Building on his track record of scaling brands into premium retailers, Atlanta-based entrepreneur Archie Clay III has strategically positioned Brain Love in Bloomingdale’s within six months of launch. He pairs avant-garde collections with youth mental health initiatives through partnerships like Silence The Shame (donating 5% of profits).
Clay’s connection to mental health advocacy stems from his father’s lifelong struggles and his journey of resilience, fueling his mission to “soften the conversation” around mental health in the Black community. The impact is evident in Brain Love’s sold-out Bloomingdale’s trunk shows and $50K+ donated to mental health initiatives since 2023.
His formula is built on Clay’s 8-year track record:
Refining strategies from previous retail triumphs while embedding social impact into every design. Leveraging proven retail expertise from his prior luxury hat brand, WEAR BRIMS—which achieved national success in Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus—has made Brain Love 2025’s fastest-rising conscious luxury label, showcasing how purpose-driven design can secure shelf space in retailers.
We reached out to Archie Clay III, CEO and Founder of Brain Love, for an exclusive interview to discuss the highs and lows of his retail journey, from securing partnerships with luxury department stores to integrating mental health values into every aspect of Brain Love’s strategy.
1. Your journey in the retail industry has taken you through some major milestones. What does working with luxury retailers like Bloomingdale’s mean for your new venture - Brain Love?
"I've been working with Bloomingdale’s since our launch in September 2023, starting with consistent pop-ups, then moving into trunk shows, and now having our products stocked in the Bloomingdale’s Atlanta location. Walking into the store and seeing our brand on display is an incredible feeling, especially in today’s retail climate. Retail is a crucial component of a brand’s success and a key part of our strategy for scaling Brain Love to the next level."
"We've hosted multiple events at Bloomingdale’s to build community and engage with their customers. One of my most memorable moments was the day party we curated—it was an incredible experience, and we truly brought the city out. Beyond Bloomingdale’s, we are also in Xhibition and Bas House, two amazing specialty boutiques that align with our brand’s vision."
2. Entering the shelves of top-tier retailers is a dream for many designers. What strategy did you use to get noticed by such prestigious stores?
"I love this question because it's something I get asked often. Honestly, the key factors have been faith, consistency, a great product, and, most importantly, people actually buying your product. There’s no set path to securing retail partnerships. My journey with retailers through my previous brand, WEAR BRIMS, was different from my path with Brain Love. However, one thing remains constant—you have to stay focused on your journey and align with stores that truly believe in your brand.
"Before pushing to get into retail stores, ask yourself: Are you ready? Will your brand succeed even if your friends and family don’t make purchases? If the answer is no, continue building your brand until the demand is there. If the answer is yes, show value to the retailer by hosting a pop-up and proving you can move units. Retail buyers want to see sales performance, and demonstrating that demand upfront can open doors. Most importantly, have faith—this retail journey can be challenging, but once you get in, it provides a powerful way to generate new customers, build community, and drive sales."
📷: @aymrwilson
3. Looking back on your retail journey, what key lessons have you learned?
Reflecting on my retail journey, it has been both an incredible and educational experience. Here are some key lessons that can help other fashion entrepreneurs break into major department stores:
Be Consistent – "Success in retail doesn’t happen overnight. Stay committed to your brand and strategy."
Presentation Matters – "Always showcase your product in the best way possible, from content creation to in-store experiences. A lack of funding shouldn’t stop you from executing great marketing."
Persistence is Key – "Retail partnerships take time. Buyers may not respond immediately, but don’t take it personally. Keep following up and building relationships."
Trust Your Instincts – "If something doesn’t feel right, trust that instinct. It’s often the right call."
Understand the Business Side – "Scaling a brand isn’t just about creativity; knowing the financial and operational aspects of retail is crucial."
4. Brain Love aims to impact mental health narratives, how do you integrate these values into your strategy?
"At Brain Love, we ensure that everything we do has a meaningful impact on our community. Currently, we’re developing a holistic mental health program in collaboration with an incredible nonprofit, Kids Gyms. Additionally, we prioritize hosting mental health conversations through panels and fireside chats."
"Our mission is to equip young people with life skills that promote mental stability and self-awareness. We all face challenges in life, and understanding mental wellness helps us navigate those tough times. Brain Love is committed to telling authentic, real-life stories through our campaigns and ensuring that our products represent the narratives and stigmas we aim to challenge."
5. As you look ahead, what are your primary goals for BRAIN LOVE over the next five years?
In the next five years, Brain Love will be recognized as a leading brand in the fashion industry.
Our primary goals include:
Scaling our retail presence – "Expanding within Bloomingdale’s to all locations and establishing a partnership with Nordstrom, which we are currently working on."
Expanding into new markets – "Entering more specialty boutiques across the U.S. and expanding internationally, particularly into South Africa."
Building major partnerships –" Strengthening collaborations with nonprofits, corporate partners, and industry leaders to create impactful programs."
Becoming a brand for the people – "We want Brain Love to be synonymous with social impact, mental health awareness, and community-driven initiatives. Our journey is just beginning, and we’re excited about the future ahead!"
