Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Featuring Persévérer......
So in honor of my first FEATURE blog, I am featuring my homie Brandon (on the left). Brandon is one of the founders of Pangea, the machine, and Persévérer, the brand. This is an amazing venture and the whole world needs to get familiar ASAP. In order for the readers to get the full understanding, Brandon answered a few questions concerning Persévérer and Pangea, as well as a few personal ones.
Shout out to Brandon for being willing to do this interview for me! I am extremely excited about the things to come from Persévérer in the future.
Make sure you check out Brandon at www.prsvr.com or on twitter at www.twitter.com/prsvr.
Check out the interview after the jump.
1. For those that don’t know….I am going to allow you to introduce yourself.
Ummm... Its much better when someone else does this because I have no idea what to introduce myself as! Does that mean just state my name? No..thats not enough, but then if I begin to go into like the 'me' I am coined to be, it may be looked at as if I am full of myself and have this huge enormous title and everytime I speak to people I have this great big long paragraph to proclaim just to meet me. But I will give it a try for you. My name is...well..lol..ok, I will stop being silly. My name is Brandon but better known as if known at all as Thee Ambassador aka Mr. PRSVR aka Mr. Williamson and simply put, I am the owner and coordinator of a brand named Persévérer (PRSVR for short)
2. What is the concept behind PRSVR? How was it started? Where is it based?
Concept is a funny word..concept is like the Chrysler ME412. Its dope, but its never coming out. Conceptually at the time of our intial creation, we felt that no products catered specifically to the young business man with ambition. We were at the transition point as men where we are still young, but were in important places. Moving from one place to another and not always having the luxury to change our attire due to schedule and demand for our time. I was 23 when we first went to Milan so at 23, I'm still young and hip and all that stuff that young kids care about collecting sneaks and being the best in every chamber of attire that I participate in, but when I get in that suit, its put together so well that you'd think I wore suits to the grocery store. We knew that an "in between" realm existed, but wasn't tapped into so we felt who better to offer pieces to that demographic than people that are still in it. We got started because we wanted to have products created specifically for us and from that, we felt that at least 2,000 other people existed on the planet so if we catered to them and kept true to that model, no matter how big we may or may not become, we have a core of individuals that really appreciate the mark we have placed onto the industry. As corny as it sounds, PRSVR is based in the heart..lol..but forreal!! PRSVR is an internal chamber where free thinking is required so wherever I'm at, thats where we are based, but geographically, we are based in Chicago.
3. On the new glow and the dark t-shirts, which are HOTNESS by the way, there is a crest. What is the meaning behind each component of the crest and how did you decide on those elements?
The history or meaning of a crest is to show different elements of meaning within it that cater solely to the members of the said establishment. A lot of thought and symbolism goes into the creation of a crest so ours is no different in that regard. Aside from being very well put together proportion wise, everything that makes us Pangea is within that crest. If you can't tell, I'm not going to answer the question..lol..one would have to really study it and see whats in there and really take a look at it and decode it. Telling the elements is basically being skipped up a grade because you can read good, or passing the test to becoming an official citizen of Pangea. I will say that even the flamingos made the cut for the crest if you look close enough.
4. What is PRSVR and Pangea composed of? What are the elements that make up the two? Are there other endeavors within each operation?
Well PRSVR is the brand, Pangea is the Machine that allows us to make it all work for the other. Under PRSVR we do all things fashion wise. At this time through PRSVR we have planned releases for footwear, luggage, and eyeware, but nothing short of houseware as well and furniture. Those are things that we are mentally preparing but won't focus too much upon until we are clear that we will be allowed to grow in those directions. Under Pangea, we are able to take our same brain and not cloud the outlook of the body by branding fashion into music, or our philanthropy work, or other things we want to do, but don't want the brand to be associated directly with. The major elements that both are comprised of are individuality, hard work, creativity, knowledge of self, dedication, faith, and most importantly God. In order to come in on the PRSVR you must put in work on the Pangea side so it is very possible and likely to be a part of Pangea as an infrastructure, but not PRSVR as a business as a brand. Other endeavors are coming soon. We have some exciting things on the rise..well at least I think its exciting.
