Magma, a new t-shirt brand offering a trendy look for both men and women, young or old has recently hit the local market. This is the third business venture of Chief Executive Officer of Magma, Javon Hatton, who said he wants to influence the fashion industry and impact the lives of people who would wear the brand.
Magma was launched in August.
According to Javon, the word Magma is redefined as someone wanting to change the perspective of fashion by the use of powerful and positive words. “In my own little part, I play with Magma. I’m hoping to bring healing to my country,” he said. To be more specific Magma t-shirts are structured to target people who suffer from anxiety, low self-esteem, lack of socializing and other similar issues.
One of the most popular is the ‘Meh’ t-shirt. Javon decided that this shirt describes teenagers, many of whom have come to favour this word. As it was explained by the teen himself, ‘Meh’ is a word used to tell someone that they look “so-so” or neither good nor bad. While one may think that this is certainly not a word they would want used when being described by someone else, young people are sharing the vibe and loving it.
Another Magma t-shirt is ‘Empower Me’, specifically designed for women. The young man stated that often women try to destroy other women with their words, never stopping to think what they really are doing to the woman being degraded. The
‘Empower Me’ t-shirt will not only remind its wearer to mind her words but to also encourage other women or people in general to be kind to each other.
Already, the young entrepreneur is making plans to launch a new collection next year labelled ‘Trumaront’, which according to him signifies someone who has the tenacity of a roaring lion.
Javon knew that he wanted a business that was different, not one that did customized prints like many other entrepreneurs, but one had a whole new meaning and attracted people because of what was portrayed. Several days into thinking what he should call his business he arrived at the name Magma then later that night he created a Facebook business page for Magma, uploading graphic designs of what his t-shirts would look like.
According to him, the following morning he was awakened by people calling and wanting to purchase t-shirts. He laughed as he shared this, explaining that he had not yet created any of the clothing. Nonetheless, they placed their orders and Javon immediately spoke to a good friend of his, Owen Jefferies, who does custom prints. Without hesitation, the friend loaned him three t-shirts to do his prints and from this his business boomed. “Persons like Owen are a one in a million to find and fortunately for me I have a person like that for a friend,” Javon said.
The businessman shared that it was not easy getting to where he is, adding that not many persons have faith in young entrepreneurs. He recalled going day after day on the road, publicizing his t-shirts. Few people had anything positive to say and many did not care to see.
Curl Fete changed this. Though Javon’s phone died, his friend who accompanied him, Miguel McPherson, had photos of Magma t-shirts in his phone and helped him advertise his business. He also sent messages to persons on social media to follow his page. His latest problem now is people abroad wanting Magma t-shirts as he has no shipping service at the moment.
Javon lost his father in September, just a month after he launched his business. “I kept my business a secret from a lot of persons. Only a select few knew what I was doing. I wasn’t all that eager about sharing since I had another business before that didn’t work out and didn’t want to [jinx] this one. The first business was called JH Vintage Edition where I imported clothing and shoes that I would resell. I still plan on reopening this business, once all goes well with Magma.
“I kept it a secret with the sole purpose of elevating it by myself and then showing him what I did and the level that I brought it to. Some candidates from the Miss World Guyana started following my page after I did a design for contestant Nia Williams of the Miss Teen Scholarship Pageant. A lot of influential persons began following my page after this and it got to the point where my aunt found out and the secret was out.
“I was scheduled to go to UG to do Civil Engineering, but my aunt said if that wasn’t where my mind was at and as it was in business then I should stick to that. The day my father found out, he laughed and was so proud. At that time, he wasn’t in good health. It felt good to know that he was proud. I saw a smile on my father’s face that I hadn’t seen in a long time and for that little bit, he looked healthy and new. It renewed my faith in myself and my potential to take my company to the international standards that I’m hoping to….”
Javon went on to say that his father set the foundation for him to work hard and to be persistent in making a dream come through. His father always reminded him that presentation counts whatever job one does.
In memory of his father, Javon designed a t-shirt that reads “Don’t throw away the tools that got you out of the mud for a silver spoon”. The quote that he originally came up with explains that persons shouldn’t throw away whatever helped them to elevate themselves because they are provided a life of luxury.
He acknowledged his family for their support, his sisters and friends for their innovative ideas and his mother for always being there. Javon added that most importantly, he is grateful to God for getting him this far.
The Friendship youth is working towards taking his brand international and having his own Magma Store. He also has a graphics design business
To get a Magma t-shirt, Javon can be reached on Instagram and Facebook at Magma.gy, on Twitter at Magma or call or WhatsApp 698-1758.
