Meet Sydni Allyse | CEO of First Class Collection

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

Hi Sydni, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started First Class Collection when I had previously lost my job working at a restaurant/lounge, and the ceiling collapsed. I was out of job and had a bag full of $5 bills that I saved from tips. Instead of blowing a bag and going shopping, I decided to invest in myself and do something that I always dreamed about. I would always talk about starting a clothing line, and since I had nothing but time I just went for it. With the closing of the restaurant came a loss of income for reasons beyond my control that became a reality. I didn’t like how that felt and never wanted to experience that feeling of loss again. So I took the money that I’d saved in tips [$5] and instead of blowing it at retail therapy to help compensate for my loss of employment, I decided to really invest in myself and actually DO what I’d been dreaming.

What should our readers know about your business?
First Class Collection is a streetwear clothing brand that provides casual and athletic wear to customers with versatile pieces that are not only diverse but also an expressive voice.

Helping people feel elite and empowered. We are more than a unisex clothing line. We are a feel-good brand that defies barriers, empowers, and strengths. We are an idealistic mentality that refers to thinking styles and attitudes by not settling for less than you deserve by establishing goals in order to be successful.

What I’m most proud of is being an inspiration and a help to others not just professionally but those less fortunate within the community. Let’s Bag Hunger is a service project I created in an effort to give back to the community. I and volunteers provided bagged lunches consisting of sandwiches, drinks, etc. This year our service project “So Fresh & So Clean” will provide toiletry items.

Starting First Class Collection wasn’t easy, I ran into some opposition from people with whom I had relations. I found that odd and then realized, I was witnessing the crab in a barrel mentality. I feel like we shouldn’t crawl over and compete with one another. I believe in inspiring everyone to achieve their goals.

Understanding that everyone’s opportunity is everyone’s opportunity, which is why I encourage people to follow their dreams, even if similar to mine. I don’t hate on anyone, and I embrace people to always do what’s in their best interest. If you want to start a business, go to school, or write a play, just go for it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Pin Ups because I waitress there and I’m a really good time!!! Cascade skating rink
Flying Biscuit for breakfast
Lenox mall but be careful they be shooting
Studio to create CONTENT
Slutty Vegan
E the Braider if your hair isn’t done
Aliisa for all your makeup services because babyyyyyy that beat is DIFFERENT!
Hardbody Driq for work out bootcamps

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?
God deserves all the credit. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t know where I would be. My friends and family have been nothing short of amazing. They push me and force me to always go harder. From sketches, constructive criticism, helping me set up at pop up shops and giving fresh new ideas; they have always been in my corner. Ironically enough, I’ve made connections from Instagram, and they support me more than people I’ve known for years. It takes a village to raise a child, and First Class Collection is definitely my child.

Website: www.thefirstclassstore.com

Instagram: firstclassco

Facebook: www.facebook.com/firstclassco

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUegz-sg_2A

Image Credits
Playboi Promotions