AMINA HAMMOND, FOUNDER OF HBCU LEGGINGS BRAND, INSPIRES ALUMS TO 'ROCK YOUR LEGACY'
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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! |
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Catalina Deossa
Archaeologist, CHRONOS SAS Florida Int`l Univ class of 2011 Member Since April 2024 |
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