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

Hi Zahria, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
When I started Loaded, I wanted to create something that inspired or motivated its customers. Since I am a sophomore in college, I focused my audience on college students and teens like me, who all generally go through the same struggles. Some main struggles of college students specifically are the lack of motivation to continue school and financial instability. Wearing “LOADED” gives both a sense of style and motivation to become financially loaded one day. It helps us keep in mind what we’re sacrificing for and working hard for. Nevertheless , my business helps my local community of Prairie View University, my community back home in Atlanta, and the communities of students nationwide.

What should our readers know about your business?
The main thing that sets Loaded Fits apart from other clothing lines is that ALL of my items have 3D felt patches or are embroidered. My entire business is 3D, while most clothes today are screen printed. Also, I sew every patch on myself, and I think the amount of work I’ve put in doing so (while also being a full time student) is something I’m most proud of. I continue to wake up excited every day for the growth of my business and how many more people in the world I know will be inspired one day by it. However, getting where I am now business-wise was no where near easy. From financial challenges to time management, owning this business has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. But it’s all worth it. One of the most important things I’ve learned through this is that the more work you put in, the bigger the outcome. At times where I start slacking, I see the business slack along with me. At times where I’m completely focused and working my hardest, I see the business shine. This lesson is applied to life in general, and I’m glad I’ve had the opportunity to learn it firsthand.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well since I’m currently in college about 40 minutes outside of Houston, I’d definitely take them downtown for most of the week. I’ve barely explored Houston yet myself, so we’d explore Houston together and do as much as we could. We’d probably go to the Galleria, the Color Factory, one of the water parks, Kemah Boardwalk, etc. Houston is also known for its wonderful food, so we’d probably try two different restaurants a day. Although Houston is great, my friend wouldn’t be able to go the whole week without coming to Prairie View and experiencing our campus. The campus events are always memorable experiences, and even if nothing planned is going on around campus, my friends here make sure life isn’t boring. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are sooooo many people that deserve a shoutout from Loaded. First, this business would’ve never launched without my mom, Michelle Spencer, who instantly became my first investor. She’s also encouraged and supported me and this business from day one, and always gives honest feedback/advice whenever I need it. Secondly, I’d like to shoutout everyone who consistently supports Loaded. Without the support, the success wouldn’t be there. More specifically, I want to give a shoutout to my close friends that constantly help me in countless ways. Jared Battle, my photographer (@_jaynextdoor_), has done so much for my social media and website to look aesthetically pleasing. Nathaniel Hall (@nathvniel), one of my main models and ambassadors, is one of the most dependable people when it comes to getting my brand out there. Everyone who’s ever modeled for me took the time out of their lives to voluntarily help me, and I couldn’t even describe how much I appreciate it. The support that I get from my community, friends, and family couldn’t be better!

Website: www.loadedfits.com

Instagram: @loadedfits

Twitter: @loadedfits

Facebook: @loadedfits

Image Credits
Jared Battle (@_jaynextdoor_) Zahria Spencer (@zahriapostedthat) Joshua Jones (@retrojectt)

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