Meet Joey Wiz | Owner | Operator

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

Hi Joey, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As a kid, I was a skateboarding and involved in the punk/hardcore/metal scene. It was a loud, loose, vibrant, and eye-opening time. That scene developed my core style of music, my closest friends, and our fashion. As I grew up, I always enjoyed keeping that punk ethos in my style. However, it didn’t translate well to when I wanted to represent my home town and home state. At the time, most state or local pride gear was generic stuff you’d get at the airport – nothing remotely like I or my friends would wear. So, we started making our own. We started printing our own shirts and selling at local street festivals. At these events, people would come up to us telling us how much they were waiting for something like this. People started getting tattoos of our design. That’s when we knew that we had tapped into something special. People felt the same way we did and were finally able to express it.
Over time, we added more designs and more types of clothing/accessories. Eventually, we built our our website and social media accounts. It was very grassroots and very DIY. Slowly, but surely, it started to grow and we were able to expand into other markets.
Even though its been a long (but fun!) journey, I still get excited seeing people rockin’ our gear and representing their skull state proudly. I feel a strong sense of connection with our customers and it brings me much joy. We all have something in common and that’s incredibly special.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Like other entrepreneurs, my career path is really multiple paths. I’ve done internships, sales, service industry, real estate development, landlord… the list goes on. I’ve always been excited to be my own boss and pave my own way. I thought that would be a “get rich quick” strategy. Turns out, it’s a “work your ass off and learn as you go” strategy. Luckily, I’ve had many mentors and trusted friends to help guide me, reassure me, and challenge me. They taught me to be humble, to listen, and to be adaptable. What’s important to know about United Skulls America is that it comes from plenty of work, pride, and sense of belonging. There’s lots of metal/punk/skater kids and people out there that love where their from and they’re not alone.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d start with breakfast at Majestic Diner. Walk off that meal with a stroll through Piedmont Park. Grab lunch at The General Muir. Go watch the skaters at Fourth Ward Park. Hit up the happy hour at Dive Bar Buckhead before seeing a show at Venkman’s. We’d definitely stop at the aquarium and get a solid dinner at Ticonderoga Club.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My friends. My friends have always been there for me, been understanding, been supportive – not only of me personally, but of the brand and all my efforts. Along with my terrific family, my friends are included when I say “family.”

Website: unitedskullsamerica.com

Instagram: @unitedskullsamerica

Twitter: @skullsunited

Facebook: /unitedskullsamerica