If you're in Seattle or within three states of the Emerald City and you haven't been to Laced Up, get there.
Laced Up is a unique urban boutique that not only features the freshest shit out on the streets, but a gallery of artwork for every visitor to enjoy. I had a chance to ask one of the company's co-founders, Jaycee Coleman, about his vision.
Crooked Straight: What prompted you to start Laced up in a city like Seattle, where there are very few urban boutiques?
Jaycee: Laced Up was opened to serve as an outlet of expression for all the things that are most important to me: community, hip-hop, fashion, & art. No store or boutique in the city spoke directly to the hip-hop community and our unrepresented youth, so I wanted to do something to give back to culture that shaped me. Also several of the more independent street wear brands were unavailable in Seattle so a void remained in the market. I also never intended on being an employee when I left college and I decided Laced Up would be my my first step to leveraging my time, capital, and passions.
CS: Who did you start the company with?
JC: I have one partner, Cassius Belair, Seattle's greatest networker and promoter. We've been friends for 11 years and we're making so much money for major corporations by merchandising, selling, and promoting their brands while receiving very little in return so it just made sense to partner up and bring our shared goal to fruition.
CS: What do you believe makes for a good boutique?
JC: A successful boutique is one which creates and presents its own lifestyle. People want to belong to groups and relate to similar individuals so if you can attract people to your lifestyle and develop relationships, sales will come. Authenticity also is very important. If I was selling cowboy boots I don't think that consumer would relate and support me as a purveyor of that lifestyle and culture. Cassius is a long life fan of hip-hop, a hooper, and was heavy in the apparel game when the market was more directed towards urban wear. I'm an artist, emcee, producer, and recovering sneaker addict, so the consumer knows exactly where we are coming from and what we are trying to accomplish. Also did I mention we're black?
CS: Do you think Seattle was ready for a store like Laced Up?
JC: In 2006 when we got really serious about making this a reality, I think the market was ripe and ready for another entity to step in. In fact it was so ripe a few other stores launched around the same time as us. lol. Several brands like Alife, 10 Deep, Rocksmith, TBG, Fresh Jive, Akomplice, Supra etc were not represented in the Northwest at the time and there was a definite void when it came to the more independent street wear brands. A lot of entities eat off of hip-hop culture. Even more are willing to take black dollars, but very few adequately give back to those communities so Seattle was ready for Laced Up. Now it's our job to show and prove and educate the consumer.
CS: What are some of your personal favorites?
JC: My favorite brands are TBG (Two Black Guys) & Lemar & Dauley. They both recognize the importance of strong branding and story telling within their lines. Their imagery reflects moments in times that we can all relate to from Free Lunch, The Drug Free School Zone, Jim Crow, Mixtapes, & block parties. Plus the detailing is crazy, especially on TBG. We're always working on new things and helping our interns develop and fulfill their dreams so look forward to big things in the future.
Here's the info:
Laced Up (Est. March 2007)
705 E Pike ST
Seattle, WA 98122
206-274-5671
info@getlacedup.com
www.getlacedup.com
www.myspace.com/getlacedup
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