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

Hi Nichole, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process was honestly all over the place when it first came to mind that I even wanted to have my own business. I almost instantly started thinking about all the reasons why I shouldn’t and why it might fail, which is a horrible way to start! I have friends who are currently business owners or previously had businesses and from them, I heard all the downside to owning a business and how much effort goes into building from the ground up in addition to building a brand and was completely overwhelmed. It took me actually speaking to my various friends and getting their insights, sitting with the idea of it, and finally making a decision on whether I really wanted this. In the end, I knew I wanted it!! I thought about myself as that kid in the alternative fashion store and not seeing bands and culturally relevant gear that represented me as a Black youth in those scenes and how much of a difference it would have made to have that. So I want to make sure that other kids, teens, and adults are able to have access to those items in a way that I did not.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I was always the “feedback loop” for my friends and their ideas so it’s kind of weird to be in the opposite position and ask for feedback on the designs I’m putting together and my ideas. It’s always humbling to have this great idea in your head that doesn’t really translate on paper, so to speak, and having to either scrap the whole design or rework it into something new. I think what’s going to set Funky Tai apart from all the other graphic tees out there is not only the subject matter, but just providing gear that pays homage to the vast number of Black and Brown bands in the metal, rock, punk, funk, etc scenes and maybe this will bring to light bands that people may have never even heard of or vaguely know about. That’s what I’m most excited about, bringing these bands to the young ones so they can see their place in the music they love.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh wow, a whole week??? Let’s see…

Sunday would start with brunch at Kai’s Table in DTLA which puts us within walking distance of LA Live, where there is usually always something going on. If lucky we might be able to catch a Lakers or Clippers game to finish out the evening.

Monday we would head to the beach! Perfect because most everyone else will be at work so we would have a chance to enjoy it without the heavy crowds you usually have on the weekends at Santa Monica Pier. For lunch, we would grab something at the OG Hot Dog on A Stick on the Venice Boardwalk. Legit thee most delicious lemonade on the planet! More shenanigans on the beach until dinner time when we will head to the Promenade and go to The Misfit Bar. Great food and awesome crafted drinks.

Tuesday is “Taco Tuesday” so that day will be spent hitting up all the amazing taco stands/spots like Desvelados, Teddy’s Tacos, Cacao Mexicatessen, Mariscos Jalisco….oh my lordt, just so many haha.

Wednesday would be a day of rest where we would go to our local, Verdugo Bar in Mount Washington, and have some drinks.

Thursday we would head to Long Beach and hang out at the Aquarium of the Pacific then head to the iconic Gladstone’s for lunch. The evening will conclude with a luxury harbor cruise that includes wine and snacks with gorgeous views of the harbor.

Friday will find us in South LA and of course we gotta check out the Watts Tower and the Watts Labor Community Action Committee, the Watts Coffee House, Leimert Park, West Adams, then over to Baldwin Hills to catch views at Kenneth Hahn State Park.

Friday will wrap up with dinner and drinks at the legendary Harold & Belle’s.

Saturday will be Malibu all day!! Of course we gotta get there early to get good parking and real estate on the sand. Dinner will be at Nobu with more views as the night goes on.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to send a shoutout to a couple of people actually.

LaTosha Craft, thank you so much for everything and for being an example of what being your authentic self as an entrepreneur looks like. I have learned so much from you about all the behind-the-scenes effort it takes to support your dream and that each new day is an additional opportunity to be successful.

Rashad Adams, I came to you with doubts and you basically told me that I was in my own way while immediately offering your support and resources to help me succeed. Thank you so much for being that friend who knew what I needed to hear and exactly HOW I needed to hear it.

Frank Ruiz, your support and encouragement throughout the decision process was essential. You basically put the wings on my back and told me to fly high! I really cannot put into words how much I appreciate you.

Instagram: instagram.com/funkytaidesigns

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendation  s and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.