Mark Braboy
Blue & White Flash/Staff Writer
Facing the struggles and the hardships of life can sometimes discourage and break a person. In this case, Monique Atkins, a senior graphic design major took her adversity and built her dreams around it. Her independent clothing line “Deeply Rooted ‘07” is based on her mantra and slogan “Don’t ask the struggle what it did to you, ask what it has done for you.”
Atkins, a native of Chicago, Ill., began her career by making customized t-shirts and clothing from 2007 until 2011. From there, she graduated to making printed clothing when she founded her business in 2011.
According to Atkins, the urban clothing line is based on overcoming the struggle and being deeply rooted within ones culture.
“Each design is carefully hand crafted by a team of graphic designers whose mission is not only to promote originality, but it is also geared
towards encouraging youth to prevail against lifes struggles through divinity,” said Atkins.
The clothing line offers a full line of t-shirts and accessories such as bracelets, jewelry, buttons, and stickers.
What makes her style different from other urban clothing lines is the overall message that the designs contain. While researching other
clothing lines, she realized that many of them did not contain positive and uplifting messages for consumers to buy into. Therefore, she took it upon herself to produce a clothing line that not only illustrates her love for art, but to inspire communities and mankind on many levels.
“Deeply Rooted ’07 is unique not only because its primary focus is to uplift, but each design is produced from the motivation of hardships of life. After suffering the loss of both of my parents, it was inevitable for me to excel in all areas of my life, but to put it simply, Deeply Rooted is not just a t-shirt line, it is a way of thinking and lifestyle,” said Atkins.
One of her aspirations is to expand the message of the clothing line in order to reach other ethic groups for the sake of diversity and inclusion in her movement. Along with her design team, she researches different movements and struggles within other cultures and plans on applying them to future designs.
Deeply Rooted ’07 contains close knit and organized team which consists of other Chicagoans, family members, and Jackson State
students. Atkins, along with William Franklin and Ruben Henderson create the original designs. Monica Atkins, Monique’s twin sister and Thaddius Wright are in charge of the marketing and public relations. Regina Atkins, another sister, works as the correspondence analyst and Joel Weathers is in charge of the bookkeeping and the financial aspect of the business.
As a business woman, she carries a strong work ethic. Atkins runs the clothing line among working two jobs, maintaining her grades, and
gearing up for graduation. The business aspect of is very challenging and according to Atkins, it requires dedication and consistency.
“The business of running an independent clothing line is busy, busy, busy but worth it. It’s taking a big risk like any entrepreneur. It also becomes your life, because you want to get it off the grind and by doing that you have to stay consistent, you have to stay committed to it and never give up,” said Atkins. “My grind is nonstop, its seven days out the week. I try to have at least one day to myself but something always comes up. So I must say it’s a grind that I love because this is my passion.”
Atkins credits her mother as her driving motivation for not only her education, but the business as well.
“Receiving an education was not optional in my household and my mother did everything that she could to make sure my siblings and I received the best education possible. She has been a driving force even in her absence and Deeply Rooted would not exist without her.”
Her clothing and accessories can be found and purchased on her website www.deeplyrooted07clothing.com.
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