5. What is the meaning of the flamingo that you so elegantly pull off?
The Flamingo is like the extra player on the team that you don't even know is there on the court with us but gives us the fair unfair advantage!! His name is Pé and he basically was created through brainstorm session by our designer 520-570. It was initially just going to be used in an ad here and there, but then The Med came in and took it a step further and branded it as our actual mascot. Even to this day it brings even further meaning to us like when you think of a flamingo, you see an extremely dope animal thats extremely dope and graceful and all that, but can you tell me what type of sound a flamingo makes? The reason you can't is that IF a flamingo does happen to make a sound its the most awkward sound ever and it typically means something is going very wrong so its a problem! That same sort of connection is located within the members of PRSVR in the regard of being seen and not heard. The tiger, for instance is an expert killer relying on its stripes as camouflage, can be slept on until it’s too late. Now in a world where more and more of the market is sleeping we think it’s best to always stand out. “At any glance you never miss a flamingo.” The species exudes elegance, mystique, and an undeniable flyness (play with ya puns) with the ability to stand upright on half of its foundation. Perseverer and all of its offerings is able to persevere solely on anyone of them. The fly by answer when we are asked at an event or what have you is that when you see a flamingo, its standing on one leg, so the purpose of that is to keep its shoe clean and out the water. Thanks for mentioning how well I pulls that off though! We get some smirks on it, but more praise than anything so its a good feeling that its correlated into relevance.
6. Where do you see PRSVR in the future? What are your ultimate goals for the brand?
Future of PRSVR is a tough thought...we have been planning and producing for quite some time now and this is definitely not the step that I envisioned for our brand at this point, but at the same time, in areas where I wanted progress, I had so many other wins and progressions in other realms that it far outweighs the minor results that I was seeking. In the future, I feel we will be heralded as the most popular unpopular band of individuals in fashion. And I say that to the tune of we will be known by consumers who love our products and have been following us and stand by our meaning and branding and quality of life, but 'famous' people won't know because thats not our focus. Not that we wouldn't welcome it, but in real life, our goal isn't to be in that realm as our goal is to be successful and provide a long lasting experience. Being able to be in the position we are currently in is a blessing!! We are still independent and can do whatever we want. No investors, no backing, no board of directors that aren't internal, no shares sold off to some minor interest stake and we are still able to make the moves necessary to be successful. Ulitimate goal? To always be able to not have a job and still be comfortable within my skin. I feel that we will be beyond successful once all the pieces fall into place, but to be able to continue and expand and empower people to pursue their visions and dreams is better than the money. If we can keep that same state of mind we have now with increased success, that would be my ultimate goal..and to give my mother anything she could possibly want in life!!
7. Who all is involved in Pangea and PRSVR and how long has the union been formed? Are you all in one central location, or spread about the nation?
Involved in PRSVR we have myself Thee Ambassador, The Med, 520-570, Now Playing(James Hall), De Mccadney Oscar 'Wreckinkickz' Castillo and my brother Darren. In our Pangea Family, all of those people as well as Tekh Togo who is an artist we work with, ROE (Rising Over Envy) who is another artist we support a lot, DJ Reality, our affiliate Wilson Standish and a few other people, but mainly its myself, The Med, 520-570 and Now Playing. Me and The Med (DJ Grant) is my business partner who I have known for about 15 years, but working with business wise for about 6 years. 520-570 (Jermaine Barnwell) I have known for about 5 years and he was helping us out in a previous business venture as to how he became associated with me. So our union is about six years strong and beyond being my business partners, those are my brothers like litreally..you couldn't tell me any differently and that relationship works great for us as the accountability is on the other as a businesss, as a man, and as a member of your family so you have to answer 'why not' at least 3 times to the same person...needless to say our margin for error isn't as high as it could be otherwise!! The Med and I are both in Chicago while 520-570 and Now Playing are in Michigan.
