“I’m Marlo Luces, the Founder and Artist of Cruzlight Apparel.”
How was life growing up?
“I grew up as an introvert kid who cares a lot about arts.”
When did you first begin to witness you had creative talents?
“Since I was a kid, I draw a lot of stuff, mostly weird things, skulls, demons, etc. some people call it “satanic” but I don’t care. I was a painter before I learn graphic design. And then I started to have ideas of putting my arts on t-shirts, and that’s when I started dreaming of starting my own clothing line.”
How did the name Cruzlight Apparel come about?
“Cruzlight came from my name. “Cruz”, my middle name, and “Luces”, a Spanish word means ”Light”.”
Why did you decide to choose making clothes your medium of choice?
“I was inspired by other local brands and started to think that I also want to make art through shirts and I have the ability to do that. Also, I think it would be great to have my arts printed on shirts and see people wearing it.”
With starting a brand, there’s always adversity you face in the beginning. What difficulties have you faced so far?
“Cruzlight apparel started on the year 2014, I was 1st year architecture student. I don’t know that much in starting a clothing brand. The first time I’m about to release shirts together with my friend, mark, we tried to print shirts on our own, we tried to do the silkscreen printing. The result was not that good but we sell it on a low price. More than 30 people ordered our first release which is not bad for starting brand. But the next release is hard because of our first bad product. The hardest part is that we have to gain more customers and trust.”
There are a lot of brands out right now. How do you look to set yourself apart from them?
“I just do artworks that is different from other brands, that’s why cruzlight is still running, if I don’t, people will just go for other brands. Cruzlight has its own identity and I don’t go with the trends and I’m comfortable with that.”
You recently drop snapback, what inspired this concept?
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| CRUZLIGHT SNAPBACK |
“Some of my customers and friends asked for it. It’s inspired by our brand concept itself. It is embroidered with our rebellion logo and our slogan “worship no one” at the back.”
What could we be expecting from Cruzlight Apparel as the rest of the year rolls out?
“More heavier designs, new products and possible collaborations with other brands or bands.”
As a company, where do you see Cruzlight Apparel going?
“I see cruzlight apparel going not just in Philippines but in other parts of the world.”
What you’ve learned over the years with Cruzlight Apparel?
“I’ve learned that If things doesn’t turn out to be good, just keep on going. There will be always hindrances and struggle in trying to achieve “success”.”
When it’s all said and done how would you like to be remembered?
“Cruzlight will be remembered as a brand that inspire people to be different and independent. Also with our slogan “worship no one, free yourself” that promotes freedom against beliefs and religions.”
Lastly, big advice to small brands.
“Running a brand is not easy, there will be a lot of struggles and hindrances, but don’t let these things bring you down. Just keep on going and keep on dreaming.”
INSTAGRAM: @CRUZLIGHT
FACEBOOK: @CRUZLIGHTAPPAREL
