eMCee Apparel Dream Shop
WHO WE ARE
My name is Marissa Confair. I am the founder/head designer for eMCee Apparel. Since I can remember, it has been my dream to be a Fashion Designer. Since my early childhood, I've been inspired by creatives around me, including my mom's lifelong friend, who happens to be a designer. I remember back to the 8th grade when I brought her in for career day, and I've never wanted to be anything else since then.
When I created eMCee Apparel, I wanted to combine my two loves in life - hip hop and fashion. These two passions, combined with my initials birthed the name that seemed so natural to me - "eMCee". In the hip hop world, to be labeled an eMCee means that you are the master of your craft (lyricism). In one verse of one song, an emcee can have multiple messages which can easily get overlooked by many, or forgotten over the years. However, at the time, if you do catch their messages through lyrics they create a feeling. There's nothing like that feeling you get when you hear your favorite line of your favorite song. You feel an ultimate high when you blast it and sing along to the song. At eMCee Apparel, I wanted to find a way to allow such incredible lyrics that give us these incredible feelings, to live on - by giving them life again through art. I strive to be a true emcee of my own craft - one of the best, in order to portray my messages properly through art.
ABOUT OUR COMPANY
I started the company by designing hats and then moved into apparel, with the ultimate goal of having my own storefront one day. However, it wasn't until I added the sneaker art, that I truly felt like I found my deep passion for the company.
As a matter of fact, while I was working on my 2nd pair of sneakers, I had a moment of clarity that reassured me that I was on the right path. I took a dinner break after painting for 10 hours one day to check out a new local Latino restaurant. When the owner sat us, I looked up and realized that he sat me directly across from 2 large pieces of artwork. The artwork was of painted sneakers. I had to laugh. I was sure this couldn't be real. I'm a big believer in "everything happens for a reason", but this was just too funny. So I acknowledged the universe for making this happen and continued to laugh. When the owner came over to chat us up, he asked what was so funny. I mentioned that I had been painting a pair of sneakers for 10 hours that day. That conversation with him landed me my 3rd pair of sneakers - which happened to be a birthday gift for legendary rapper, Fat Joe's. From that point on, I knew I was on the right path.
Using sneakers as my canvas has completely changed my path for the better. Once I took on the sneaker canvas, I also added a business partner to my company making us a bit more official. He now runs the business side of eMCee, allowing me to solely focus on designing and custom work. I have freed up a bit more of my time with the addition of my partner, Kefim Simmons, and can finally show the world my talent and how passionate I am about the art I am creating. Since starting the sneaker art portion of the company, I have also added commissioned art pieces - from canvas' to purses to planters. I am willing to paint just about anything that my clients request! By expanding the brand in this fashion, I can say that I have finally reached the happy place that most people dream of while working. So I know I have to do whatever it takes to continue to make my dream come true.
WHY WE NEED YOU....
I am here seeking sponsors to help with the next stepping stone on the path to my dream - the Union Square Holiday Market. By participating in this market, I will be able to gain face time with new clientele, gain brand recognition and really expand our market to a broader audience in order to grow and become one step closer to the ultimate storefront goal!
The market runs from November 18 - December 24, and costs $17,300 just for a bare space. That doesn't include our costs of inventory or building our booth. This market is so important to me. It will completely elevate the brand and allow us to take eMCee to the next level. Any support is tremendously appreciated! Thank you!