J. Alexander Martin heads an empire built on originality, urban influence, and industry-changing music.
The acclaimed J. Alexander Martin has externalized many successful ventures in the fashion industry including the iconic clothing line FUBU –“For Us By Us” – serving as the co-founder and Vice President. Today, his kingdom includes a clothing line, a non-profit and a consulting firm. Through all of his endeavors, it is his innate talent and ability to predict trends that have caused him to impact the fashion world once again. Rightfully portrayed as the man who made urban culture a part of the mainstream, J’s consistency in fashion has now given him a platform to emerge as an effectual leader once again.
Born and raised in Hollis Queens New York, his professional desire was realized at a young age. With an evoked confidence, motivation, and a sense of direction, this allowed J to navigate around the traps of urban life that snared many of his peers. With his developed vision to become an efficacious entrepreneur, J attended the Fashion Institute of Technology after courageously serving with the United States Navy during Desert Storm.
J is the Cofounder and creative director of Fubu The Collection, President of FUBUTV. He has held licenses & has worked with successful multi million dollar brands, (Crown Holder, Kappa, Drunken Monkey, Ted Baker, Coogi, LRG Ladies, Under 2 Flags, Married to the Mob, Heatherette as well as consulted others. (Posner/Loreal, Luster Hair Care Products, Echelon Indian Virgin Hair & Human Hair Mfr., Scunci, Camus Cognac, FashInvest, Vumee, Siemens, Samsung, Vertu, Black Chambers of Commerce NY/NJ) Van Heusin, Fabien Couture Group, Sean John, Under 2 Flags.
He is currently Exec. Vice President & Creative Director & Co-founder of FUBU and Founder And CEO of FUBU Television Network & Partner Trace Tv US. Author of “Money Makes Me Crazy”, Board Member of the National Black Chambers of Commerce and President of the New York State Black Chamber of Commerce. (www.jalexander.com)
Q & A
FUBU is recognized world-wide as the premier brand of clothing that opened up doors for many people of color. When did you have that "This is going to big big" realization?
J. Alexander Martin : I always thought it would be big. In business timing is the most important reason for success. We had the right product at the right time with right message and the right distribution partners.
EM-Spire! Is about sharing and empowering people to be their best versions of themselves. Please share an inspiring mantra you practice.
J. Alexander Martin: I just try too be a good person. In business and life I always want a win-win scenario. In a world of selfishness and narcism and the pursuit of likes that make an anomaly.
What is the most important business or life in general advice someone ever gave you and who was that person?
J. Alexander Martin: My father always preached that you have to be able to go uptown and downtown. Meaning you have to be able to deal with all sought of people. The military taught me to pay attention to detail which is also a principle that I live by.
You have continued to expand the FUBU brand and your personal brand what is next thing on the horizon?
J. Alexander Martin: I am personally expanding my profile by going behind the camera. You will see me on BET, Bravo and The Impact Network. I am currently working on three shows. I have signed with the Urban League to do five town hall meetings about entrepreneurship with the youth. Fubu has collaborations with Puma, Mitchell & Ness, Fubu phone stores and service, watches, suits, glasses and more are on the way.
