Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Huff Jr.
Hi Ashley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am Ashley Huff Jr. a multidisciplinary artist and leader who designs media and apparel that celebrates the heart of Baltimore with my brand Love More Bmore. I would have to say I always thought I had the superpower of love. I believe I inherited it from my family and our values. From my late grandfather who allowed any passerby to stop by, sit on his porch to vent where he’d lend encouragement. My late grandmother who’d feed anyone who stepped foot into her home. To my aunt who played major roles in Baltimore City Schools and would literally puts clothes on children’s backs. So I believe my story started there but to the world Love More Bmore was born in 2015 during the Baltimore Uprising after the death of Freddie Gray. I protested the only I knew how which was drawing our logo for the first time on a cardboard sign and standing on the street alone to give light during the difficult time. Today our mission is to promote positivity and love by encouraging our customers to feel their best authentic self through our fashion. We are combating stress with mindful clothing and community pride.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Honestly, love is usually never a linear path, it has it’s ebbs and flows. The same applies for Love More Bmore. We’ve had many struggles including financial stability and having maintaining a physical location. But I believe the biggest challenges lie in consistency and integrity. Being in business for almost 10 years now I have always had to find new ways to rebrand, stay relevant and realign with my message. Pushing positivity takes major integrity because you must practice what you preach. In Baltimore, you will definitely be challenged on what you stand for but ultimately it’s about how you choose to show up.
We’ve been impressed with Love More Bmore, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Love More Bmore is more than a brand, it’s a lifestyle. We encourage Baltimore City to love itself and to express globally, if you love more you will become more. Our fashion forward streetwear includes T-shirts, jackets, hats, bags, sweatsuits, sets, socks, and more. We also offer print materials such as posters and stickers. Our unique value proposition is providing quality clothing with a positive message attached so when a customer wears or displays our product they feel better about themselves and their environment. We offer soft eco friendly materials for our apparel which provides comfort and promotes confidence. Using 3M reflective vinyl on some of our apparel also makes us stand out amongst the competition and allowing our customers to literally shine. I am most proud of our recent fashion and wellness experience, Love Looks Good On Yew, that was held at the Empanada Lady which included a fashion show,performance and collaborative of many creatives.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Specifically for the fashion and arts industry in Baltimore I see so much potential and growth for upcoming creatives. Our city has always has been a beacon for the arts but I am predicting a Renaissance where spaces and funding will be giving to more artists to bring life into places in our city that have been stagnant or forgotten. Art really is life and the creatives in Baltimore really are the truth.
As far as Love More Bmore we plan to have a brick and mortar location for our community to shop, attend workshops and events. Our goal is to become an ecosystem of love and connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lovemorebmore.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovemorebmore?igsh=aDVweDgxdnV4OGNw&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1F1RCSEPY5/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Jill Fannon
Morgan Wilson
Andrew Copeland
Mandy Townsend
