For the new year 2024, Toombow Kids is buzzing with fashion! Today, we invite you to dive into the enchanting world of fashion with an interview with Lilian Heck, a 20-year-old French entrepreneur in his second year of a BTS commerce. A passionate creator of the clothing brand Onyx, which he recently launched, Lilian takes us into his world of creativity, sharing his experiences and valuable advice for all budding fashion enthusiasts!
Toombow Kids: Hello Lilian, how are you? First of all, happy new year and good health! Where does your passion for fashion come from, and what was the trigger that led you to create your brand?
Lilian: Hello, happy new year to you too! I’m doing great, thank you very much. So, I’ve always been a fan of sewing. In high school, I enjoyed looking at the accounts of models or fashion designers, but it was just a passion, and I didn’t plan to go further. But one day, a friend who was in fashion school in Paris showed me the clothing brand she had created. I was very interested, asked her a lot of questions, and then… I realized that’s what I also wanted to do! So, I researched a lot about the steps to follow, registered my brand, and started my business!
Toombow Kids: Congratulations! Can you tell us about your brand Onyx? Why did you name it that way?
Lilian: Thank you, that’s kind! Well, I thought a lot about it, and I couldn’t see myself calling it “Heck.” In the end, I chose “Onyx” because it’s a precious stone that I find very beautiful, and besides, it’s a nod to my grandmother because it’s her favorite stone.
Toombow Kids: The designs of your T-shirts are very diverse. Where do you draw your inspiration?
Lilian: I really like very colorful universes. As for inspiration, it depends; as soon as I have an idea, I note it on my phone! It can be in many themes. Of the 8 T-shirt models that have been released, 4 white and 4 black, each has completely different universes. It can be a large illustration of candy, a skeletal hand with a rose… I don’t like to limit myself!
Toombow Kids: Noted! As a young entrepreneur, what challenges did you face when launching your brand?
Lilian: I would say the administrative part, which is very long and complicated. But I’m lucky because I have a family that has supported me since the birth of my project. In addition, my father, who has launched several businesses, advised me a lot to avoid falling into traps. Even my supplier who prints my T-shirts knows my age, and it doesn’t bother him!
Toombow Kids: It’s beautiful that the people we love support us! Fashion question now, what is your style?
Lilian: I follow trends quite a bit, right now I would say it’s more classic. I like oversized cuts, large checks, and I like to vary the pairs of sneakers, I have a lot! Same for caps, I always have one on me! Otherwise, black is the color I prefer to wear, but I also like to vary the colors.
Toombow Kids: Finally, what advice would you give to young fashion enthusiasts who aspire to follow in your footsteps and launch their own brand?
Lilian: Don’t be afraid to take the plunge! For a long time, that was my case; I kept asking myself questions. Will it work? Will it please? But time passes quickly, so if you don’t do it now, you’ll never do it! I took courage and faced my fears. And even if you fail, if you go bankrupt, you will learn from your mistakes, and in 10 years, you will do better!
Toombow Kids: Thank you Lilian for this valuable testimony, which we hope will encourage many other young people to launch and create a brand! Dear readers, if you want to stay informed about Onyx’s news or get T-shirts, visit the website onyxbrand.store or their Instagram account @brand.onyx. See you soon for new adventures!