A-Line of SHEI would like to introduce Eze Ekeogu, a senior at the University of Michigan, who has recently launched his own fashion line, BlaeZe clothing. A-Line was fortunate enough to talk to Eze about BlaeZe and the inspiration behind it.

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

Well, my name is Eze Ekeogu. I’m originally from Marietta, GA. I’m a senior double majoring in History and Political Science. When I first got to U of M, I was dead set on graduating and immediately going to law school, but I’ve done some soul searching since then, which has really altered my vision for the future. I grew up in a pretty conservative family, where my parents preached the importance of education and getting a stable job. This was one of the main reasons why I wanted to go into law, but as I have met different people and really reflected on my own talents and interests, I am more and more drawn to the fashion industry. The fashion industry is far from the stable profession my parents envisioned for me, but everything about it from the creative end to the business side really sparked my interest.

2. What is BlaeZe clothing? Why did you create it?

BlaeZe is a clothing venture I started in November, 2009. Since I was about fifteen or sixteen, I’ve wanted to create a clothing company. I remember one of the kids in my neighborhood, who was in 11^th grade at the time, was selling t-shirts around school and making some money doing so, which really solidified the idea in my mind. Unfortunately, I was too distracted with sports/being lazy  to really go forward with the idea. I did make some moves with one of my friends, who also had an interest in fashion, during my senior year of high school. We came up with a name, talked to family about potential financing and came up with some concepts. One distraction led to another though and we graduated without following through with the idea. The desire to start a clothing company never left me and I continued to bring up the idea with friends at U of M but again found myself stalling. Eventually, I got fed up with not being proactive and just took the leap. I found a company who would create my clothes and began finding customers, which is where I’m at right now.

3. Is there a particular focus in your clothes?

One of BlaeZe's many crewneck sweatshirts

BlaeZe consists of a lot of crewneck sweatshirts, which is on purpose. I absolutely love crewneck sweatshirts; I personally believe that they are the most comfortable/stylish piece of clothing. Crewneck sweatshirts have gotten a bad rap though, a lot of people I’ve spoken to have told me things like crewneck sweatshirts are for old people or that they personally could never pull off wearing one. I want to dispel these beliefs and get people buying and wearing crewneck sweatshirts, preferably BlaeZe ones.

4. What was your inspiration for BlaeZe?

I follow fashion trends and get a lot of inspiration from those trends. For example, right now a few of my products have stripes in them, which were inspired by Michael Bastian’s spring collection (he has a lot of pieces incorporating stripes). When I’m in public, I also pay a lot of attention to what people around me are wearing. If someone is wearing something that catches my eye, I usually make a mental note of what I like and try and incorporate it somehow. Basically, I just put together products that I think look good and that I myself would not only wear, but wear regularly.

5. Have you always loved fashion?

My love for fashion started around sixth grade. That was when I really started caring about what I wore and appreciating the style of others. In high school, I pretty much lived in the mall, which is pretty typical for high school students. However, while most kids were walking around socializing, I was actually in the stores. As I’ve gotten older, my love of fashion has only increased. I love keeping up with fashion trends and the prospect of working in the fashion industry really excites me.

6. Where do you see BlaeZe in a year from now? Do you hope to keep up with it upon graduation?

A year from now I’m hoping that BlaeZe has some real solid customers who appreciate the clothes. I’m putting a lot of time and energy into the venture and a year from now I’m hoping to see some returns for that work. I also would like to enlist some outside creative talent into the company, especially for the female products, which I admittedly have little expertise in. Right now, I’m having a great time with BlaeZe and don’t see any reason to stop after I graduate. A friend of mine told me he had a dream that BlaeZe was being sold in Target so we’ll see if that happens.

7. Out of all of the designs, which one is your favorite?

Eze's favorite? A crewneck sweatshirt with fun, neon colors.

My favorite product would have to be the “b” for Blaeze zip-up hoodie which has the signature “b” on the chest and “blaeZe” across the hood.  But, I’m going to cheat and have more than one favorite. I’ve been experimenting with bright neon colors and really like them so I also love the products that include the neon colors.

8. Have you sold many pieces yet?

I have sold a few products but no where close to the amount I’m aiming for. My family has been very supportive and a great launching off point for me, but my focus now is on expanding my customer base and getting my product out to the masses. Building a brand is very difficult but I’m hoping that through discipline, integrity, and diligence I will be able to accomplish my sales goals and get people loving BlaeZe.

9. Is it difficult to manage your own company with being at a
prestigious university?

It has been pretty difficult balancing school and all the things I want to get done with the company. It was especially difficult since the site was launched towards the end of the semester, when my workload was heaviest. I don’t want to lie and say I found a great balance between the two because I didn’t. I spent a lot of time working on BlaeZe and put off studying and assignments to the last minute. Everything worked out grade-wise, though, so I guess it was time well spent.

10. Any other final comments?

I just want people to know that I will do them right with BlaeZe. Everything I put on the site is something that I truly think is great and looks good. I’m excited about this journey and I am determined to see it through. Check out the website at www.blaeze.com.

Alexandra Foster