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

Hi Brian, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised in Jackson, MS. I lived there for the first three decades of my life. Home taught me 1000 lessons with one of the most important being: Don’t be afraid to leave home. I was the oldest child I was around most of the time. My sister and cousins were younger than me. I had to be the one to do things first and not be afraid to take chances. With that being a recurring theme in my life, I finally adapted to accepting it. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
For a long time, I envisioned making clothing. I was never a fashion-head but there was something about expressing my style and demeanor in dress intrigued me. A little over a decade ago, I started sketching some designs that I was interested in creating. After I researched the process, I semi-quit. It all felt overwhelming. Maybe a year later, one of my best friends approached to me to become the designer for his licensed apparel business. We’ve been rocking since. We are the most sought after for JSU (Jackson State University) apparel. We also are licensed vendors for our fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi. Our BOUGIENUPES brand has just taken off recently and we’re really excited about that. We’ve had so many celebrities that have come to use for apparel to wear to JSU events and to just represent the culture.

Together, we have outfit the Sonic Boom of the South Marching band for about 7 years. We have also designed and produced for other HBCU Marching Bands like Hampton, multiple Pepsi sponsored HBCU events like the Florida Classic and Howard and Hampton Homecomings, and more.

About 4 years ago now, that urge to create something in my own image returned and I started AGTXBRAND. This “Positively Charged Athleisure Label” has become my promise to myself. I have grown to be more relaxed and approachable when it comes to attire. While this was a natural urge for a long time, it took time to be comfortable doing so in many arenas. It’s not always welcomed but I do believe times have changed.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Disclaimer: I am terrible with itineraries but… I like history so I always recommend seeing the King Center and Birth Home. Piedmont Park, Ponce City Market, and the Beltline provide for some good outdoor air and sights. Lastly, one of my favorite places to just hangout in the last few years is The Battery. There’s so much more I could name, however. Food: Local Green ATL, Slim & Husky’s, and City Winery all rank high on my list.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Of course, my parents set a strong standard for achievement and decorum. Integrity was always big in my household. Do your best. And, if your best wasn’t good enough, try harder. I had teachers along the way that really helped push me to realize greater potential by giving me targets and tough love. Having strong business partners and friends are important in tackling the arduous tasks that come along with business and life. 

Website: agtxbrand.com illogicprojects.com

Instagram: agtxbrand illcreate

Image Credits
Personal Archives of Brian Easley Nia Easley Tara Harp

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