Fine china and broken tea cups. Nathan (Nate) Hernandez, a 19-year-old freshman at Penn State Abington, is turning lemons to lemonade with his brand Uncultured. He has found a way to
change the image of coming from the “ghetto” into a positive movement.
In a recent interview, over laughs, genuineness and frank talk, Nate shared what makes Uncultured so unique… which was him.
According to the free dictionary, the word “uncultured” means “not characterized by good taste, manners or education… not cultured; not maintained by means of a culture.” Nate is proving that definition wrong. In 2014, he, his older brother Emmanuel, and close childhood friends formed Uncultured, not only as a brand, but as a family as well. Uncultured represents “creativity and people’s personal struggle.”
Nathan was born in North Philly and soon moved to West Philly at 8. Artistic skills must run in the family. Growing up, Nate picked up all of his artistic skills from Emmanuel, and soon fell in love with tattoos. Nate was just an artistic person with a dream to be different.
Society tends to place a label and restriction on individuals who come from the “ghetto.” Growing up in West Philly brings many unfortunate battles and it takes a certain strong, powerful, and motivating person to stand out and make a difference.
Nate’s mom, Ms. Rodriguez, is his hero and motivator to keep him going.
As he spoke of her, his face lit up with happiness and comfort. He shared his mom’s powerful and strong contribution to Uncultured.
He said, “Never let anything stop her; there were times when we barely had money to eat, but she would make sure we were good.” Times and experiences such as those are what make Uncultured original.
Hoodies, tees, hats, posters — you name it. Uncultured’s logo is the best part so far in the development of the brand. Soon we will be seeing a cute little fancy, tatted tea cup logo plastered around every part of Philly.
Nate explains, “The broken tea cup symbolizes high society. I come from low society, but yeah. I’m still educated and able to get things done.” The tattoos going on “fine china” is inspired by Nate’s passion for tattoos, but also brings the edge of where he comes from.
The LGBTQ community plays a role in the brand and Nate’s personal life as well. Being a member of LGBTQ, he plans on fundraising and always supporting the community. “We aren’t surrounded by people like us. You feel outcasted… but I feel like giving to that community may allow more people to be free and more open.” The Uncultured family represents LGBTQ, inner city struggles and broken homes but speaks to everyone with its brand.
So, what should we be looking forward to and expecting from Uncultured? In April, a video produced by a friend will provide us with events from Nate’s day-to-day life as he models his own brand.
“I want people to see me wear the clothing… it represents me along with a lot of other people.” All Summer ’17, Uncultured will be marketing, promoting and expanding.
In 10 years, Nate sees him and the Uncultured family as successful.
“Not in the sense that we’ll be rich — that’s not successful to me. In a sense that everything that we want accomplished, has been accomplished. Setting new goals for ourselves, constantly inspiring people.”
So, for all of you “uncultured” dicitionary.com people, look out, because the REAL Uncultured is proving everyone wrong. And to those who are “uncultured” and facing society’s struggles, just heed Nate’s advice: “Don’t get discouraged; with time comes great things.”
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