Naomi Maria, a 30-year-old entrepreneur from Birmingham, has created something powerful to flip conventions and inspire generations, DETERMINED Streetwear. This clothing brand, launched on July 24th, 2023, isn’t just about fashion—it’s about resilience and perseverance. Naomi, who graduated from Coventry University, has embedded these values into her brand, making DETERMINED Streetwear a source of inspiration for young people facing life’s challenges.
“The word ‘DETERMINED’ itself stands for ‘Determination Equals Trying Endlessly, Regardless (of) Mountains, Individuals & Nonsense Every Day,’” Naomi explains. “It’s a daily reminder that setbacks are just challenges to overcome.” This philosophy is the heart of her brand’s identity.
Naomi’s journey to launch DETERMINED Streetwear has been marked by dedication and hard work. She recalls countless late nights and moments of doubt. “There were times when it felt stressful, but I kept reminding myself of the brand’s mission,” she shares. Her goal is to create apparel that not only looks great but also motivates and inspires the wearer to stay determined, no matter the obstacles they face.
DETERMINED Streetwear is gaining traction on social media and aims to build a community of individuals who support and inspire each other. Naomi’s passion for her brand and its message shines through in every design, making it a true reflection of her journey and values.
1. How did your education at Coventry University influence your approach to launching and growing your brand?
I’ve always loved designing hence why I chose Graphic Design at university. It paid off because I graduated with a 2:1, and I’m using what I learned in my degree to make designs for my brand. I also love wearing Streetwear brands (Adidas in particular), so it’s always been in my mind to one day create my own Streetwear brand.
Been at Coventry University taught me the software needed to create my own designs, and the process of refining ideas. DETERMINED Streetwear is like an extension of my university projects and one that I’m over the moon about and proud of!!
2. Can you share about your design process and how you incorporate the theme of determination into your clothing?
I’ll look for what trends seem to be trendy at the current time. For example khaki is very much in season right now, so I’ll create designs based off this, and see what my logos would like on the garments, and accessories such as bags and caps. I then refine my designs (in terms of colour, size and placement) until I’m content with how they look before putting it into production.
For my current collection I wanted to be creative with the name, so I combined the words Camouflage and Khaki to make the word Camo-Khaki, giving you the DETERMINED Camo-Khaki Collection.
3. How has social media played a role in the growth and outreach of DETERMINED Streetwear?
Social media helps grow my brand awareness and people then recommend the brand to others that they know. It also helps me network with future suppliers and manufacturers to help continue to grow the brand.
4. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own fashion or lifestyle brand?
Do a lot of research and find your gap in the market. Note all your ideas down, and expand on them by drafting colour schemes and designs, and then select the ones you can see others wearing.
5. How do you envision DETERMINED Streetwear evolving over the next five years?
I would love for my brand to be in the likes of JD and Foot Asylum in the next 5 years and even to be a global operation!!
6. What are a few pieces of advice you’d want to give youth out there?
Never give up on pursuing your ambitions, because hard work always pays off. I couldn’t have got the brand to where it is today without God giving me the strength to do so.
