Hello

Dear Readers,

 

Thank you for stopping by on my website. This is my 3rd collection in the DETERMINED Streetwear clothing brand. 

 

So, why the Basketball??

 

In the theme of being DETERMINED, I wanted to incorporate this by using my favourite sport, Basketball. Imagine the basketball represents your problems, but the net is your solution. You need to have a focused mind, to be able to aim for the net to shoot the basketball successfully.

 

I developed a love for basketball since I was 13, and for me, it was actually a way to vent my frustration. As I'd be walking there'd be times I'd aim for the bin and throw things in it to release my anger. 

 

This led to me doing Basketball at after-school sports club, and playing basketball in my back garden, as I could take my anger out on the ball! I soon realised I actually had great aim and started to actually love it as a sport instead of venting frustration. 

 

I felt like my life had no purpose at that point, because although academically I was considered "at the top", in that I was in all the top sets at school, my life also felt empty and like it had already hit rock bottom. I'd constantly question why I was on this planet and tried so many times to end my life from the ages of 13-17 as I didn't see the point of living. 

 

Aged 17, I became a Christian, and I'm still one to this day. Prior to this I wasn't a Christian, and neither would I say I truly believed in God, I would say I was Agnostic, I didn't know if He exists. God saved me literally (from dying) and spiritually (my hope and life is now in Him).  I'm 31 now. I look at life so differently now because I know it was God who kept me alive. It wasn't me, I wanted the complete opposite.

 

As mentioned on the About Us page I made DETERMINED an acronym, Determination Equals Trying Endlessly Regardless (of) Mountains, Individuals & Nonsense Every Day. I want to inspire others that despite setbacks in life, you can overcome them. 

 

The 247 seen on the garments for the basketball edition is to represent being DETERMINED 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so it also made sense to make the launch date the 24th July (24/7).

 

This brand is for anyone from all backgrounds and walks of life, so whoever you are reading this, your life has meaning, and it has a purpose.

 

Be encouraged and stay determined. If you're DETERMINED, this brand is for you. 

 

Yours Sincerely,

Naomi Maria