Today we’d like to introduce you to Amina Hammond.
Hi Amina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey started with a love for creativity, culture, and the legacy of HBCUs. As a Howard University alumna, I always felt that traditional collegiate apparel didn’t reflect the style, pride, and individuality of our community. That realization led me to start what began as a small alumni T-shirt fundraiser — which unexpectedly raised over $17,000 in two weeks and showed me there was a real desire for apparel that felt more intentional and expressive.
That moment sparked the creation of HBCU Leggings, a brand built to celebrate Historically Black Colleges and Universities through fashionable, high-quality apparel. What started as a passion project has grown into a licensed brand carried by major retailers, with a strong focus on giving back and honoring legacy. At its core, the mission remains the same: to create pieces that allow people to wear their culture with confidence and pride.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges has been funding. I’ve bootstrapped the business from the beginning, which means every decision has to be strategic and growth sometimes moves slower than I’d like. Limited capital can delay production, expansion, and opportunities, even when demand is there.
Another challenge has been learning the apparel and licensing industry in real time. Many aspects of the business have been self-taught, and while that has made me resourceful, it’s also meant learning through trial and error. Some of those lessons have cost time and money, but they’ve also made me a stronger, more informed business owner.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At my core, I’m a designer and creative. I come from a digital design and illustration background, and I studied Fine Arts at Howard University, so art has always been the foundation of everything I do. When I started designing apparel, I naturally brought that with me — my work is known for incorporating original artwork, not just logos slapped on clothing.
What really sets my designs apart is that they’re deeply rooted in my HBCU experience and Black culture. My creative lens is shaped by the artists who came before me and by the history and pride that lives within HBCUs. I intentionally pull from traditional African art and design — like batik, Ankara, and mudcloth — because there’s a direct connection between those patterns and the legacy of African people who were brought here and who these institutions were built for. That lineage matters to me, and I want it reflected in what people wear.
What I’m most proud of is creating something that feels authentic — pieces that people recognize as different, meaningful, and personal. This isn’t fast fashion or generic college gear. It’s wearable art that tells a story, honors where we come from, and allows people to express pride in a way that actually feels like us.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Yes, I’m always open to collaboration and truly believe partnerships are key to growth. I’ve worked with HBCU alumni organizations and other brands within the HBCU design space, and those collaborations have been incredibly meaningful. I’m also actively looking to expand further into retail and explore partnerships that allow the brand to reach new audiences while staying true to its mission.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hbculeggings.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hbculeggings
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/hbculeggings
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hbculeggings
