Meet Trippy Suave | Clothing Designer, Photographer, Videographer, Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Trippy Suave and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Trippy, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
The sole purpose of my brand “The Loners Society”, is to let those who feel/felt like a loner to know that they are never truly alone in the world, but with an artistic twist. Somewhere in the world, there is a person who feels just like you but may be afraid to find those whom they truly relate to, in fear of being judged.

I am the only child and growing up alone takes a toll on you mentally and physically. I know what it’s like to be the “weirdo”, “awkward”, “lame” kid in school. That feeling goes beyond words and creating always gave me a sense of self-worth, I guess you could say. I put those emotions on clothing (pieces) without barriers, leaving the world to judge us as they always have. With this approach, I am able to give people a personal brand that lets those people know that they don’t care what people say, while also advertising who they really are, “Loners”

I use people that relate to my brand in one way or another as the face of my brand and also give them a opportunity in which they may have never thought they were capable of doing, which is modeling and being one of the many faces of a brand. I love the natural aesthetic of people, so during photoshoots there are no rules but to be themselves and I capture them at their true state. The reactions from people after their first photoshoot , or piece is priceless, and that within itself is what I do it for. If I could help people escape from this world with just art, or even inspire people to create their own by just being them, I have achieved my long term goal.

I have had 3 clothing lines in 8-9 years and this is the one that truly stuck due to the personable results, not only with other people but for myself as well. On my business/personal pages, I receive various messages about how this brand helps them be themselves, gives them courage to try new things, try modeling etc. and even around Pittsburgh, people will stop me just to talk about their lives and how this brand is more than clothing to them, and ironically when I started this brand, the question I had to ask myself was ” Is it possible to create something deeper than clothing” and looking back, I’m glad I asked myself that question.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
As a person first, I have a trait in which could never be taught, which is drive. This drive came from the main women in my life and because of that I have been able to put many titles in my resume, such as Graphic Designer, Clothing Designer, Photographer, Videographer, Creative Director, Small business marketer, Real Estate Investor and so on. Because of my art, I have allowed my self to move 1000 miles a minute and be perfectly fine with it. Growing up we are told to go to school and get a job for someone, and because of these many paths my brain creates for me, I was/am able to explore many options.

When looking into my art, I love being able to be true to myself without wondering if it’s good enough for others. Starting out, I did everything I could to be accepted by others, to have tons or friends and to be well liked, but growing up showed me that it was just a fairytale in my mind. Once I noticed that those “lame” or “weirdo” stigmatizations were present, I didn’t know what to do, I pretty much gave up on myself in all aspects and to be honest I just didn’t thin I was good enough for anything. I was introduced to Adobe Illustrator by one of my schools guidance counselors ( Paul Dang) and from there I was able to just let my mind roam and create anything I ever wanted. I them found out the things I created could be put on clothes, and due to me usually getting made fun of because of my clothes, I figured anything was better than that, so I gave it a try and in a matter of 2-3 weeks I was no longer the “weirdo” but I still wanted to be friends with the “weirdos” so I gave them all shirts so we could match. It may sound cheesy, but at the time it just felt right. With my brand I plan to continue that same path of staying true to myself and those who relate to the messages I produce.

A major lesson I learned is “Not all those who wander, are lost”, just because I was searching for myself didn’t mean I was just a lost cause, it just meant I had to find my true self and embrace who I truly am/was. a loner. My overall message is to provide clarity to those who went through or even are going through the same thing, to not be afraid to be a loner, but embrace it and love yourself for it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Photography has lead me to some unknown spots, such as abandon buildings/parks, cliffs with city views, or even beautiful parts of the city that don’t get much recognition. So I would probably start with that, Museums are always a must, just to open our perspective of the world and it’s views. I have neve been much of a partier, so I’m lost on that aspect but as long as I’m exploring I really don’t care where I am, honestly. In Pittsburgh there is not much to really do besides the typical bar and out to eat scene.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First off, I have to dedicate everything to my mother and grandmother. We have been through so much together and they knew art was my way of releasing tension since I barely talked. I also want to thank all of my little cousins, because of you guys I never quit anything I ever did because I knew I had eyes on me at all times. Everyone who ever supported me, such as a simple like, comment, share, or even purchase are always dear to my heart and honestly the main driving force behind me. Last but not least, The Loners in the world, regardless of the worlds judgements or perspective, I love you all and you’re never truly alone.

Website: Thelonerssociety.com

Instagram: TrippySuave, The.Loners.Society

Facebook: The Loners Society

Youtube: Trippy Suave

Image Credits
TrippySuave