Meet Antoine Jamal: CEO of Avenue Black Apparel

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

Hi Antoine, how do you define success?
Unlike the surface level outlook of “success”, to me it is more so measured by the mere fact of being able to believe in yourself enough to complete or start a thing. For me, i measure success by the ability to be able to actually start something. We live around so many influences of depression that have and do impact so many lives on a daily basis and it’s important to not take the little things like just having the energy to start, for granted. Success, is a lot of things but one thing it isn’t, is something that should be measured by anybody’s expectations other than the ones you have for yourself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Honestly, I think the hardest obstacle was me being in my own way. As a Graphic Design artist, it’s important to understand your impact and influence in the world as a creative. Nothing great, ever comes easy and if it does, it’s usually not always worth it. For me, I use life’s experiences to continue to grow me, my mind and my channels of inspiration. Avenue Black, was meant to be an extension of me as an artist. Tangible art that still showcased my work and grew my range and reach. I honestly have had the idea for many years and I also tried my hand at it once before to not so favorable success. The difference then and now, is that I have grown to not only identify with my purpose but continually aim to be inspired by it. The most valuable lesson I think I have learned thus far is to always show up for you, no matter what. Nobody should be more concerned about your life than you, so it’s important, vital and necessary to not only know your worth but that you matter.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a true New Yorker, I am surely a pizza guy. Fellini’s never let’s me down and I think I have been to every location here in the ATL area and I get the same great experience every time. As far as hanging out…whew, well you’ve got me there lol. I am not the party type dude I was about 10years ago, these days I am so good with a lounge vibe or house gathering type setting versus somebody’s club or big production. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Honestly, Avenue Black is my tribute to my hometown of Mount Vernon, NY. I learned a lot about life by spending so much time shopping and walking down “Fourth Ave”. It was on that avenue that I learned about how to not just spend money but how to manage it. I learned about being a Black business and how to build, sustain and manage one. I was influenced by a culture that helped cultivate and mold the business man I am today. Black, is more than just a color. It means power, excellence and strength. Black is bold and beautiful and it is love. Avenue Black, is dedicated to my family, my friends and those that show and give support beyond social media and beyond the surface level observation. Avenue Black, was influenced by the Black experience of today. It is dedicated to the excellence, the power and the beauty that are Black people.

Website: www.avenueblackapparel.com

Instagram: @aveblackapparel

Other: Email address is avenueblackapparel@gmail.com

Image Credits
Brandon “GUMBO” Sampson