Marie Carter is an entrepreneur whose story spans from the classroom to the boardroom. As a school teacher, Marie grew tired of the curriculum in the Milwaukee school system not sharing the true story of the African American experience. Dissatisfied, she decided to stop teaching because she truly wanted to find a way to help young people in her community learn about their culture.
Marie then was asked to teach an after-school program where she is now teaching students how to become entrepreneurs. She also birthed her apparel company, Classic, as a way to educate, empower and motivate. Through Classic, Marie is marrying her mission and inspiring these youth to find their place in today’s society.
Sheri Simmons: Tell us a little about yourself?
Marie Carter: I was born and raised in Milwaukee but I went to school in the suburbs where, to be honest, there weren’t a lot of people who looked like me. I didn’t hear much about my history/culture. Didn’t see many images that reflected my ethnicity. Pop culture accepted/celebrated by my peers consisted mostly of caucasian artists and celebrities.
S.S: You were a school teacher. Tell us about that journey and how it has helped mold you into who you are today?
M.C: After graduating, I decided to attend a Historically Black College/University where I was no longer the minority but I saw my culture proudly displayed through deeply rooted traditions and expressions of art. I pursued a career in education and when I began teaching about culture, sadly many of my Af. Amer. students couldn’t clearly define what made them.
S.S: How important do you think authentic representation is for people in business?
M.C: To me, hip hop and every era of black culture is creative gold. With the motto ‘trends fade” I look at my brand as a museum preserving culture. The teacher in me makes it my goal to shine a light on a culture and its history that is sometimes blurred.
S.S. You have an apparel company called Classic. What sets it apart and why did you launch it?
M.C: As I mentioned before, we are not your typical T-shirt/streetwear brand riding the wave of popularity with stock template designs. And we want to be inclusive, unlike some of my counterparts who may speak to just one ethnic group, any race or gender should feel comfortable promoting our legacy! It is important to me that my designs are long-lasting. I want you to enjoy my clothes 5 and 10 years from now just like your favorite band or college tee! Designs are creative, unique, and have details that encourage conversations and asking questions to learn more.
S.S: What is next for you in the upcoming months?
M.C: More drops for spring and summer coming soon!
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