SYRACUSE, NY (WSYR-TV) — The Everson Museum of Art hosted a community pop-up shop where local business owners displayed their wares throughout the plaza.
One of those business owners was Syracuse native Allen Newsom, who started designing at age 14 when he asked his father for an unusual birthday present.
My dad asked me what I wanted for my birthday and I had almost everything I wanted so I told him I wanted a sewing machine,” Newsome said, “He kind of looked at me funny and said, ‘A sewing machine? ,’ ‘Yeah, I want a sewing machine,’ so he said, ‘Okay.’
“So we went to the store and got a sewing machine,” he said, “and I learned how to do it, I started making clothes because back then I just wanted to make things that people couldn’t buy.”
However, over the years, Newsome’s love of design began to connect with his love of design, with his passion for helping others.
What I plan to do is create an umbrella in the community,” Newsome said.
“We’re starting with Allen Newsome, we’re starting it, we’re going through it, and then we’re going to branch out and I want to help all the other local designers and all the other entrepreneurs that I can help,” he said, “Plant the seed and help them formulate their business.”
His friend and brand ambassador Marcell TBE Mus’ab Washington agreed, saying it’s about much more than just a clothing brand.
“Definitely more in helping the community and helping people like he was talking about.”
Washington said, “We are in the business of building our community and cleaning up as opposed to tearing it down.”
Newsome places particular emphasis on the Syracuse community, where he most wants to build.
“A lot of times people will become successful in the city they’re from and then move,” he said, “I want to become successful here and build here, plant a seed in the people and community here and watch it grow.”