8. What makes up Brandon *sorry about the gov’ment. LOL!* ?
Hmmmm...Brandon Curtis Williamson? My mothers son? Hmmmmmmm..good question..contrary to popular belief, I'm pretty boring. I like to sit at home and listen to music and brainstorm. I do party, but thats honestly work. I never partied until I focused in on the social aspect of PRSVR. I am a huge hip hop fan. I love Dilla!! Think he was the best producer ever as far as his method to approaching production..like nothing else mattered to him. That was very dope to me. I listen to Madlib, Flying Lotus, Fat Jon, Tekh Togo, N.E.R.D. Nas, Jay Z, Clipse, MF DOOM, Jay Electronica, Little Brother, AZ, a lot of Hip Hop but I'm currently just now getting into like The Ballet, and Opera and different arrangments within other types of music. I love art as well...Salvador Dali is my favorite artist. He was extremely dope, but I think his antics outside of his art overshadowed his ability to be held up to the standards of say Picasso, or Da Vinci. I believe in Christ...but profess relationship over religion. I'm a reformed sneaker head..but I own so many that I always see myself relapsing back, but I am collecting other types of kicks now. In real life, if I don't know you, I'm pretty shy, extremely to myself in most cases. I love to travel..in July I'm back off to Toronto and in September to Paris. Being where I'm from, not too many people really got the opportunity that I am blessed to have so I shoot out as often as I possibly can!! I am the second born of six children. One older brother, two younger brothers, and two even younger sisters. I'm big on family and hope one day to have one. And I might not be the best looking man in the world, but I think I'm quite a snazzy dresser..oh and I am the KING of spelling words backwards in my head!! Yea..I'm also kinda weird...I know tons of information that most people could care less to know...like whats the square root of my condo!? lol
9. I have gotten some DMs about you where I am asked if I know if there is a Mrs. PRSVR {I’ve hidden it from you for the purpose of this interview!! I’m so low down ;)}. Would you like to address the unanswered questions because inquiring minds want to know? If so, speak your piece!
Thats pretty crazy that anyone is even inquiring..if you could see my face, you'd think it was Kool-Aid time, so I appreciate the questions and interest..unless of course it was being asked to clown me if I am single..lol..Though to answer the question, nah no Mrs. Ms. or to be PRSVR exists at this time. In a perfect world, I have found someone that can understand the grind that takes place here and remain supportive and everything else lines up with the needs that I have and I am able to clearly fulfill hers as well. I haven't found such things, but honestly I'm getting old so I may have missed my chance at it..who knows..but yea, I'm a single, well dressed, non video game playing, focused young man.
10. I know people will want to know where they can cop a hot PRSVR crest tee, are they available to the general public? If so, how and where can they be found? If no, do you have an anticipated release date?
With the crest tee's and any tee we do for the MOST part, we don't charge for it. We will run promotions where if we send you a tee, you have to send us a pic of you wearing it. So for the MOST part, its free tees when they are in stock. This Glow In The Dark crest tee had the opportunity to pair up with a Yeezy release, but due to some things that I didn't like nor care to speak on, I'd rather give them to people I know appreciate than deal with an issue later. But the tees have been getting crazy response and thats a great feeling as it gives us the opportunity to show that even our free promotional materials are of the highest degree of quality, design, and everything. We could definitely be attaining sales through the promo shirts, but I feel it speaks many more levels of volume to give it to people that want it so that when it does come time to buy something, its more so they WANT to buy whatever we are selling once we are selling because they have already bought into the personality and the feel of the brand.
11. Is there anything else you would like people to know about PRSVR and Pangea?
The second half of 2009 is going to be a pretty big deal. I can't tell about one project in particular, but once I can, trust me I will be back to let you know. Be on the lookout for new projects coming forth from Tekh Togo that we are working on together to promote the super secret G-14 Classified project that I can't tell you about yet. Please continue to check out www.prsvr.com as that will allow you to stay up to date with what we have coming forth. I know we don't put the shoe or luggage on the site, but in order to see the things we come forth with, you must first understand the branding behind it so we try to do so in an entertaining way...we've got pictures!!
Again, make sure you check out Brandon at www.prsvr.com or over on twitter @ www.twitter.com/prsvr!
Til' then,
Ms. Trecie
Shout out to Brandon for being willing to do this interview for me! I am extremely excited about the things to come from Persévérer in the future.
