When it comes to pursuing your dreams you can never start too early and 21 year old Jeremie Howell isn’t waiting. The Brooklyn, New York native has his own up and coming clothing line called Upz & Downz, which he started when he was only 16. Howell would rock his personal, hand drawn designs to school and many began to take notice and ask about his clothes.

“People would ask me where I got my stuff, and I just told them I made it myself,” said Howell. From there, his friends and family began to encourage his talent and transform it into a business. “They saw potential in me and my designs.” While brainstorming what to call his line, his brother came up with Upz & Downz. “My brother was saying how everyone has their ups and downs in life, and I liked that concept so I decided to go along with it.”

The urban wear line mostly consists of Tees and hoodies, which Howell designs by hand and does customizations as well. Howell is looking to expand his line into stores and appealing to a more mature crowd. “I want to design slacks, khakis, etc. I want my line to be more grown and sexy. I want to see my parents wearing my clothing,” exclaimed Howell. He also plans to transition his signature hand drawn technique into screen-printing. However, these future plans for his line have also built some bridges that are hard to get over. “Trying to get my clothes into stores has been a struggle for me. I also want to screen print, but I have to get my money right.” Howell seems to have his own ‘ups and downs’ while pursuing his clothing business endeavor.

Being a young entrepreneur requires knowing how to multitask, which is another struggle Howell encounters. He is currently a student at the Art Institute of Washington, and says that trying to balance school and his line is difficult. “I definitely think that school is a priority. My clothing line comes second,” he stated. Howell advises and stresses to other inspiring entrepreneurs to stay in school and get their education, but when school is over Upz & Downz will take precedence.

He hopes his clothing line will eventually become a huge success among celebrities and pop stars including Jay-Z and Kanye West, who definitely are some of the most fashionable moguls in the industry. In order to be successful, Howell advises for young aspiring businessmen and women to be tenacious and believe in their potential. “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it.” Following your dreams will get you success, and Howell is proving this everyday.