The birth
When we’re young, we’re often conscious of how we present ourselves to others. For some, dressing well can be a way to boost confidence and self-esteem. For Piddie Smart, it was much more than that. It sparked a lifelong passion for fashion that would eventually lead to the creation of his own clothing line.
While growing up, I looked up to local musicians for fashion inspiration. Artists like CMB Prezzo were known for their bold style choices, from grillz and baggy jeans to designer t-shirts and gold jewelry. I was particularly drawn to sneakers and Timberland boots, which I started wearing to emulate my favorite musicians. This passion for fashion drove me to work hard academically, with the goal of one day owning my own fashion line.
As I grew older, my admiration for musicians expanded to include international artists like Lil Wayne and Birdman, the latter of whom earned him the nickname “Baybie” due to my similar style. Birdman’s love of watches also rubbed off on me, inspiring me to develop an appreciation for timepieces.
By 2012, I had a name for my fashion line: Piddie Smart. I nicknamed myself “King Piddie” and started saving up money to legally register the name and make it a business. It would take four years of hard work, but eventually, I was able to register Piddie Smart and trademark my company.
I began by designing a unique logo, which I used to start printing my merchandise, including t-shirts, hoodies, snapbacks, and sweatpants. I would always dress up in clothes featuring my logo, which helped to spread awareness of the brand. In 2017, I did my first photoshoot, which helped to open doors for my merchandise, and people started purchasing and supporting the brand.
For Piddie, it was always about passion. From a young age, I knew that fashion was my calling, and I worked tirelessly to turn that passion into a reality. Today, I continue to push myself to greater heights, and my story serves as an inspiration to anyone who has a dream they want to pursue.