading this, no one else. With this article & with the help of Colabination, a few friends from Facebook that just happens to be stylists, producers, even DJ's, those applauses, and gratitude that you give your boss, is now your daily appreciation. Click Colabination to find out more about the amazing opportunities your future brand can have, shop some from other amazing independent designers who have already joined board, or share this article to a friend or family member who you think can benefit! With bloggers all around the country, and a customer traffic base something in the MILLIONS, Colabination will come through with hands on interviews, a clean and beautiful website where your items will seen by more people you would could never even imagine, and they are always looking for the next indecent designer who is ready to show the world what they are made of!

Good Luck, Share your Stories below & check out COLABINATION.COM!

Click here for more info

Top Holiday Gifts for that special Sneaker Enthusiast, with this years Sneakerhead Gift Guide 2015

Holiday coupons fill your Sunday paper, as sidewalks glisten to the lights of secret late-night Online Holiday Shopping. As Cut-off's being once so necessary, now feeling solely responsible for suffocating them by full legged denims, tis the season to thrive, as once again, you're taking down names & gift receipts by purchasing the Perfect Holiday Gifts this season. Now even if you're still trying to comprehend what a "Sneakerhead" does, or those who have accepted that special's someones Sneaker Obsession into their lives, finding something that compliments our Shoe Guru's very particular taste is hard. With the concept of being a Sneaker head starting at a precise & phenomenal time, growing rapidly stronger everyday, and changing the shoe game for men & women around the globe, it's a process even keeping up with our loved ones, friends, & co worker's dedicated mountains of shoe cases and boxes that towers closets, hallways, even filling rooms. Whatever the case maybe, just because your sneaker connoisseur takes the time, dedication, money, blood, sweat & tears to come up with a collection of such supreme, it does not mean your Holiday Gifts have to be on the same rack level of such loyalty & devotion. As a minor sole collector myself, I can clearly see why this may be a hard task. With one-of-a-kind shoes, comes particular Streetwear Clothing, Accessories, even cleaning supplies for the prize possessions that takes hobbies to new heights.

Thats where I come in. Not in a fat suit with Custom Adidas or the Original Nike Air Yeezys wrapped in snowman gift paper, but with the help of some Local Discovery & some amazing Apparel and accessories from Colabination.com, this Sneakershead's Best Gift Guide puts you right in the shoes of that special someone, giving you some Unique Gifts Ideas for those souls who live their life, for the sole.

Shoes aren't the only thing stacking high in those closets..

APPRERAL / PHOTO FVCK via COLABINATION

Major Brands in the Shoe Cult Community have been designing clothing for years. While some Shoe Heads love being dripped, head-to-ankle with loud logos & Snapbacks of the brand they have on their foot, there are also those who stay fitted in solid Black & White garments, only showing hints of a shade that compliments the daily featured sneaker. Trying to find out their favorite shoe to purchase the matching shirt and joggers is hard, and with not wanting to stick a solid black tee in a gift bag, Brands like FVCK , Refined Vision, Stereotype, CALIFORNIA CROWN, & DXPE GVNG has exactly what you need. Just a few of COLABINATIONS featured brands, with strict neutrals, Headgear for completing his/her look, and strikingly badass logos u can see for miles, you cannot go wrong with anything from these major upcoming brands.

Staying Icy...

Photo & Necklaces: GOODWOODNYC via COLABINATION

Now with accessories heavily on the rise in mens fashion, I can guarantee your Shoe Lover will be excited to receive some neck & wrist candy to put the icing on their outfits. Plus going back to the sole collectors that wear neutrals and neutrals only, grabbing bracelets, Rings, Necklaces, even sunglasses can be the way to their hearts. We immediately take you to the homies GOODWOODNYC; With their amazing story & showroom over at Colabination, not only will you find Custom pieces, but sit back & feel great; As now your doing your part in forever changing the game for mens accessories! Maybe being a Sneaker head isn't that bad?

While we keep dreaming on that, Check out a few more brands like MISTER, KING ICE, & if you don't mind breaking the bank, letting that person know just how much you love them, check out MR.FLAWLESS. His custom replica shoe pendants are next level!

