Ashley Hulitt
MC Contributor/Staff Writer
“Living in a dirty world with a pure heart birthed Dirty Hearts Apparel,” said James Smith, fashion designer and budding entrepreneur.
Smith wants all who see his collection to feel as if they must have one of his unique fashion pieces.
Smith’s Dirty Hearts brand brings to life his struggle for acceptance as his emblem of love with a large X marked through it, expresses his feelings.
Smith, born and raised in Jackson, Miss., started the Dirty Hearts t-shirt company in 2013. His t-shirts have now become one of the most popular and sought after fashion items for many in Jackson.
“Dirty Hearts Apparel is a brand I established based on the feeling of love. ‘No love’ doesn’t necessarily mean I don’t have love in my heart, it’s just the process between finding love and letting your guard down while doing so,” said Smith.
Smith explains how the concept began.
“Well, I had the dream of Dirty Hearts a long time, so I saved up and started off by working at a t-shirt place at the mall. I wanted Dirty Hearts to make a statement for males and females,” he said.
Quinika Dubard, better known as “Kodak” has been wearing “Dirty Hearts” gear since this past year. “I always go to Jay Five when I need something quick and easy to put on, I like the fact that I can tell him exactly what I want on my shirt with the Dirty Hearts symbol included and it just goes from there.”
Smith explained how he always has to stay ahead of his game.
“I like to collaborate with my customers, let’s put our ideas together and make something happen in these shirts,” said Smith.
Amber Ferrell, a junior at Jackson State University had a lot to say about Dirty Hearts.
“I was going through a break-up and decided to go out to enjoy myself, and I thought to myself what better way to wear my feelings. James had this one shirt, I remember it was black and red with white trimmings on the letters and it read Straight Outta Love,” said Ferrell who stated that it described how she felt at the time. “I went out with that shirt on and everyone was asking me where I got it from.”
Dirty Hearts is more than just t-shirts; you can also get shorts, baseball jerseys, etc. Smith said he is working on everything one day at a time, but the t-shirts are his money makers.
“If you want it on a t-shirt, I can get it on a t-shirt for you, ask and you shall receive,” he laughed.
You can check out Smith’s clothing line on DirtyHeartsApparel.bigcartel.com
