From passion to purpose: The journey of Monmouth College student's Nobody's Favorite clothing line
The designer, Damarian Stark, is a fifth-year senior from Roscoe, Illinois
Monmouth, Ill. (10/08/2024) — Fashion has always been a canvas for self-expression, and for Monmouth College student Damarian Stark '25 of Roscoe, Illinois, it has been a lifelong passion.
Growing up, Stark said he was like a fashion doll for his mother. This unique dynamic sparked his creativity and love for clothes. However, it wasn't until a year ago that he decided to transform that passion into a professional venture, developing his own clothing brand, Nobody's Favorite.
Stark's journey into the world of fashion is deeply rooted in his belief that looking good translates into feeling good. He recalls how every time he wore a standout outfit, people would ask about his clothes.
"What really made me start my own brand, though, is that every time I wear an outfit someone asks about a certain article of clothing, or they ask about where I got the item from," he said. "So I just figured if I could get people interested in clothes I purchased from other people that maybe they would be interested in mine."
His entrepreneurial spirit blossomed as he realized that he could turn his flair for fashion into a business. With a strong foundation in leadership, and inspired by his upbringing and by his educational experiences at Monmouth, Stark is determined to make an impact in the fashion industry.
"I figured it'd be a great way to use some of the schooling I've had over the years as well as my natural leadership skills," he said. "My Monmouth education has helped me with this endeavor a lot. The techniques I'm using to market my brand come from what I've learned here at Monmouth."
A deeply personal concept
The concept behind Nobody's Favorite is deeply personal. The name embodies the essence of resilience and determination - a mantra that resonates with many. In Stark's household, the phrase signifies the journey of the underdog, the one who often has to work twice as hard for success.
"It means you should tackle challenges head on and even though you might have to work way harder than others or feel unappreciated in your journey, that one day when you finally reach your goals, it'll feel a million times better than someone who was just handed the same opportunity," he said.
This powerful brand identity speaks not only to Stark's own experiences but also to a diverse audience, including athletes, students, parents and anyone who knows the value of hard work.
Stark recognizes the importance of building a brand that connects with people on an emotional level. By sharing his personal story and the philosophy behind Nobody's Favorite, he aims to foster a community where individuals feel seen and valued for their efforts.
"I feel this brand identity reaches a large audience such as myself, athletes, students, parents, siblings and really anyone that must work hard at something and may not always feel appreciated," he said.
As he geared up for his first brand photoshoot in the Quad Cities, Stark said he was excited to showcase his designs through the lens of fellow Monmouth students. The collaboration not only highlights his commitment to supporting his peers, but also reinforces the notion that fashion is about more than just clothing - it's about community, expression and empowerment.
Stark believes he is not just creating a clothing line; he is cultivating a movement. Nobody's Favorite stands as a testament to resilience, individuality and the pursuit of dreams against all odds. As he prepares to launch his brand, he invites others to join him on this journey - a journey that emphasizes hard work, authenticity and the celebration of those who dare to dream big.
In a world that often prioritizes the mainstream, Stark's message is clear: It's not about being the favorite. It's about making your own mark and inspiring others along the way.
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Damarian Stark
