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Soulful Cammandoe
A State of Mind
 Interview with Debra Mayfield
I believe that in the heart of each and every one of us lies purpose. And, if we stop and listen closely enough that purpose begins to scream for its manifestation. Meet Nicholas Mayfield; a 24 year old clothing line designer. Nicholas knew early on in life that the 9-5 grind did not mesh well with his personality. Though he was a stellar employee of various positions, he knew that for his happiness, he would have to use his intuition and navigate his destination. For this purpose, Soulful Commandoe Lifestyle was born.
But the road to self expression proved to be quite jagged and lonely. It would take a single-eyed focus and a new found determination to live this life that had never been lived. It would take being misunderstood, homeless and ridiculed before this dream could be realized. It must have been worth it because now it’s here.
I find Nicholas very interesting in that he realized who he is at a very early age. Not just this, but he found the courage to realize this passion that nagged him constantly and now … a legend stands before us.
Its Our Reality: What is a Soulful Commandoe?
Nicholas: Soulful Commandoe – A mindset of one who fights for what you believe of yourself in your soul. Everything is positive for this person. There is no right or wrong. A Soulful Commandoe decides how they need to work it, and they work it.
The world can be a pot of negativity. In everyone, a grain of salt could transform their mindsets. After rejections, defensive mindset can occur and can trigger negative effect on our disposition and in people’s lives. I say, have a loving disposition in all things. Everyone in Bible had trials and tribulations and are Soulful Commandoes. They are overcomers.
Soulful Commandoe Lifestyle is that lifestyle where you let your life exude the fact that you are being you and persevering for your dreams to manifest.
IOR: When did you know that you wanted to design clothing?
Nicholas: In high school. I won best dressed by playing around with different looks. With these looks, fads were created. I knew it would be the only thing I know I could do and be happy. It has stretched me as a person.
When I was young, my mother used to dress me nice for school for picture day or other important occasions and I would get into fights and come home with the clothing all torn up. She sat me down and let me know that “This is Osh Kosh and this is Carter's". She would make me feel the texture of quality clothing versus that of less expensive brands. So I leaned early in life to appreciate fine clothing and make sure that this is apparent in Soulful Commandoe gear.
IOR: When did you begin Soulful Commandoe?
Nicholas:Soulful Commandoes began in 2002. We are now in our sixth year and in the third year of mass production of amazing clothing.
IOR: I have seen your recent line on the Soulful Commandoe website and it is extremely innovative. What was your motivation for this line?
Nicholas: This new line is from the 1940’s – the look of the southern Negro. This line is inspired by and commemorates my grandfather who recently passed away. This is by far my favorite line produced thus far. The 30 and 40 year olds like it. It’s a more mature look.
I looked at older pictures of my Daddy Bud of when he was a young man and it reminded me of how my grandparents, aunts and uncles used to dress me when I was little. I loved it. The 1940’s was a time when men and women wore hats and even gangsters dressed nice. They took great pride in how they looked. Today’s generation’s style is more loosely fitting and casual. What I’m trying to accomplish with Soulful Commandoe is to come across with clean look of the 1940’s while keeping the integrity of the contemporary look. With this, the plan is to transform this generation’s attire to one all generations can appreciate; one person at a time.
With the transformation of the saggy bottom jeans or the Carrot top, we are attempting to bring dignity back to this generations clothing yet remaining hip and fresh at the same time. This look was inspired by my grandmother and my aunt who were constantly telling me to stop sagging. It’s easier said than done since I’ve been doing it since the 2nd grade. This look provides a great compromise where respect is given. Your bottom is covered yet your appearance is still hip.
IOR: Why is this so important to you; to clean up the look?
Nicholas: I feel that I owe it to my elders who have passed on, they mean so much to me. I believe there needs to be light so I think I owe it. It’s important to bring to fruition that which someone took the time and effort to impart into your life so this is my plight. This tradition will be passed on by me.
IOR: What is most exciting about creating clothing?
Nicholas: Seeing my clothing on someone and it looks better on them than I thought it would.
IOR: How many people are running Soulful Commandoe at this time?
Nicholas:Overall there are five people. Saffran Harris, my fiancé is the Vice President. Everything I can't do, she picks up aside from the designing of clothing. She is also the website designer and also the reason Soulful Commandoe emerged. Years ago when the clothing line was burning within me, I was working at ESPN Zone and making decent money. She encouraged me to quit my job and go for my dreams full time. That was the best and worse decision I’ve made in my like because the next 3 years were hell.
IOR: Where do you manufacture your clothing line?
Nicholas: We do everything domestically now. We used to go oversees to China but we’ve cut the middleman and do everything in the US now.
IOR: Your business has allowed you to travel. What do you have to say about some the people outside of the US?
Nicholas:I love China. I used to manufacture the clothing line there and I was there on a monthly basis. The people there are pure people. The unity and humility is magnificent and it helps you to see why they so well and are as a people. An emperor could be walking down the street and see a homeless person and the emperor would treat that person with respect.
I’ve been to Africa as well and the same thing is seen – Unity. In Europe – my experience was not so nice.
IOR: What is the future for Soulful Commandoe Lifestyle?
Nicholas:For the spring season, we plan to produce a female line and a small unit of a kid's clothing line. We will also move forward on the second season of Soulful Commandoe Lifestyle by Nicholas Mayfield and my forth season of Soul Commandoe. Coming as well is the delivery of 5 New Era hats, including my new track bike hat which has a very small bill in front. This is very popular across seas but will be the first new era in the United States to be made.
IOR: What advice do you have for young people with dreams and visions of something new?
Nicholas:Don’t follow others even if what you want to do sounds out of whack because what is now popular was once that crazy idea.
It is easier to walk towards something that is yours and not someone else’s idea.
Don’t tell everyone your business.
Stay true to yourself especially when being creative. Believe in yourself and fight hard for it. The obstacles are proof that what you believe in is worth it. It can change your life.
And there you have it. Nicholas Mayfield, The originator of Soulful Commandoe Lifestyle clothing line. Proof positive that the burning desire within each of us, can and will manifest to make not only ourselves better people, but we can change the world in the process. Would you like to change your world? Why not make today the day?
Life is a series of such journeys. The road to your destination will have its challenges only to prepare you for your next step in life. At the end of the day, the peace of mind is worth it. The spiritual growth, quiet inner strength can never be taken away from you and it’s priceless.
So to you I say - Stay focused! Stay positive! I encourage you to follow your dreams until - "Its Your Reality!" You won’t know you or be you without experiencing the Real You!
Bon Voyage or shall I say 'Welcome to Your Life!'
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