Proper: Tell us a little about yourself.
Voy-Voy: I live in Jacksonville, FL. I’m a senior in the business school at Georgetown University.
Proper: How and when did you start Voy-Voy?
Voy-Voy: The company began as a conversation between my father and myself about 7 years ago. The brand and ideology evolved over the years until we essentially had a verbal business plan drawn out. My Dad and I decided that if there was ever an appropriate time in my life to try a venture like this it was now. This was around Christmas of my sophomore year. We began a more formal discussion and some legal processes to establish the company and our logo at that time. I was busy with school and a summer internship in 2010 but we began working with anyone we knew with experience in design, marketing, graphic design…I spent my Junior year creating the website and working through prototypes of our clothing. We had a final product on June 30th, 2011 and made our first sale in New York City on July 1st, 2011.
Proper: Why should customers choose your brand?
Voy-Voy: We started VoyVoy without the intention of building a specific product, but rather a philosophy about design and style that lead to the shirts we make today. We actually began as a bathing suit company, but during our design process discovered a great way to reinvent a pretty standard product, shirts with pockets.
Proper: Where can our viewers buy your clothing?
Voy-Voy: We sell all our products through our online store at www.voy-voy.com. We will begin selling through select retailers later this spring. We also host a series of collegiate shows throughout the semester, all the info for stores and campus sales can be found on our Facebook.
Proper: What separates you from your competitors?
Voy-Voy: The idea behind our brand was not to make a certain product. We did not start with the goal to make a better polo shirt. We do not say we wanted to make a tee shirt that was more comfortable than Brand X. What we said was simple, we believe in amazing quality products, subtle design that is minimal but not boring, that is sophisticated but not pretentious.
Proper: College kids are always looking to become a campus rep. Do you do anything like this?
Voy-Voy: We do have a campus rep program. We are certainly looking to grow this group and add more ambassadors. Those who are interested should message us through our Facebook page.
Proper: Where are the headquarters?
Voy-Voy: I founded VoyVoy in 2010. It is currently run out of my college apartment, but will be relocating to New York after graduation.
Proper: How did you come about choosing the logo?
Voy-Voy: The name VoyVoy came from Latin America. A Spanish expression meaning “I go, I go”. Howler monkey’s surround the beaches in the same region my dad and I first heard the expression. The full story of our logo is this:
In classic Mayan art, monkeys are both deviant and divine creatures. They play tricks and provide laughter. In contrast, they are hard workers and creative artists. To the Mayans, they represent both the seriousness and laughter in life.
While travelling in Central America today, one can’t help but notice the howler monkeys that dangle from every branch along the beach. Our Howler, the little guy with the big smile, reminds us to take care of his planet, each other, and ourselves.
Proper: If there’s one product the brand is known for, what is it and why is it the company’s signature product?
Voy-Voy: Our signature product is certainly our pocket shirts, The Pocket Square Polos and Tees. They encompass our design philosophy to the T, simple design with just enough detail and color to change the entire piece.
Proper: What are the plans for the future of the company?
Voy-Voy: We have many plans for new products and markets. For now it is just working with time and seeing when we can get to the next level.
Proper: Any plans for further expansion in the North and West?
Voy-Voy: We have plans to work with stores and college reps across the country.
Check out their Facebook Page here!
