Whats good peoples

We recently sat down with CMS from Hi-Top Studios to have a little chit chat about the store.

She co-owns the store with boyfriend Alex aka Lex, Lex One, LexICON, Lex Uno of Major League.

Major League is doing big things as well make sure to peep the video a couple of posts down from this one.

Peep the convo...

All ladies comin up in the retail industry..take notes.


RNDM: When did you first open the store?
CMS: Around march 07. But we started renovatin in oct 06

RNDM: How did the idea for store come about?
CMS: We actually didnt plan on doin the store at all. A friend of ours was supposed to open a boutique in the front, I was going to do video in the back, Lex was going to do music. Our friend flaked so we kinda just took it over. We did our research and basically started contacting and bothering lines we both liked til they gave us accounts. Once we had them, we started buying clothes and our business was born.

RNDM: & who were your first lines?
CMS: 316, mishka, & crooks & castles were the first.


RNDM: What struggles did you encounter as new business owners?
CMS: Renovation wasn't as quick as we thought it would be; they took their time. People tellin us no at first. A guy actually denied me his account at first because he said my store looked like a living room. People just not having faith in us. And not really having money in general. Neither one of us had really worked in retail before. We pretty much learned as we were going along. We didn't take business classes, didn't know anyone in retail. We just both wanted to do it so we just did it. Fuck it.

RNDM: What would say is ur biggest success?
CMS: Proving to everyone we could actually do it. We're still here.

We did a fashion show a couple weeks ago. Never did a fashion show before & after the show the organizers came up to me and complimented me, telling me that if I wanted to, I could easily work for Ecko, Baby Phat, etc. It was completely unexpected and it made me feel kinda good to know someone believed in me.

RNDM: What line(s) was/were hardest to get?
CMS: MOB definitely, 10deep, the hundreds

RNDM: How is it being in business with your boyfriend?
CMS: Its definitely a challenge. It's not really one of those businesses where u can leave ur work at work. But... Im in business with my best friend. The only thing we ever really fight about is money. We argue about that. If there isn't enough money then that's where we have issues. But its fun. Fun ordering stuff with him, fun going to vegas with him. That's really fun.

RNDM: Speaking of Vegas, how's Magic and the whole trade show experience for you?
CMS: First time we went to magic it was ridiculously overwhelming.


RNDM: Where u already in business?
CMS: No. It was about a month before the store opened.

We went with a book of pictures of the store and lines we had already established. We didn't really know what we were supposed to do. We ordered way too much the first time and a result, still have some clothes from the first time we opened.

RNDM: What has been your biggest accomplishment?
CMS: Gaining the respect of people I wouldn't normally. The guy who told me my store looked like a living room then wanted an account with my store so I guess that makes me feel better. smiles

RNDM: Do think that having the recording studio, video production, cd duplication and even some printing services tied into the store has affected it postively or negatively?
CMS: Negatively, probably in the sense of the electric bill cause it is riduculous.

Positive definitely because it brings people in that wouldnt normally come in. Heiroglyphics, Tahjay.... wouldn't have come in the store and bought stuff had it not been tied in with the studio. The artists that record here can promote themselves to the people who shop here and vice versa.

& its not just another store. You see that from the jump. Its an all in one which gives us a little boost above other stores. We do everything and have everything you need as far as the entertainment industry goes. The music and the clothes go hand in hand. We pretty much literally incorporate that here.

RNDM: Do u think having the store has helped Major League? Has Major League helped the store?
CMS: The store helped them... I guess in the street. Giving them ice breakers to be able to talk to people when they were doing street sales. & of course, I keep them dressed.

RNDM: Has Major League helped the store?
CMS: In the same respect, they've helped the store by promotion. People who copped a Major League cd would then know about the store. They shout out the store all the time. When they perform we're sometimes asked if we wana set up a table to sell clothes so we get exposure that way too.

RNDM: How important is networking in this industry?
CMS: Its everything. The lines that I carry, all those people you deal with
eventually become your friends. You spend a couple thousands dollars with someone, you wana have good relationship with them. You might go to a party and they might know the rep of the line you've always wanted and you're introduced & then that's how it goes. Its essential in the industry.

Magic is where u first meet people face to face after youlve built with them over the phone and through email.

RNDM: What's next for Hi-Top?
CMS: Well, we're looking into opportunities that might help expand the shop, and if all goes well we'll be back up just in time for all the new fall and back to school drops. We're definitely gonna renovate over the summer, but we'll always be the same comfortable hood spot laughs We'll definitely be throwing a re-opening party as well as a dope fashion show with performances and more. We just want to take time to better ourselves as well as the shop..


RNDM: Any advice for people who wana open stores?
CMS: Make sure you have enough money to start. Whatever you think is enough, times that by 4. There are so many costs associated with it; not only the regular bills but all kinds of stuff you wouldnt normally think of. Get a business plan. If you could take some sort of business class, that would help a lot. If you can do more, do more. People are gona always want the size you don't have.

& just... make sure you're in it for the right reasons. Don't open one just cuz its the cool thing to do. Do it cuz you love it and you can't live without clothes and sneakers.

Its definately not easy. Not as easy as people think it is. It's the hardest thing I've ever done in my life, but its also the best thing I've ever done in my life.

Im a happy girl.


NOTE FROM HI-TOP** We are closing for a summer siesta. We are open for appt only. In other words, you can call us and we'll come by and open up just for you. We're hoping to be back and better than ever, mid august or so. Stay tuned.

Shouts to CMS and LEX from Hi Top Studios for lettin us in.

Check the store out at:

700 SW 27th Ave
Ft Lauderdale

REMEMBER BY APPT. ONLY!!
To make an appointment to shop:
Call 954.305.3717 Lex
Or 954.494.7492 cMs

Check their Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/hitopstudio

*love