Today we’d like to introduce you to Tramell Orr.
Hi Tramell, I am so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Born and raised in the inner city of Cleveland, OH, some might say my thirst for success is innate. I’m Tramell Orr, owner of Mello Six LLC. My journey into entrepreneurship began at 17 when I started my first business venture, living in a room in my uncle’s basement. It was the summer before college, and boredom struck. So, naturally, I brainstormed ways to get my name out to the world and make money. Starting so young, I bumped my head a lot. I was stubborn and never asked for help, which made the early years of my journey very difficult, but I persevered. Mello Six has since outgrown the basement and is thriving more than ever. It’s no longer a one-person army, and what started as only t-shirts is now an entire streetwear apparel catalog with thousands of supporters. As I mentioned, the early years of my journey were more difficult due to my overbearing sense of independence. Teenage me feared my elders would doubt my plans if I was always asking for help. I recall never even asking an adult to drive me to the store to get what I needed. I’d catch buses and walk to get supplies several times a week.
The first 1-2 years were me succeeding and growing in business but struggling to keep up. This led to me feeling burnt out. What I once loved suddenly became stressful and challenging to keep up with. Remember that I was a full-time college student at the time and still had a work-study job. I sat in my dorm and brainstormed. I scoured the internet, seeking ways to alleviate my stress before giving up on my dream. Of course — Google didn’t have any answers for me.
Ultimately, I decided to leap of faith and rebrand my business entirely. I started out making custom t-shirts. So, customers would describe what they wanted; I’d design and then make it. Most of my orders were for family reunions, funeral services, high schools, etc., which was time-consuming. I switched gears and started designing my own merchandise, no more custom orders. I loved this much more because it cut out the time spent creating designs for hundreds of people. I started a clothing brand that I’d always dreamt of. I began to feel good about being an entrepreneur again.
During my four years in college, I often had to take breaks from my business to focus on my studies. I was a Neuroscience major, so trying to juggle both stressed me, but dreaming of a bright future in my head motivated me. I’ve always been interested in science/medicine, but it was never my passion. Since graduating college in 2022, I’ve been able to dedicate a lot more time to Mello Six and focus on growing my brand. I no longer refuse help; I seek it. I know that I cannot do everything alone to reach new heights. My business team has gained a few members, and our main goal is to keep providing our customers with the best quality clothing. Although I attribute a lot of my success to my insane desire to win and reach my goals, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of family, friends, and God’s will.
Beyond building my brand, I’m very committed to giving back to my community and empowering the next generation. This is why I recently founded a non-profit organization, Mello Six University, which focuses on teaching youth the vital skills of entrepreneurship, including crafting business plans and understanding financial literacy. As I mentioned, I grew up in the inner city of Cleveland, in “not-so-good” neighborhoods, so I know the importance of having someone show you the way. I love fashion and clothing design, but nothing warms my heart more than hearing that I was able to make a difference. After I reach my desired destination and accomplish my life’s goals, it’ll be my job to show the community that raised me that anything is attainable with hard work and perseverance.
P.S. The “six” in Mello Six is a manifestation period of six years. I first began manifesting owning a clothing brand at age 14. It became my reality at age 20. 6 years.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has undoubtedly been a challenging road. However, I can’t list all the struggles I experienced along the way. Most of the time, I looked for a solution so fast that I didn’t even have time to realize I was struggling. Being raised by a single mom, I’m no stranger to struggle. The struggles I faced within my business were more than just hurdles in my eyes. However, one of the main struggles I will mention is a lack of ability to identify problems. People often think solving a problem is difficult, but imagine not even knowing what is causing you to fail. The ability to identify a problem is frequently overlooked. Over the years, I’ve learned to be a problem identifier and solution finder. Even when things are seemingly perfect — I’m looking for ways to make them even better.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am currently the creative director and CEO of Mello Six LLC. I create all the designs and plan photo/video shoot concepts while leading my small team. I ultimately make sure the business is growing and customers are happy. I specialize in my creative director role. I love to create. I am only a CEO because I have to be. I enjoy the creative side of business and don’t plan on being a CEO forever. I am most proud of my clothing designs and how they’ve matured and improved with me as I’ve gotten older. It still blows my mind that people buy clothing with my name on it. I am known for my satin-lined hoodies. My hoodies were some of the first to include satin inside the hood to protect people’s hair. Some people loved the satin for the looks, while others loved that it protected their hair. What sets me apart from other clothing brands is the unique designs that I create, the quality of my own merchandise, and my desire to give back. Only a few clothing brands also have a non-profit organization attached.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
First and foremost, I must give all praise and credit to the Most High. Also, credit is due to my family and friends for always believing in me and pushing me to be the greatest I can be. My sister, for always supporting me in all that I do. My mom for doing the best she could for me with what she had. Much credit is due to my team: my manufacturers, marketing team, photographer(s), and former manager. My team is small-minded, but they help me succeed and push me toward improvement.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mellosix.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/llemart
- Twitter: twitter.com/mellosix
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@mellosixapparel
Image Credits
Jace Bank Yantze Arocho Drico Lamar Tashira Ware
