No Grits No Glory

Since today is the start of Black History Month, I figured I would give some time to the greatest who ever did it, Muhammad Ali.

Ali was considered one of the "The Greatest" athletes of all time because he wasn't afraid of challenge. You knew that everything he did he was 'all in'. His confidence would bleed through every word he spoke. And his competitors knew it. Some people thought of his bravado as arrogance, but I viewed him as someone with a lot of faith. I am not talking about faith in the sense of religion. But someone with faith in himself.

Do you have faith in yourself?

Do you have as much confidence in your own abilities and 'follow through' to call your own victories?

Muhammad Ali said, "it's hard to beat a guy when he's got his mind made up that he's going to win."

Faith is long term. Don’t forget it. You’re in it for the long haul. Temptation to quit, throw in the towel, or even just lay against the ropes will always be there. But those that persevere will be handsomely rewarded.

No Grits No Glory

Float like butterfly, sting like a bee.

Greasy Spoon Recap: GLC X Grits Apparel X Complete

Big Ups to everyone who came out to the Greasy Spoon event this past Saturday! We had a great time and made a lot of new friends in the ATX.











Photography by Mark Boogie & Super Intern W3RK

For More photos check our Facebook page here.

Come out and PLAY!! in the ATX

Stadium Status: Htown Sneaker Summit Recap

The H-Town Sneaker Summit was pretty crazy this year. It seemed as if the whole city came out to bare witness to the super-sizing of what was already the regions largest summit. There were plenty of people, dozens of dope brands and a surplus of sneakers. Ron Grits and I held down the Grits booth while having a lot of fun and capturing a few pictures for your viewing enjoyment. Excuse the blurriness of some snaps shots, as I neglected to give Ron a tutorial. Never the less the good times and success of the event are clear. Tilt and squint.

Killa Kyleon is always repping for Houston and now for Grits too. #runit



Kiki the Dunn (Chemical X) and Ron Grits.

Paolo from 3 Kings is dropping some heat over at thier booth however Ron caught him in some weird blank stare.
One of the coolest people I met so far is Blot from the blog www.theblotsays.com. Wanna know about the newest vinyl toys and comics. Check out his blog and bookmark it now!



Dirty from Dirty & Nasty has always been a supporter. Check out their music here.



These girls were stalking the table for Grits. So I gave them some takeout boxes.

Grits loves the kids.

Samantha from Unkommon Kolor from Dallas always repesenting.


Chris is a supporter of Grits and he says, "You should too!"

Shameless Plug

I know this isn't exactly Grits Apparel related, but every now and then other opportunities get stirred up that any designer would be remiss to let get away. A few months ago I was offered the opportunity to do illustrations for the upcoming Talib Kweli album cover. Since it was just released today, I encourage everyone to check out Talib Kweli's latest LP "Gutter Rainbows". Pick it up or download it here.

The Golden Ticket

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Grits booth at the H-town Sneaker Summit!!! We had a great time meeting with past and present loyal supports and perhaps a few future fans too! True to form we definitely cooked up some good stuff, and even 'cooked in' some surprise ingredients. Hopefully a few random supporters were as happy as kids in a chocolate factory when they discovered their 'Golden Tickets', redeemable online for another helping of Grits.


If you didnt get one don't fret this year there's sure to be 'little surprises around every corner..." ^__^

Randomness

I collect picture, posters, toys, objects, and images. My iphoto has turned into a graphic archive of inspiration for new designs. Welcome to my world. Muhaha!

Ramp Up

Most of our lives everyone has always tried to fit each of us into a “box”, very similarly dimensioned, homogenized boxes at that. Telling us what to do and how to do it. Its funny to me that despite our varying interests, talents and gifts how we are all taught one size fits all. Ya know “go to college and get a ‘stable’ job and live ‘happily ever after’.”

Then somewhere along the way in this “pursuit of happiness” you realize that the ‘fit’ isn’t quite tailored to fit you, at all. College didn’t feel right or that “dream job” turned out to be the most unfulfilling thing in your life.

And then it happens. The moment you decide to let the waist out on your stifling Dockers and do something different. Your own way. And finding that is a whole ‘nother obstacle in itself.

Most of the time the obvious way around an obstacle isn't necessarily the only way. Looking for another option is part of the “Ramp Up.” When we “Ramp Up,” we achieve the same goals as anyone else, but through a different method. It works in education, career, personal finance, social causes, politics, relationships, etc.

Now when you “Ramp Up” there will be people that feel that going outside textbook defined strategy is cheating. You will here the “hate” when you succeed without the struggle. It's not fair to adapt to your surroundings or find a creative solution -- and it's not fair to create an entirely new playbook, because that throws the existing one into chaos.