Make sure you check out Brandon at www.prsvr.com or on twitter at www.twitter.com/prsvr.
Check out the interview after the jump.
1. For those that don’t know….I am going to allow you to introduce yourself.
Ummm... Its much better when someone else does this because I have no idea what to introduce myself as! Does that mean just state my name? No..thats not enough, but then if I begin to go into like the 'me' I am coined to be, it may be looked at as if I am full of myself and have this huge enormous title and everytime I speak to people I have this great big long paragraph to proclaim just to meet me. But I will give it a try for you. My name is...well..lol..ok, I will stop being silly. My name is Brandon but better known as if known at all as Thee Ambassador aka Mr. PRSVR aka Mr. Williamson and simply put, I am the owner and coordinator of a brand named Persévérer (PRSVR for short)
2. What is the concept behind PRSVR? How was it started? Where is it based?
Concept is a funny word..concept is like the Chrysler ME412. Its dope, but its never coming out. Conceptually at the time of our intial creation, we felt that no products catered specifically to the young business man with ambition. We were at the transition point as men where we are still young, but were in important places. Moving from one place to another and not always having the luxury to change our attire due to schedule and demand for our time. I was 23 when we first went to Milan so at 23, I'm still young and hip and all that stuff that young kids care about collecting sneaks and being the best in every chamber of attire that I participate in, but when I get in that suit, its put together so well that you'd think I wore suits to the grocery store. We knew that an "in between" realm existed, but wasn't tapped into so we felt who better to offer pieces to that demographic than people that are still in it. We got started because we wanted to have products created specifically for us and from that, we felt that at least 2,000 other people existed on the planet so if we catered to them and kept true to that model, no matter how big we may or may not become, we have a core of individuals that really appreciate the mark we have placed onto the industry. As corny as it sounds, PRSVR is based in the heart..lol..but forreal!! PRSVR is an internal chamber where free thinking is required so wherever I'm at, thats where we are based, but geographically, we are based in Chicago.
3. On the new glow and the dark t-shirts, which are HOTNESS by the way, there is a crest. What is the meaning behind each component of the crest and how did you decide on those elements?
The history or meaning of a crest is to show different elements of meaning within it that cater solely to the members of the said establishment. A lot of thought and symbolism goes into the creation of a crest so ours is no different in that regard. Aside from being very well put together proportion wise, everything that makes us Pangea is within that crest. If you can't tell, I'm not going to answer the question..lol..one would have to really study it and see whats in there and really take a look at it and decode it. Telling the elements is basically being skipped up a grade because you can read good, or passing the test to becoming an official citizen of Pangea. I will say that even the flamingos made the cut for the crest if you look close enough.
4. What is PRSVR and Pangea composed of? What are the elements that make up the two? Are there other endeavors within each operation?
Well PRSVR is the brand, Pangea is the Machine that allows us to make it all work for the other. Under PRSVR we do all things fashion wise. At this time through PRSVR we have planned releases for footwear, luggage, and eyeware, but nothing short of houseware as well and furniture. Those are things that we are mentally preparing but won't focus too much upon until we are clear that we will be allowed to grow in those directions. Under Pangea, we are able to take our same brain and not cloud the outlook of the body by branding fashion into music, or our philanthropy work, or other things we want to do, but don't want the brand to be associated directly with. The major elements that both are comprised of are individuality, hard work, creativity, knowledge of self, dedication, faith, and most importantly God. In order to come in on the PRSVR you must put in work on the Pangea side so it is very possible and likely to be a part of Pangea as an infrastructure, but not PRSVR as a business as a brand. Other endeavors are coming soon. We have some exciting things on the rise..well at least I think its exciting.
