Meet EFFRAIM | Visual Artist and CEO of Clothing brand HATELAND.CO

We had the good fortune of connecting with EFFRAIM and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi EFFRAIM, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
At first, I was nervous. It was my senior year of High School, and the pandemic had just begun. During my newfound free time, I would create custom artist merch and album covers for my own entertainment. I realized I could bring original ideas and art to life. With enough time and effort, I could financially support myself by doing what I love, creating art. During that time, I constantly came across the phrase, “Be the change you want.” Although this applies to more serious matters, I like to use it for anything I believe I can do better than whoever is currently doing it. During this time, I noticed a large influx of streetwear “entrepeneurs” who were only familiar with MS Paint, creating incredibly cheesy and played-out motifs. I realized that as well as the designs, the quality of the clothes was also lacking. At that moment, I knew I could create something better. Something more human and less money-grabbing. I decided to put the brand’s creativity and personality above the money aspect to spread positivity and build a community.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What separates my clothing from the rest, Is that each item is designed solely by me. I only make things that I would wear and plan to keep it that way for the rest of my life. I am the only person involved in shipping; I include stickers and handwritten notes with each order. I’m definitely a believer in treating my supporters like my friends since, without them, this would never ever be where it is now and where it will be in the future. I’m always trying to do and be better than who I was yesterday, and my brand reflects that.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m always trying to make memories with whoever I hang out with. I’d show them around NYC and eat all the ice cream we can stomach. I recently discovered Catch’n Ice Cream, and their Strawberry Shortcake flavor is to die for. I like SoHo. I want to people-watch and rate their outfits, drain my bank account at clothing stores, and enjoy the overpriced food the area offers. Once night hits, I’d want to either walk around the city, enjoying the lights, or just stay in and watch a movie! I love watching Marvel movies with friends.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, I’d like to thank anybody who has ever liked, commented, shared, or purchased anything from my brand. It’s mainly just me doing this, so It really means the world to me to see people enjoying my art. Next, I would only be able to do this with my friend and photographer Jody (@jodyshotyou), who pours his heart into his photography; he’s incredibly talented. I’d also like to thank Marko at Noreen Seabrook. During my brief time working with him, He taught me many things, including that my art is an extension of myself and that I should never forget that. One of my closest friends, Allegra, who’s also an extremely talented human being, always gives me painfully honest critiques when I’m unsure of a design or artwork. Finally, I’d like to thank my parents, siblings, Zach, and the rest of my family, who always support me in chasing my dreams.

(If I could thank Spider-Man, I would do that too.)

Website: hateland.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hateland.co/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/effraim-aloni-130623207/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hateland__

Image Credits
Jody Santiago (jodyshot.us)