Meet Terell Stubbs | Artist/Small Business Owner

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

Hi Terell, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued an artistic career because I feel like that’s our true purpose here on Earth. We go to work because we need money to survive, but I believe everyone in this world has a creative gift that we have to tap into. I feel like the creator made me to be creative, make memories with people I love & return home with my human experience.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My brand is called LALIEN Gear. The alien doesn’t necessarily mean extraterrestrial but more so unique, different from the norm. We can either become our environment or use it as fuel to make a change. I wanted to express my creativity through unique artwork & concepts. The biggest challenge has been balancing “alien” with Los Angeles style. I’m still learning as I go but there are a lot of risks when it comes to starting a business but I believe I offer product that is 1 of 1.

I want the brand to become a LA staple. If someone randomly visits the city I want them to say “I can’t leave LA without buying a hoodie from LALIEN Gear”. I still have a ways to go but my end result will be success. I made my first shirt 4 years ago & I’ve came a long way since then.

It all started from my music career, The LALIEN is also my rap name. Like I said simply meaning different from the norm, a shift in perspective.

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.
Me personally I’d take them around Inglewood, which is where I was raised. I love Fiesta Martin so that’s a must. I’d take them around Leimert to get some good food & shop small black businesses like Nappily Naturals. We’d go to Simply Wholesome, Calo Kitchen, Hopdoddy, etc. There are many food places I’d stop at even in Long Beach.

Im a laid back chill guy so I dont need much to have a good time. Chilling on a boat has been a good pass time hobby recently.

I’d also drive around the city to show some unique murals of our best artists from the city.

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?
My parents, my sister, my girlfriend, and a few of my close friends. There have been plenty of times when I doubted myself but they would constantly remind me of my talents. If you don’t believe in yourself who else will ? So I had to keep replaying that in my head every time I begin to question myself.

Website: Thelalien.com

Instagram: @Thelalien_

Twitter: @TheLALIEN

Youtube: Thelalien

Image Credits
Aly Neblett Galaxy S22 Ultra