Coming at you from a different angle this month. So with that said we caught up with “Marv of Vinani Sports” to change up the pace some because so many people have started clothing companies over the years but we wanted to find out what it takes to stay operational.

How long have you been grinding and what was the first piece of merchandise made for Vinani?  We first started the line in 1997 in the dining room of our apartment; the first items were one color T-shirts and keychains.

What has changed since then?  Well, I’m finally getting recognized for my craft, we had a few well known people (Actors) wear some Vinani, my homey “Da Ritt” represented Vinani in all of his music videos.  As far as the clothes, there are now sweats, jackets, hats, and baby doll tees for the ladies, casual wear soon to come.

Where did the name come from and why was it chosen?  My girlfriend, now wife, came to me about starting a clothing line, we had so many names but they didn’t really vibe, so one day I combined our names (Marvin Anissa) chipped the first 3 letters off my name and last 3 letters from hers, therefore leaving the word Vinani, catchy huh???

Are you in partnership with anyone…because everybody gets shine in this interview?  Yes, my wife Anissa, which handles the business side, I’m the designer and printer.

If I were to start a clothing line what kind of obstacles could I expect to be thrown in front of me?  The main obstacle we encountered was getting the trademark completed; it took about a year and a lot of money dealing with the Attorney and trying to find vendors with good quality material.

After closely viewing Vinani it’s very clear that you’re targeting the urban market.  Will that change and if so which direction would you go?  They say never forget where you come from, I believe in that but my designs will cater to anyone.

Do you offer custom Vinani ordering?  In the beginning I didn’t but to keep up with the different styles out in the world today, you have to, its shows your talent.

Have you ever been to the Magic Showcase trying to push Vinani?  No, I haven’t made there yet, but I dream about getting there very soon, it’s one of my top goals.

Is there a lot of competition in your area and have you ever thought about linking up with any of the competition to do some type of joint venturing?  I don’t consider it competition, I always say there is enough money out here for everybody, let’s work together and put our city on the map.  But I’m will to work with anybody that has the same drive as I do.  MMT, DERNIER CRI, SKILLZ Custom Clothing, keep it moving and anyone else out there doing their thing on the fashion tip.

What would you like to try that hasn’t been done in a while or not tried at all in the clothing business?  That’s a tough one; I like to be one of a kind, so I would have to think real hard on that one for a later time.

Do you have limits as far as designs are concerned?  I pretty much do eye catching graphics, I was a graffiti artist back in the day, so I’m more on that level, I won’t do any obscene images or designs that may offend anyone.

Does Vinani represent you as a person or do you try not to make that personal for diversity purposes?  I try to expand it to cover all horizons.  Now there are some designs that represent me, the designer, but not a lot.

What makes Vinani standout because there are so many clothing lines out there now?  Good question, to me I don’t really think you can use the word standout because there are different styles of clothing but there might be another person doing the same kind of work but have a different name, just the name alone makes it stand out and the way each design I create make you just want to wear it.  I’m more on originality.

Out of all the merchandise ever sold which order sticks in your mind and inspires you the most and why?  All of them because to me I was shown that there is someone out there that really appreciates my work.  It makes me feel good to be driving up the street and see people wearing something I created so my drive is to keep delivering the best I can.

Thanks for taking time out of your schedule to rap to us.