Carl White III, 19, started his clothing line Fly Familia when he was a student at DeKalb County’s Arabia Mountain High School. Now a freshman at Georgia State University, White urges others who want to be entrepreneurs to “find something, stick to it, and keep going.”
Screenshot from VOX ATL video
By Chasity Starks
When 19-year-old Carl White III was a student at DeKalb County’s Arabia Mountain High School, he chose to pave his own way and start a clothing line during his sophomore year of high school.
White figured since he was already starting to get noticed because of his football skills (he still holds the record for most rushing touchdowns in school history), he should try starting a business to capitalize off his popularity.
“I’ve always loved fashion ever since I was young,” says White, who is now a freshman at Georgia State University. “I always tried to dress nice, it made me feel better. So I thought why not start a brand to make money off what I like doing too?”
White created his brand Fly Familia after he got good feedback from showing off his designs around school and on social media. The young entrepreneur describes Fly Familia as “being a united family” because those who wear it have a similar taste in fashion and style.
“I loved shopping and putting pieces together that made me feel comfortable in what I was wearing,” says White about his personal style.
Many local and national celebrities including platinum-selling artist Silento (“Watch Me Whip/Nae Nae”), “Water” artist Joe Gifted and NFL player Damian Swann have been seen wearing the brand. Upcoming artist Guap Tarantino and Georgia Tech football player TaQuon Marshall have been spotted in the clothes as well.
White also tells VOX ATL that his designs have been selling in the United Kingdom.
“Find something, stick to it, and keep going” is what this young entrepreneur has to say to those who want to try their hand at becoming their own boss.
Check out our video interview (above) with White to hear more of his story.
Chasity attends Arabia Mountain High School and plans to graduate from the University of West Georgia with a master’s degree in journalism.
This story was published at VOXAtl.com, Atlanta’s home for uncensored teen publishing and self-expression. For more about the nonprofit VOX, visit www.voxatl.org.
