Meet Morris Owens | Singer, Actor & Fashion Designer

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

Hi Morris, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Growing up my mom couldn’t afford name brand clothing so most of my clothing were hand-me-downs however they were from middle class students she taught. Lucky for me the clothes they didn’t care for were actually popular in lower income neighborhoods. At the time, POLO and Tommy Hilfiger were the top brands on the westside of Atlanta. This gave me pride because although I didn’t have Jordans or Nike like the popluar kids, I had on clothes I knew were high value. I fell in love with the designs, look and feel however as I grew I began to learn about the ethics of Hilfiger as well as some of the top designers. Being that I am a Black American, I was disgusted when I learned most of the brands didn’t care for “us” to wear their clothing. So I promised myself I would make clothing that I can take pride in knowing it was designed with the intent for any culture to wear. The prep look has always been my favorite which is why I modeled my brand “La Saint Amour” after it. La Saint Amour is inspired by myself AvaNu, my musical style and what I believe in which is LOVE. So in other words my thought process for starting my clothing line was merely to spread love through fashion and also make money while doing it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It wasn’t easy getting to where I am now, in 2011 I was signed to a recording contract, touring and I felt I was at the top of the world however 4 years later that would come to a screeching halt. In 2015 I was dropped from my recording contract for reasons unknown with worldwide records while actively touring causing me to be stuck in a city two hours from my home. For two years I struggled and seemingly developed depression because my entire life was attached to that label. From my transportation to my income as well as some of my first clothing designs were all attached. Stuck in a city 2hrs from my hometown I had to find a way to survive just so I could get back to Atlanta. After climbing out of the dark whole I was reborn, I learned about distribution, publishing and I also got back into acting. At the time there weren’t many production company’s in Atlanta however I was fortunate enough to have connections with Russ Parr Productions. That gave me a way in to the film world as well as a way to get some money back in my pockets. The first check I got I immediately paid for Tunecore (a music and media distribution company) so I can start distributing my own music. Thankfully for me with all of what was going on I not only researched music ownership, I was also still recording music and writing. That mindset helped me release 3 solo albums, 1 collaborative project, land a few small speaking roles and officially start my budding clothing line. Since then I haven’t looked back once. What I am most excited about is finishing my 7th solo project HOLY LOVE II, I think this my most mature album because each song I have put way more of my real life into the writing vs in the past I’d write from things I seen. What I hope is that others look at my story and realize the only way to fail is to give up. I faced a lot but through it all I’ve kept going, and there have been times I didn’t know how I’d make it to the next day however I have always believed some how if I keep going I’ll eventually start to see light. My brand represents all that I believe in, which is, shoot for the stars and let your light be a motivation for others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well first things first we will grab a bite from Mamies Kitchen Biscuits and head to Atlantic Station where can grab drinks, talk trash and bowl. Next we’ll have to hit some Karaoke spots because all of my homies know I love to sing and force others to sing. So we’ll hit Milans Lounge in Stockbridge for some rnb Karaoke, then make our way to Moondogs in buckhead for the mainstream karaoke. As far as food we will hit up WayLow Street Tacos for some of the best steak and jerk chicken tacos in the city. Last stop will be Suite Lounge Atl for some good fun, drinks and entertainment.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My brother “Dre'” has been a huge influence in every aspect of my career. He has always encouraged me to shoot for the stars and don’t hold back. When I was 9 I told him I wanted to be a singer and like a big brother he not only supported my decisions he also gave me study material. A few years later I told him I wanted to design my own clothes one day, showed him sketches and once again he gave me encouraging advice. Fast forward to now he’s still one of my biggest supporters, fans and best friend any idea I bring to him, he’s right behind me. When I perform he’s singing in the audience word for word, when I make designs he gives me pointers, anything I do is right there in my corner cheering me on. If I could compare any known brotherhood I’d say we’re more like Eddie and Charlie. Charlie had Eddie’s back just like Dre’ has mines.

Website: https://poplme.co/hash/YYUo7ykg/1

Instagram: www.instagram.com/only1avanu

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morris-owens-95a51647/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OfficialAvaNu

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

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@only1avanu

Other: https://bit.ly/LaSaintAmourOnlineStore

Image Credits
Holy Love Album cover created by Morris Owens of AvaNu Music Group