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

Hi Monté, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Prior to starting my brand, I knew that I wanted to design art to uplift others as well as promote self-love. Not only will you look good, but you will also feel good! In 2019, I started designing and creating fonts during my junior year in college. I really wasn’t sure what to design as in art or words until one day I was doodling with the word “Hope” using various software. My brother walked by and said that design was pretty dope so that motivated me to design other motivational words such as Purpose, Love, Live and the list goes on. My brand didn’t start until the Summer of 2019 during some downtime at my first graphic designer internship. I received positive feedback for my word designs and as I became more familiar with the various software, I stumbled upon a way to do graphics of famous entertainers. My first artist was Nipsey Hussle and posted it on my Instagram page. The response was so grand that someone suggested that I should print it on a t-shirt. From that moment on, my first clothing lines called “Iconic Visualz” and “Motivational Apparel” were born, and God showed me that this was going to be the beginning of my brand, Harris J. Designs..

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Harris J. Designs is a brand that is extremely versatile. Harris J. designs fulfills any graphical needs such as logos, business cards, custom orders but we mainly sell apparel. I am extremely excited to be able to make the world a better place by uplifting others through my brand. I saw the need for motivation and support around campus and decided to do something about it. My mother’s saying of, “sometimes you have to be your own cheerleader,” finally made sense and inspired me to come up with the Motivational line. The products not only instill positive vibes, but you look good while wearing it!

To run a business takes hard work, dedication and discipline. As a graphic design major, this is my profession in the making. It is a blessing to be able to be a professional designer prior to graduating. It has been difficult to balance my personal life, school and the business. There were times when I wanted to take a break, but I remembered that God had brought me too far and I must lean on Him and minimize distractions. Along the way I learned that my designs have to inspire me to inspire others and my passion for art is what I love so not everyone is going to support me or see my vision.

The goal of this business is to use my gift and talents to evangelize to the world. I take pride in uplifting others and exhibiting positivity. What sets this brand apart is that we truly want you as an individual to get 100 percent better each day! As a brand, we are diverse and believe in selling quality products at an affordable price. My designs touch the world at large as it accommodates all age groups and cultures. There is something on my website for everyone. I am passionate about what I do and love impacting people with my work. My purpose on this planet is to impact as many people I can in a positive manner. With this motivation to fulfill my purpose and to be successful in everything I do, Harris J. Designs will continue to excel as a corporation and will be around for years to come.

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?
First and foremost, I love traveling! I have kind of an old soul, I don’t do too much partying or clubbing like that. I truly enjoy sight-seeing and eating at good restaurants. I would definitely take my friend to the World of Coca- Cola museum, Trap music museum, the Georgia aquarium and lastly Dr. Martin Luther’s king’s birth home! Now for food, the first place I’m taking them is to waffle house. I know waffle house is kind of cliche but it is my absolute favorite and the Varsity. There are some other places to eat as well like the Atlanta Breakfast Club, Slutty Vegan, and bqe lounge. If we can catch a Falcons Game and/or hit Piedmont Park for a concert, it would leave the signature mark! 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?
First and foremost, I would like to thank God for giving me this vision and helping me put this business together. I would like to also thank my family for being my support system especially my parents’ entrepreneur spirit that continues to push me to be the businessman I am today. In addition, I thank my customers for their love and feedback. Lastly, I would like to thank Lassiter Family Productions for taking pictures and making the brand look good.

Website: https://harrisjdesigns.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harrisjdesigns_mjh/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarrisJDesigns/

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