5. What is the meaning of the flamingo that you so elegantly pull off?
The Flamingo is like the extra player on the team that you don't even know is there on the court with us but gives us the fair unfair advantage!! His name is Pé and he basically was created through brainstorm session by our designer 520-570. It was initially just going to be used in an ad here and there, but then The Med came in and took it a step further and branded it as our actual mascot. Even to this day it brings even further meaning to us like when you think of a flamingo, you see an extremely dope animal thats extremely dope and graceful and all that, but can you tell me what type of sound a flamingo makes? The reason you can't is that IF a flamingo does happen to make a sound its the most awkward sound ever and it typically means something is going very wrong so its a problem! That same sort of connection is located within the members of PRSVR in the regard of being seen and not heard. The tiger, for instance is an expert killer relying on its stripes as camouflage, can be slept on until it’s too late. Now in a world where more and more of the market is sleeping we think it’s best to always stand out. “At any glance you never miss a flamingo.” The species exudes elegance, mystique, and an undeniable flyness (play with ya puns) with the ability to stand upright on half of its foundation. Perseverer and all of its offerings is able to persevere solely on anyone of them. The fly by answer when we are asked at an event or what have you is that when you see a flamingo, its standing on one leg, so the purpose of that is to keep its shoe clean and out the water. Thanks for mentioning how well I pulls that off though! We get some smirks on it, but more praise than anything so its a good feeling that its correlated into relevance.
6. Where do you see PRSVR in the future? What are your ultimate goals for the brand?
Future of PRSVR is a tough thought...we have been planning and producing for quite some time now and this is definitely not the step that I envisioned for our brand at this point, but at the same time, in areas where I wanted progress, I had so many other wins and progressions in other realms that it far outweighs the minor results that I was seeking. In the future, I feel we will be heralded as the most popular unpopular band of individuals in fashion. And I say that to the tune of we will be known by consumers who love our products and have been following us and stand by our meaning and branding and quality of life, but 'famous' people won't know because thats not our focus. Not that we wouldn't welcome it, but in real life, our goal isn't to be in that realm as our goal is to be successful and provide a long lasting experience. Being able to be in the position we are currently in is a blessing!! We are still independent and can do whatever we want. No investors, no backing, no board of directors that aren't internal, no shares sold off to some minor interest stake and we are still able to make the moves necessary to be successful. Ulitimate goal? To always be able to not have a job and still be comfortable within my skin. I feel that we will be beyond successful once all the pieces fall into place, but to be able to continue and expand and empower people to pursue their visions and dreams is better than the money. If we can keep that same state of mind we have now with increased success, that would be my ultimate goal..and to give my mother anything she could possibly want in life!!
7. Who all is involved in Pangea and PRSVR and how long has the union been formed? Are you all in one central location, or spread about the nation?
Involved in PRSVR we have myself Thee Ambassador, The Med, 520-570, Now Playing(James Hall), De Mccadney Oscar 'Wreckinkickz' Castillo and my brother Darren. In our Pangea Family, all of those people as well as Tekh Togo who is an artist we work with, ROE (Rising Over Envy) who is another artist we support a lot, DJ Reality, our affiliate Wilson Standish and a few other people, but mainly its myself, The Med, 520-570 and Now Playing. Me and The Med (DJ Grant) is my business partner who I have known for about 15 years, but working with business wise for about 6 years. 520-570 (Jermaine Barnwell) I have known for about 5 years and he was helping us out in a previous business venture as to how he became associated with me. So our union is about six years strong and beyond being my business partners, those are my brothers like litreally..you couldn't tell me any differently and that relationship works great for us as the accountability is on the other as a businesss, as a man, and as a member of your family so you have to answer 'why not' at least 3 times to the same person...needless to say our margin for error isn't as high as it could be otherwise!! The Med and I are both in Chicago while 520-570 and Now Playing are in Michigan.