It's only natural that some people feel this way. If you spend your whole life taking the long road, of course you'll be resentful when someone finds a shortcut.

But some rules were made to be broken, and other rules can be bended. In both cases there is almost always more than one way to accomplish something.

H-town Sneaker Summit is around the corner

Its that time of the year again and the Htown Sneaker Summit is quickly approaching. This year its going to be at the Toyota Center! So you know we will be there in full effect. And as usual Chattaboxes for everyone. If you don't know about it, in a nutshell, the H-Town Sneaker Summit is the largest and longest running event of its kind in the entire Southwest where Sneaker Enthusiasts from all walks of life gather to discuss sneakers & fashion in a huge party atmosphere! I hope that sums it up. If not check out the video below.

Greasy Spoon Tee: Grits Apparel X Complete Clothing

To kick the new year off right we at Grits Apparel are doing what we do best, an exclusive shirt release. This time we're going intrastate, collaborating with fellow Texas brand, Complete Clothing out of Austin. The Greasy Spoon tee is an ode to the local restaurants that we frequent so much, for the authentic taste of Texas. What better place but to do that than in Austin? Where the local flavor is always exciting.

Not much for resolutions, I am however into making better habits. So throughout 2011 Grits will be habitually adding more seasoning to the pot, spicing stuff up and bringing even more to the table. So be on the look out for some new or perhaps unexpected things to boil over. I just have a lot of crazy shirt ideas that I really want to release as well as other limited edition items and a few exclusive events.

So come out we’ll be serving up a good heaping of Grits and enough free beer to go around. And yes, just like all our other shirts, once they’re gone, they’re gone.

From the desk of Grits

Say Hello to my little friends.



Another man's trash is another man's treasure. Diggin at Half Price Books always turns up some gold.


Do you remember Highlights for children?

Whats Cooking

We are only 11 days in to the new year and things are already moving. We have a couple of cool events planned. Here is a preview of the goodness the we have instore for you!

Being sensible sucks

I loathe sensible. We are all taught from an early age to be practical and sensible, which will lead to a safe existence , which is apparently the underlying "American Dream". But for me practical has always equaled average, and sensibility leads to a stepford life of 9-5 monotony.

No one who ever did anything up-roaringly remarkable got there by thinking, "I should probably be more levelheaded, practical & realistic. Yes, that will surely launch me straight to success."

You know what level-headed, practical, painstakingly realistic people... " The Average" do?

They wait in silence hoping that they would be "discovered." They suffer as the result of their own philosophies and fears, never conscious of the fact that it is their very own sword that they are impaling themselves upon.


• The "average" walk around the world wishing they could have just had some more guts.
• The "level-headed" wish they could have just taken that one risk.
• The "realistic" wish they could have just dreamed a little bigger.

And then there is YOU, who knows better.

Which will you be?

No Grits No Glory

New Packaging.

As 2010 came to an end we left some aromas lingering for the exciting things we've got cooking up for the new year. Well, we can't let all the Grits out the bag, but just to wet your palette here's a sneak peak at our new custom shipping packaging, keeping all your orders fresh! Here's the first batch. Bon Appetit!

They Say You Say

For all those who believe in "No Grits No Glory" ... This is for you.

When pursuing any love, their will always be Resistance. It can manifest itself in you or in other people. It is always most difficult to see it in yourself, but outside "Resistance” is REAL and should never be taken lightly. See, when you pursue your passion, the world will react differently toward you.

If you are confident, they will say you are arrogant.

If you are deliberate, they will say you are too sure of yourself.

If you have a sense of purpose, they will say you are full of it.

If you know who you are, they will ask, "Who are you, anyway?"

If you believe in compassion, they will say you are naïve.

If you are a dreamer, they will say "Join the real world."

If you are a rebel, they will try to shut you down.

And they will tell you to slow down and be patient. Be safe.

And for a moment you will believe what your " friends" will tell you, but something is different this time. You can’t swallow it. The pill won’t go down. Then you will hear a small voice tell you what you already knew...

They are jealous, because they want what you have.

They are afraid of change, even as they crave it.

They are projecting their own regret into resentment of you.

It's not all bad news: some of them will sort themselves out and some will end up joining you. Because you are a good person and have had plenty of false starts of your own, you'll understand and welcome them warmly. We've missed you! You’ll say. It's about time you made it.

As for the others?

To quote Gandhi, "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."

Happy Mondays!!

What it dew! I know its a little early to be calling 2011, but geeez, yesterday sure did give me feeling of wonder and excitement for new experiences and possibilities! Even this MONDAY morning! I can feel this year is going to be the best. EVER! Correct? I sure as hell think so! Its back to kitchen. Have your self a damn gritty week peeps!