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An interview with Wayzbrand Apparel owner James
In the Oldest City in New Jersey, Vineland, resides a young man and his family who are embracing creativity and allowing him to turn his passion into a business at the ripe age of 12 1/2.
James Hammerstedt has been skateboarding for only a short 8 months but his passion for graphic design and skateboarding has made him into one of the youngest business owners I have met in a great while. James entered one of our Skateboard Events and from that day forward was hooked on skateboarding and its lifestyle. James’ father is an accountant by trade so it stands to reason that his financial attributes will come in handy with a fledgling apparel company and the intial growing pains that go with ownership and expansion of a start-up business. With a recession in full swing and companies cutting back on just about everything, James sees this as a great chance to make in-roads into an industry that usually shuns the new guy.
Skateboarding was born from creativity and of course, lack of surf, but grew into a multi-million dollar giant that has begun to run its course with mainstream America, reaching as far inland as the Midwest and all its tremendous skateparks.
Parks open, parks close. Shops come and go, but what always remains the core of skating is the independence it leaves each and every skater in way of self expression and inner being while on a skateboard. Whether carving a ditch in New Mexico or killing your local bowl at the park, skateboarding is alive and its heart still beats, but it’s getting ever more faint with the corporate greed that drives such companies as the mall guys (you know who they are). Until more kids like James reach out and take a chance, it’s looking more and more like the mall rat skate poser types are taking charge of your (the true skaters) future of choice.
Alright James, this is your time to step up and tell everyone what it is you want to get out to them.
Whats you real age? “Twelve and a half”
Where are you from? “Vineland”
How long have you been skating? “Only 8 months but I have learned a ton”
So what was the name of your company again? “Wayzbrand”
And that means what??? “Sort of like, do it your way, whatever way is best and don’t worry what anyone else thinks about it, have fun. Any Wayz you can (pun)”
Who designs and how does your company work? “I do all the graphics, but my Dad is really the business end of things, he does the day to day stuff, I just do the art”
Why start a new company when so many are folding everday? “I was really just messing around with it, and it just sort of became like its own thing, a serious business, we have tees, decks and stuff already.”
What’s your company’s vision? “I want to see us as a ‘Core” Company, dedicated mainly to skate but keeping it real for bikers and such too. I know its tough to cross lines but I thnk we can do it.” I really want to have tees, hats, decks, and more stuff available to sell; I’m working on it now.
Who do see as your main competition? “Everyone, we’re real small right now”
Have a dream for the company? “To sponsor a major event or Pro rider”
Being a small label what do you feel is a plus? “Being small we can keep everything in house like distribution and all, gives us full control.”
Where do you see yourself in a year? “I hope to be more popular in NJ and PA with a couple shops carrying our stuff”.
How about in 3 years? “Well known”
Have a team? “Yep, like 6 local guys we plan to add to that later.”
How do they apply? “Compete at our events, once we get site up, they can send me video of themselves and we go from there.”
If you can say anything to anyone what would it be? “Don’t rush things, work hard, and market (you) everyday.”
How about a closing statement there James? “BUY MORE WAYZBRAND”
Contact: Wayzbrand – James Hammerstedt (owner) – wayzbrand@aol.com
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