About FP
Where did FLI PELICAN come from?
Truthfully, this entire venture came from a single prayer. Previous to Fli Pelican I worked with an artist management team as a producer and engineer. As it relates to my future, I just prayed for direction and was lead to starting my own clothing company. Basically was trying to transition from music to clothing.
Why did you name the company FLI PELICAN?
A lot of people don’t know that Fli Pelican is actually an acronym for ‘Find love inside’. The Pelican symbolizes selflessness. I wanted to name the company something that held significant meaning and value for everyone. It’s important to spread positive energy and be comfortable with yourself; so in essence the company name is a gentle reminder for our consumers to do just that.
What was your initial vision? What kind of clothing did you want to create?
My initial vision was to create affordable street wear for men. It eventually evolved into something we like to call ‘Street Luxury’; a blend between street wear and high end casual attire, using durable materials.
Where are you based? Where else can I get FLI PELICAN?
I am actually a Detroit Michigan native, so I get a lot of people assuming that is home base for Fli Pelican. Little known black history fact is that Fli Pelican is actually based out of Atlanta, Georgia. I chose this location because Atlanta is like a hub for entrepreneurship. You can physically pick up some Fli Pelican gear in select cities across North Aemerica. Otherwise check out www.flipelican.com for online access.
Art Direction. Who comes up with designs?
I generally design my own pieces. I get feedback from customers as well as take suggestions from current trends to create a sense of art direction. I am however, training a few design interns in order to expand the brands creative aspect.
Materials. Are they made overseas or in house?
Everything at Fli Pelican is done in-house because want to ensure quality products with every order. Also, when people have specific design requirements I need to be able to make changes or mock-ups almost instantaneously.
What is your most popular item?
Right now the ‘No Sucka S#it’ tee shirt is the hottest selling item. We also have large demands for the ‘Never Flatline’ tee shirt. Customers usually gravitate toward designs that target what’s new in the media.
What celebrities have been wearing your stuff?
Fli Pelican has styled a variation of celebrities such as Wale, Big Sean, Teyana Taylor, Beimaejor, Waka Flocka and Lil Wayne. Mostly leaders of the ‘new school’, although we’ve had a variation of interested seasoned celebrities.
Are there any other areas of fashion that you want to explore?
Eventually I would like to get in Fashion Consulting. Often times I get to work with individuals; styling them for various photo shoots, music videos or even interviews. Gaining experience with these ventures has led me to consider eventually add a branch of Fli Pelican specifically for styling.
Where can people get the latest information about FLI Pelican?
You can always find the latest information about Fli Pelican on our website: www.flipelican.com. You can also check out news and info about upcoming events, lifestyle editorials, new music and concerts, etc. on our blog: www.flipelican.com/blog. We also have the newest edition to social networking; Twitter. Follow me @ninoflipelican.
Where are some spots specifically in CANADA where people can get your stuff?
Currently we have two stores physically carrying our brand. I am definitely interested in continuing building relationships with more Canadian retailers. Other International customers are encouraged to visit our online store for right now.
When and where did Fli Pelican start?
Fli Pelican started in back 2007 out of Atlanta, GA. Since then we have expanded to Detroit, Memphis, Boston, DMV, NYC and Miami.
What is Fli Pelican’s ultimate goal?
The ultimate goal of the brand is to eventually take over the world; at least the fashion world. A little more attainable goal would be to open FLI-ship stores (flagship stores) around the USA. We want to be a household name, up there with the Ralph Laurens and the Fendis.
Quick Statement.
Be Fli. | Live Wealthy.
Any press coverage?
Fli Pelican has had several placements in magazines such Urban Ink, XXL, VIBE, Antenna Mag and a few others. We have also been featured on various hip hop blogs like worldstarhiphop.com, thrillist.com, Frank151.com and a few others. Lastly, we’ve had cable television placements on MTV, VH1 and BET (music videos/award shows).
How many tee designs do you have?
We currently have over 100 unique designs. To maintain exclusivity, we use some prints seasonally and sometimes only for a certain project. As the market changes and demand fluctuates, we create new prints or revamp older ones.
What are you working on now?
Fli Pelican is currently working on Spring 2096 designs. We are also looking into expanding the brand to cater to our female audience a little more, while expanding our Cut & Sew selection. You can find out more information on the female line by checking out the blog. We are also putting together a few events and cool s#it for our followers.
Anything you’d like to add?
Be Pelicano. - No Sucka S#it
