By: Ladessa Cobb -
ladessa@seaspotmediagroup.com
Many have claimed ownership of
the Grind & Hustle name, but in actuality the driving
forces behind Grind & Hustle Clothing Company belongs to
only two men. A former resident of the Bay Area, Thomas
Shevlin Jr., CEO/Director of Design (who also owns 3rd Eye
Dezine a graphic design company) and Andre Legette,
President / Sales and Marketing who hails from Atlanta,
GA. They both now call Tacoma, WA home.
With like minds the two hooked up and in August of 2000
the Grind & Hustle clothing line hit the streets. Both of
these young men are very dedicated to making sure the
Grind & Hustle name is never misrepresented. “My clothes
are for everyone! The only person I don’t want wearing the
name are those who are doing nothing for themselves.” Says
Thomas. Grind & Hustle are “Clothes for the real” Andre
interjects.
Grind & Hustle is a representative statement for all walks
of life from the struggling college student, the Wall St.
broker and the street soldier. Those who wear Grind &
Hustle see themselves in the name. This message too is
stressed in the company’s mission statement. “I don’t want
anyone wearing this line thinking they are going to be
like someone they’ve seen on television. Grind & Hustle is
meant to identify with the hard workers, people working
daily to improve on their surroundings, providing for
their families.”
There is a big misconception Thomas and Andre wanted to
clear up! The Grind & Hustle brand name is not an
endorsement for illegal activities; Grind & Hustle is a
way of life! But for those who have to make a dollar out
of fifteen cents in that fashion we say “Get in and get
out, Grind & Hustle for longevity, don’t get stuck in the
cycle.”
In an industry that uses famous names or record labels to
push their name. The team of Grind & Hustle doesn’t. They
exist because of the grinding and hustling Thomas and
Andre have done over the past three years. What sets Grind
& Hustle apart from any other clothing line is; the words
Grind & Hustle change its meaning every time it hits a
different body.
There are a host of artist who have worn the Grind &
Hustle logo; Funk Daddy, Devin the Dude, Cool Nutz, Rass
Kass, Money B, Ja Rule, Mr. D.O.G. and Yukmouth. In return
for the support the above artists and others have given to
the Grind & Hustle experience. Thomas and Andre say thank
you.
