From Optimism to Apparel: The Tale of Pockets Full of Pennies

Hey there, fellow dreamers and believers! Have you ever felt unstoppable, even when the world around you seems to say otherwise? Through years of conditioning, hardships, pecking orders, greed, money, egos, scars, undealt trauma, bills to pay, and more, have you stayed open-minded, young at heart, and still believed anything is possible? Well, that's me. An extreme optimist on a journey to bring a little magic back into the world through my passion for fashion.

I'm someone with a good heart, pure intentions, and a youthful spirit, yet like most, tempered by the failures of the real world. Growing up in a family business, I was shielded from certain challenges but also missed out on facing others head-on, like handling pressure and trusting myself. These are hurdles I've encountered as I've ventured into the competitive world of fashion.

So, what's the connection between my journey and clothing filled with pennies? Let me explain. Initially, I set out to reimagine the basics in my wardrobe, those hoodies and sweat shorts that inevitably lose their charm over time. You see, I've never been able to find the perfect garment. It's always a trade-off: the perfect fit with lackluster fabric, nonfunctional pockets, zippers, buttons, or limited color options, or vice versa. Most of the clothes in my wardrobe with longevity are one-offs, unnamed brands that come and go, leaving me searching for replacements that never quite measure up. Determined to change this pattern, I embarked on a mission to recreate these garments, dissecting them to understand why they wore out and how to make them better in every aspect. Armed with nothing but optimism and a single graphic design class under my belt, I ventured into sourcing, designing, producing, and marketing my own apparel line, Pockets Full of Pennies, even amidst a pandemic.

As you could imagine, the road wasn't smooth sailing. Doors opened and closed, money flowed out faster than it came in, and I faced moments of doubt and solitude. Along the way, I reached out to friends and family, seeking their advice. They all warned me to run, that it is “a goliath that you want nothing to do with.” I enlisted friends seasoned in the fashion world, expecting their guidance through the ups and downs, only to find they were no wiser or better connected than myself, and were only motivated more by profit than passion. I encountered production managers, designers, and fabric houses that didn't feel quite right, lacking the dedication and integrity I sought. Every decision seemed to come with its own trial and error. I'd pay one supplier for labels, only to find another promising cheaper, faster, and better, but ultimately falling short. I made missteps, buying discounted shirts, thinking I was being more cost effective, only to find that they were discounted for a reason - because they didn’t fit or feel right. But through it all, I persisted –– learning, growing, and inching closer to realizing my vision for my brand.

Pockets Full of Pennies isn't just about clothes; it's a reflection of my roots and values. Growing up in the San Fernando Valley, family was everything. Yet, as life progressed, those moments together became fewer, and I found myself grappling with the inevitable changes life brings. Through this brand, I aim to capture the essence of youth, the purity of moments spent with loved ones, and the joy found in simple pleasures like sports, music, and travel.

I want to share not just my successes, but also my struggles and vulnerabilities. It's through these stories, raw and unfiltered, that I hope to connect with others on a deeper level. That we can remove any shame within ourselves and find our uniqueness, individuality, freedom, and heartbeat. We are what we can connect to, not what our business cards or credentials say we are. Pockets Full of Pennies isn't just about what we do; it's about who we are and the values we hold dear.

So, here's to embracing our uniqueness, cherishing the moments that matter, and connecting one penny at a time.

Cheers,

Tony