Small Biz Spotlight: V.Stella’Rex

Some items in this post have been gifted for review purposes.

In my Small Biz Spotlight series, I share the stories behind independent brands you should know about, while also giving my thoughts on their products. The goal of this series is to encourage you to support more small businesses, especially those owned by marginalized communities. If you have a brand or know of one that’s interested in a sponsored feature, let me know.

V.Stella’Rex is a Michigan-based, Black-owned clothing and accessory brand that was founded by Aaron Hayes. The streetwear company sells T-shirts, hoodies, hats, pins, and more. It’s made some waves in the Metro Detroit area over the last few years, and they still have plenty more heat coming our way. Here’s what Aaron had to say about his brand:

Courtesy of V.Stella’Rex

Tell me about your business. What’s the back story? How did this idea come about?

“I wanted to create a brand that was true to me. Something I could stand behind when I’m 50.

This brand (make and logo) represents the idea of perfection. It’s life. Everyday life. It’s an imperfect human trying to give their all everyday. Putting their best foot forward. Trying to perfect whatever they are doing in life. Whether it’s a job, a hobby, or a passion. Giving your all to reach that five-star or elite level. We are all imperfect humans in this world today, but V.Stella’Rex is the idea or thought of perfection.

To be honest, I feel with creating something from the ground up it all won’t make sense at first. In time things will be revealed to you, but you can’t quit. You have to be resilient because you will have difficult times. Even if things aren’t moving as quickly as you want — as long as you’re going forward it’s a win.”

Photos by Kailena Sampson

What do you want people to know about you and/or your business?

“I think putting in the ground work is underrated. Everyone today wants everything to happen overnight, and if it doesn’t they just quit. Don’t get me wrong, it does happen like that for a very select few, but most of them don’t last. If you want to keep it when you get it, build a foundation around your brand or whatever it is you’re doing. That way you can have the structure — it needs to keep growing into its potential. It’s a marathon, not a sprint! My goal is not to compete with anyone and to stay original even if it’s not the popular thing to do at the time. Everything we do is organic, but clean and very tasteful. We want our company’s integrity to remain true while also continuing to give you that fun creative vibe the brand always reflects through the clothes and visual content.

My goal is not to compete with anyone and to stay original even if it’s not the popular thing to do at the time.

The new relationships we are building with the factories are giving us the opportunities to bring to life a lot of our new ideas, and as a designer and creative that is a dream come true. We also have a lot of creative visual content we have been working on to pair with the clothes, so we also are very excited about that as well.”

Photos courtesy of V.Stella’Rex

My Thoughts on V.Stella’Rex

I’ve been wearing V.Stella’Rex for a few years now. Obviously, I love supporting a Detroit-based business, but it’s even cooler when you see people you personally know following their passions and creating their own lane. I own a couple of V.Stella’Rex T-shirts, a hoodie, and a few accessories and everything I’ve received is super comfy and original.

The materials are good quality and the fit is true to size. They hold up well after washing and I haven’t had any issues with shrinking or fading. I love the fun color combinations and unique artwork on the pieces. But, even if you want something more simple, they have that too.

Basically, if you like pieces that are chill and comfortable, but still stylish and unique then I would recommend checking them out!