8. What makes up Brandon *sorry about the gov’ment. LOL!* ?
Hmmmm...Brandon Curtis Williamson? My mothers son? Hmmmmmmm..good question..contrary to popular belief, I'm pretty boring. I like to sit at home and listen to music and brainstorm. I do party, but thats honestly work. I never partied until I focused in on the social aspect of PRSVR. I am a huge hip hop fan. I love Dilla!! Think he was the best producer ever as far as his method to approaching production..like nothing else mattered to him. That was very dope to me. I listen to Madlib, Flying Lotus, Fat Jon, Tekh Togo, N.E.R.D. Nas, Jay Z, Clipse, MF DOOM, Jay Electronica, Little Brother, AZ, a lot of Hip Hop but I'm currently just now getting into like The Ballet, and Opera and different arrangments within other types of music. I love art as well...Salvador Dali is my favorite artist. He was extremely dope, but I think his antics outside of his art overshadowed his ability to be held up to the standards of say Picasso, or Da Vinci. I believe in Christ...but profess relationship over religion. I'm a reformed sneaker head..but I own so many that I always see myself relapsing back, but I am collecting other types of kicks now. In real life, if I don't know you, I'm pretty shy, extremely to myself in most cases. I love to travel..in July I'm back off to Toronto and in September to Paris. Being where I'm from, not too many people really got the opportunity that I am blessed to have so I shoot out as often as I possibly can!! I am the second born of six children. One older brother, two younger brothers, and two even younger sisters. I'm big on family and hope one day to have one. And I might not be the best looking man in the world, but I think I'm quite a snazzy dresser..oh and I am the KING of spelling words backwards in my head!! Yea..I'm also kinda weird...I know tons of information that most people could care less to know...like whats the square root of my condo!? lol
9. I have gotten some DMs about you where I am asked if I know if there is a Mrs. PRSVR {I’ve hidden it from you for the purpose of this interview!! I’m so low down ;)}. Would you like to address the unanswered questions because inquiring minds want to know? If so, speak your piece!
Thats pretty crazy that anyone is even inquiring..if you could see my face, you'd think it was Kool-Aid time, so I appreciate the questions and interest..unless of course it was being asked to clown me if I am single..lol..Though to answer the question, nah no Mrs. Ms. or to be PRSVR exists at this time. In a perfect world, I have found someone that can understand the grind that takes place here and remain supportive and everything else lines up with the needs that I have and I am able to clearly fulfill hers as well. I haven't found such things, but honestly I'm getting old so I may have missed my chance at it..who knows..but yea, I'm a single, well dressed, non video game playing, focused young man.
10. I know people will want to know where they can cop a hot PRSVR crest tee, are they available to the general public? If so, how and where can they be found? If no, do you have an anticipated release date?
With the crest tee's and any tee we do for the MOST part, we don't charge for it. We will run promotions where if we send you a tee, you have to send us a pic of you wearing it. So for the MOST part, its free tees when they are in stock. This Glow In The Dark crest tee had the opportunity to pair up with a Yeezy release, but due to some things that I didn't like nor care to speak on, I'd rather give them to people I know appreciate than deal with an issue later. But the tees have been getting crazy response and thats a great feeling as it gives us the opportunity to show that even our free promotional materials are of the highest degree of quality, design, and everything. We could definitely be attaining sales through the promo shirts, but I feel it speaks many more levels of volume to give it to people that want it so that when it does come time to buy something, its more so they WANT to buy whatever we are selling once we are selling because they have already bought into the personality and the feel of the brand.
11. Is there anything else you would like people to know about PRSVR and Pangea?
The second half of 2009 is going to be a pretty big deal. I can't tell about one project in particular, but once I can, trust me I will be back to let you know. Be on the lookout for new projects coming forth from Tekh Togo that we are working on together to promote the super secret G-14 Classified project that I can't tell you about yet. Please continue to check out www.prsvr.com as that will allow you to stay up to date with what we have coming forth. I know we don't put the shoe or luggage on the site, but in order to see the things we come forth with, you must first understand the branding behind it so we try to do so in an entertaining way...we've got pictures!!
Again, make sure you check out Brandon at www.prsvr.com or over on twitter @ www.twitter.com/prsvr!
Til' then,
Ms. Trecie
23/9/09 9:48 AM
Trecie, I do hope that all is well over that way. Kudo's on the interview. These are five (including Tekh Togo) of the illest cats I've had the opportunity to meet and get to know. The brand is crazy and will definitely make its permanent mark in the fashion world just as Ralphie’ (Ralph Lauren) as the fellas would call em, has… I’m rockin’ with these cats. Aside from the brand being the illest that has yet to come, and it is and will be the illest brand to drop, their good people. This is rare to find in the world today. So if their reading, keep doin’ your thing. As I’ve stated on numerous occasions, The Ambassador can vouch for this, the world needs this brand. For more reasons than markets will be able to understand at this point… I’m a livin’ testament.
100
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