Travel in Style

Photo & Shrine Sneaker Duffle ~ The Shrine

Did you honestly Expect them to just stuff their babies in second hand carryon's and backpacks? Just like any fragile item, when travel, travel with care. This is an absolute MUST in the Sneaker world, and I cannot stress enough about checking out The shrine. Of course my Hometown of San Francisco has the Shoe Travel bag to the level of Tom Ford. Stylish, Flawless, and down right luxurious, these bags are the Sneaker heads best Travel Companion. This is a gift that will last for years, and the great thing is that when they come visit you, thats the only thing that will be in their hands.

Clean Up on Aisle 23

PHOTO VIA @JORDANDEPOT

THE INEVITABLE HAPPENS. and when it does, its not fun. It usually happens when were not anywhere close to home, somewhere we cannot strap on a lab coat and go to immediate surgery. Its a scary feeling knowing you very well could have damaged your collectables. As stupid as people might think scuffing your sneakers are, take when you crack your Iphone, Ipad, or TV. People pay top dollar for their shoes, and only one Cleaner can get keep them as fresh as they were when you first opened the box. Made by Sneaker heads, for Sneaker heads, RESHOEVN8R is a product that 100% works. As a faithful Customer, I guarantee your present will be cherished and used for a very long time. With kits ranging from one pair, to a mini repair factory, you will have no problem finding the perfect kit this holiday season.

Fireplace, Meet The New Bear Rug...

Yeezy rug/Photo ~ http://www.spilled.co/

This Seattle based company has heads turning. Even on my Wishlist this holiday season, SPILLED is more than just a Floor-wear company. They bring the tears in the eyes of Sneaker heads everywhere, and why wouldn't it? the vibrant colors, and artistic values on different sneakers, SPILLED brings their favorite shoes to higher heights. Imagine you walk into a Living room or bedroom, even a dedicated shoe room and see one of these, you will clearly see how loyal they are to the game. With limited numbers, there's no Second guessing about a purchase such as grand as this one. But make sure they have enough room for these pieces. I would frame and wall mount this bad boy, but thats just a thought!! Be sure to check their collection ASAP: http://www.spilled.co/

Ladies Who Dare...

Photo/Clothes ~ Revolution Riche via Colabination

Not saying that my lady Shoe Heads cant cop anything mentioned above, in fact I think its very unisex in the Sneaker world. But I do wanna shed some Direct light to the ladies who's shoe game are of the most high, & one particular brand I have major feelings for. Revolution Riche. From Beanies, tanks, to cell phone cases, this Jersey City Brand has taken urban style & reinvented it. As they Say enough is enough, they have generated women & men garments that only a thought process of a innovate fashion/shoe guru would truly appreciate. If your Fashionista has a side hustle of shoe frenzy, then I suggest you start here!

EXTRA! EATRA! Read all About it.

Photo/Magazine via Sneakernews.com/magazine

Looking for some Xmas Kringle Presents, maybe even some stocking fillers? SNEAKER NEWS MAGAZINES is a upscale of The magazine Medium, getting in depth of the love and dedication everyone behind the magical world of Air Jordan has to offer. With LeBron being so intimate on the cover of VOLUME 1, & VOLUME 2 tributing to 30 years of Air Jordans, These coffee Table Gems will surely get attention all year round, finally having the honest gift that keeps on giving. With very reasonable prices you can grab both for under $30

Stockings don't make the shoes

PHOTO & STOCKING via 2amprojects.com/

Ok, how amazing are the felt stocking stuffers. I literally just purchased one, and I cannot wait for it to get here, And you should do the same. The Brand is 2AMPROJECTS & everyone reading this needs to be grabbing one of the 3 amazing styles they have. Having your Sole Survivor come home to find one of these hanging from the fireplace, you must make sure you have also copped on of the items listed above because your Sneaker head will only be beyond ecstatic to see whats under the tree, knowing that this is the route you've decided to take.

While Every person is different, This guide should have put you in the right direction to get the Perfect Holiday Gift. Be sure to check out other blogs from my peers, on Street Wear Clothing from PALE JACKET and More Sneaker Holiday Gear from Barley Hippie. And always make sure to head over to Colabination.com For the Upcoming brands and Trends you will end up spending all your holiday shopping for others on!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!