Meet Richard James | Founder and CEO of GOxT Clothing Co.

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

Hi Richard, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

I’ve worked in corporate IT leadership for many years.  I’ve always had an entrepreneurial heart and wanted to try create something that was different from being in IT; something I would be proud of.  I’ve always been interested in black-owned clothing lines, some on a global level and others on a local level here in Atlanta, GA. I have a group of close friends that have their own clothing lines here in Atlanta that inspired me to start my own line. I created GOxT Clothing Co. because I wanted to give more options and opportunities for people to wear a brand that was also black-owned. People of color will invest in famous labels and designers but those same labels and designers don’t invest in us or our communities. I wanted to change that and make something for everyone but still be recognized and supported by the black community while giving back to the black community. I designed GOxT with that purpose.

A lot of thought went into creating the logo and brand.  The GOxT logo has a clean design yet has an edgy look because of the X.  Simple yet fresh.

The “X” in the logo will change over time. It actually means a couple of different things:

1. I went with an “X” in the logo because I wanted this to represent an X in a math problem.  The X is always a variable and changes depending on the equation. That means we will change the X to different symbols and designs throughout its lifecycle. An example of that would be our newly released “A-Town” shirts.  The A-town down sign is a well-known ATL gesture that works well with the design oof the logo.  We will have many more of these type of designs in the future.
2. I want to cross collab on different designs and products with other black-owned businesses. I would feature one type of design on my website, and they would do the same on theirs. I want to bring recognition of other black clothing and product brands that we may not be aware are out there. I want to change the mindset others to collaborate with local black businesses on new ventures and ideas.
3. GOxT is meant to be something different and unique. A black-owned brand that is open for all to wear and make their own.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As mentioned before I started my career as an IT professional. I have managed IT for over 15 years and it’s also my passion. I’ve made many great connections throughout the years networking, listening to, and helping others. I think with that said don’t be afraid to start something new and different. Being an IT Professional and deciding to create and build a clothing label was one of the most challenging things I’ve done in my life. It was not easy and to be honest at times it was not fun. I had a vision that I wanted to see come to life, so I dug deep and hard and believed in myself to make GOxT Clothing Co a reality. I’m probably one of the worst procrastinators in true Aries fashion. I have a tendency to start things and not follow through to finish.  Maybe it’s the Aries in me.  TO overcome this, I started small with GOxT in the beginning. I mapped out all the things that needed to happen or the things I know I needed to complete. Then I just divided up the list into Big Wins and Small Wins. I started with small wins like creating an LLC and EIN which is a straightforward process and are pretty easy but are very important steps in creating a company and brand. those were examples of my Small Wins. Next, I started on my Big Wins, things like building the website from scratch, finding samples for my products, looking for a printshop, etc. I made sure to pace myself and not get overwhelmed by the process. The last task I did immediately after GOxT went live was to trademark my brand. It takes a lot of time and money to create a new brand. Be sure to always protect your investment and ideas. If you don’t someone else will. Just know if you have a vision or idea please keep to it, be patient with yourself and set realistic goals throughout the process!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I have a favorite couple of spots in the A. My first love is a restaurant called Two Urban Licks. It was the first best restaurant I came to when I moved to Atlanta. The Smoked Brisket is always on point and make sure you always get the Salmon Chips anytime you visit. If you are coming to Atlanta and want excellent food, live music and a great atmosphere please check out Two Urban Licks!

Everyone knows hookah is now one of the major food groups in Atlanta, and Atlanta has no shortage of hookah spots. One of my favorites in the city is Sivas Hookah Lounge in midtown. They also have a location in Kennesaw called Sivas Tavern and an additional location in Las Vegas. Another great spot for hookah is Octopus Kitchen & Hookah in midtown and if you live in the Sandy Springs area check out Mustache Hookah Bar.  If you live in the Johns Creek area check out Pharaoh’s Palace the vibe is always legit in this restaurant. These are definitely some of my favorite hookah spots out here in the A.

Last but not least I am a huge Braves fan, so The Battery Atlanta has to be on the list. If you are looking for a place to visit and celebrate the 2021 World Series champs look no further. You can eat at more than 19 restaurants including Terrapin Brewery w/ Fox Bros. BBQ, smoke cigars at Burn, shop and get out with the family anytime of the week. They have two hotels on premise as well as three separate upscale apartment buildings.  It’s open year-round, there is always something to do no matter your age and you can also purchase tours inside the stadium. Catching a Braves game in this stadium is always the business.  Braves fans are the best fans. The Battery is absolutely one of my favorite places in the A hands down.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I would like to shoutout everyone who helped make GOxT a reality. First would be our creative designer Nazreena Khan of IG: @Nazkreates. I may be the brainchild of GOxT but she is certainly the person responsible for creating our designs based on sketches and/or ideas that were floating around in my head. GOxT would not be as successful as it is if it wasn’t for her. Also, a big shoutout to IG @AfflilatedAthletics for showing me the process on what it takes to get your brand from vision to print.

Other recognition goes to family, friends and strangers who believed in me and the brand and who supported us in one way or another. It’s because of you all GOxT is successful!

Last but not least I’m always going to shoutout my God! Getting GOxT off the ground was one of the most challenging things I’ve done, and I know without Him none of this would be possible. Thank you Lord for the guidance and giving me the patience to build this brand the right way!

Website: https://www.goxtclothingco.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goxtclothingco/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/goxtclothingco

Facebook: https://facebook.com/goxtclothingco

Other: Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/goxtclothingco.com