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

Hi Ernie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Ernie Bannister:  The thought process behind starting my fashion brand began in October of 2016 while I was walking and saw a vision (in my mind) of man or person wearing a hat with the word “MORE”.  I instantly knew I was going to start a clothing brand but did not know what the “MORE” meant or what it was going to stand for because all I saw as a flash of a person wearing a hat with the word “MORE” on it.  As I pondered, I came up with an original acronym for what MORE would mean but it did not sit well with me so I scrapped it.  As I was wondering what MORE was going to mean, a voice thundered in my head that said “GOD IS MAGNANIMOUS!” and I knew that was it! or at least what the M would stand for; then as I thought on it the rest of the acronym came to me; “Over Resentment Everyday” and from there, Magnanimous Over Resentment Everyday (M.O.R.E.) was birthed!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

The art we use is symbolic and ranges from contemporary to abstract expressions. In like manner to the iconic Keith Haring and historic Egyptian hieroglyphics, our flash ship design uses stylized silhouettes to convey a particular message in pictorial form.

What sets you apart from others?
With so many great designers in the US and the world it is truly hard to separate yourself but we have been told on so many occasions that our brand is “different” and we think it is because we are combining fashion and art to promote the virtue of magnanimity.

What you are most proud of or excited about?
We are most excited about how the brand appeals to so many people of dissimilar backgrounds.

How did you get to where you are today professionally?
Just understanding this is a marathon and not a sprint and that art takes time to form and be socialized with the masses.  Also, it truly takes a village to raise a child; the child being the concept or idea given to me and the village being the many people (graphic designers, artist, advisors, photographers, videographers, etc.) that contribute to the furtherance of the brand or child.

Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?
No, it is not easy at all and is perhaps the most challenging professional endeavor I have ever faced. I will not say I have overcome the challenges, rather, I am learning from my mistakes and trying not repeat them while finding ways to be more efficient.

What are the lessons you have learned along the way?
I learned to trust the process and not to rush, measure twice and cut once.  Also learned not let perfect be the enemy of good (but that is hard for me… lol).

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I want the world to know that M.O.R.E. is a brand for everyone regardless of one’s philosophy, sexuality, gender identity, or spirituality. M.O.R.E. emphasizes the great virtue (magnanimity) and elevation of the mind, focused on positivity, and rejecting negativity or resentfulness.

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 think it would be a combination of local spots and upscale eateries and hangouts. I would for sure take them to the institution called In-N-Out Burger, that may be a multiple day visit, for breakfast we would go to one of the local donut spots for coffee and donuts also; another multiday visit. I think one of the days would have to involve going to Blaze Pizza and for sure a day for authentic Mexican cuisine! As far as hangouts, I am a big fan of outdoor parks, so I would take them to Angels Gate Park but would also do some shopping at places like Del Amo Fashion Center

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

To Crystal, my BFF and wife for enduring this journey and being a great support to me and to the family members, friends, and co-workers who took the time to listen to me share my vision and provide their thoughts and perspectives.

Website: more-message-art-style.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magnanimus_ovr_resntmnt_evrydy/

Image Credits
Patrick B. Magee Christopher Edwards Bryanna Goode Derick Bonilla

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