AMINA HAMMOND, FOUNDER OF HBCU LEGGINGS BRAND, INSPIRES ALUMS TO 'ROCK YOUR LEGACY'
|
Posted By: Catalina Deossa on July 25, 2024 Amina Hammond embarked on her entrepreneurial journey with HBCU Leggings during the challenging 2020 lockdown, a time fraught with heightened emotions, political turbulence, and the complexities of remote living. Juggling her personal well-being, a full-time job, and part-time teaching, Hammond sought solace in creative expression, spurred on by her husband's suggestion. This led her to start designing college apparel as a means of stress relief, eventually birthing the concept of HBCU Leggings. The turning point came when Hammond received enthusiastic feedback for a shirt design within a Howard University alumnae Facebook group. This positive reception, combined with the group's initiative to fundraise for student voter encouragement during the 2020 election, highlighted a market gap: stylish, feminine HBCU apparel. Hammond seized this opportunity to create a line of clothing that not only celebrated HBCU pride but also offered women high-quality apparel uniquely representative of their alma maters. Her approach is meticulous, ensuring each design incorporates elements that deeply resonate with alumni. Whether it's including school mottos, iconic landmarks like "The Mecca" for Howard University, or consulting with alumni from various HBCUs to authentically capture their school spirit, Hammond's designs aim to evoke pride and nostalgia. Despite the challenges of learning the intricacies of running a business—such as sourcing labels and navigating partnerships—Hammond remains driven by her community's support and passion for her brand. She acknowledges the learning curve as "trial by fire," yet she perseveres, fueled by her love for her work and the desire to break barriers for HBCU representation in retail. Looking ahead, Hammond plans to expand HBCU Leggings by securing new licenses, reaching more HBCUs, and increasing presence in college bookstores and larger retailers. Her vision extends beyond business success; she aims to pave the way for other alumni-owned and Black-owned businesses to gain visibility and recognition in mainstream retail spaces. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Hammond advocates persistence, self-belief, and the courage to start despite uncertainties. Her journey with HBCU Leggings embodies resilience, creativity, and a steadfast commitment to celebrating and uplifting the legacies of historically black colleges and universities. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Catalina Deossa
Archaeologist, CHRONOS SAS Florida Int`l Univ class of 2011 Member Since April 2024 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Entrepreneurial Updates
 |
Heritage BackpacksWhen I looked across the HBCU merchandise landscape, I didn’t see many products designed to support students beyond the classroom. While sweatshirts and apparel are creative, there was little that f ...more
PARALEE MASSIE • 37 Views • January 14th, 2026 |
 |
HBCU+ Entrepreneurship ConferenceEvent Title: HBCU+ Entrepreneurship Conference
Event Date: November 7, 2025
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Registration Link: https://www.hbcueshipconference.com/register
Bowie State Univ ...more
Brando Bain • 277 Views • October 20th, 2025 |
 |
HBCU Alum Launch the Spades Project for EntrepreneursThe Spades Project is a dynamic new community-based program designed to bridge the gap between emerging entrepreneurs and experienced business professionals. Our mission is to connect ambitious young ...more
Leroy Lasenburg • 193 Views • August 8th, 2025 |
 |
HBCU Alum Launch the Spades Project for EntrepreneursThe Spades Project is a dynamic new community-based program designed to bridge the gap between emerging entrepreneurs and experienced business professionals. Our mission is to connect ambitious young ...more
Leroy Lasenburg • 209 Views • August 8th, 2025 |
 |
Inspiring Story Behind My NonprofitOver It — That’s exactly how I felt about majoring in my passion: dance.
I loved dance deeply, but I couldn’t shake the voice in my head telling me I had more to offer the world. From the age ...more
Jordan Gastion • 247 Views • July 19th, 2025 |
Popular Entrepreneurial Updates
 |
New Era presents Tradition HBCU Apparel CollectionBUFFALO, NY (Sept. 2008) - New Era Cap Co., Inc., the leading headwear designer and manufacturer, announced that it will team up with Tradition, an Atlanta-based apparel design company, to launch "Ne ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 23,737 Views • October 17th, 2008 |
 |
Featured Business: Dangerous Negroes?The Black community is currently in a state of social and cultural recession where negative stereotypical behavior is not only condoned, but glorified. Hip Hop culture, which had noble beginnings, has ...more
Daniel Moss • 14,240 Views • October 10th, 2006 |
 |
10 Steps for Attracting Business with Promotional Products! 10 Steps for Attracting Business with Promotional Products!
Promotional Products have a better return on investment (ROI) than almost any other marketing medium. That is because the ...more
Cecil Bernard • 13,272 Views • August 23rd, 2021 |
 |
INSURANCE FOR THE HBCU FAMILY!We are proud to announce a great new benefit for the HBCU Community. HBCU Connect has partnered with Living Waters Group LP to provide our students, parents, alumni, faculty, and fans with affordable ...more
Daniel Moss • 13,220 Views • January 12th, 2007 |
