Meet Fernando Rivera and Jaime Banda | “ORI’GINAL Clothing LLC, Owners

We had the good fortune of connecting with Fernando Rivera and Jaime Banda and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Fernando & Jaime, how does your business help the community?
Fernando: Our clothing line, “ORI”GINAL, helps in many ways. Our biggest impact on the community is opening young and older generations minds to spirituality and ancestral belief. “ORI”GINAL is a spiritual brand based off the ancestral such as Ifa, Ocha, and Lukumi practice. “ORI”GINAL promotes positivity and growth. The parallels between the function that both spirituality and fashion fulfill in our lives are no longer as far fetched as they once were! “ORI”GINAL sends a clear message to whoever sees it that you are absolute about growth and spirituality, not to mention looking fly and Godly! Our logo includes an eye for protection from the evil eye. The name “ORI”GINAL has many meanings of its own as well. Most importantly the word “ORI” means head, the apex, or the highest pinnacle of achievement the highest point of the human body, the Ori. Our slogans is simple; “Soul that you can’t sew on” and “Ancient living in the modern times.”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Fernando: I worked for the Local 17 Insulators Union in Chicago for 6 years til I decided to branch off and create something of my own. As Jaime and I was talking one day about our religion, the concept of a clothing line just came up and we started brainstorming.

Jaime: I also work for the Local 17 Insulators Union in Chicago, currently there still but want to branch off as well to put my full attention in my creativity and passion into the clothing line and also in my photography/videography craft and my Podcast. Challenges for me are juggling the 3 businesses, being a father and a husband, but dreams are meant to be chased until caught.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Jaime: I would take them to my home to meet/greet the family first. There’s some small owned restaurants I would like them to try out. I would take them downtown Chicago. There is endless things to do out there. I would take them to small food joints that make a statement about Chicago as well big food chain that can only be found in the Midwest. We can catch a football and baseball game. There’s a place we can play video arcade games that we grew up on while enjoying locally crafted beer. There’s landmarks such as the Bean to see and take pictures by. We can also make it a chill night at Navy Pier or take a drive down good old Lake Shore Drive with the windows down.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Fernando: I want to shout out my Ancestors creator and Orishas. My loving family and kids motivate me. My spiritual godparents Obaifalaye Oni Shangó and Obaládé Omo Shango for guiding me to a positive outlook at life and teaching me along my journey in life. Also my partner Jaime who has been solid since day one and always has words of encouragment for me. Gratitude to all of them!

Jaime: I want to send appreciation to my ancestors as well, especially my grandfather who is with me spiritually everyday. My 5 children who bring joy to my life that makes me strive everyday. My wife who is my number one supporter and my rock. Also my partner as well who wants to excel as much as I do.

Website: www.perfektbalance.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/original.clothing.llc?utm_medium=copy_link

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ORiGINAL-Clothing-BRAND-104165431820003/

Image Credits
Straight Focus Films, LLC