Rising Stars: Meet Nick Fridenmaker of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Fridenmaker.

Hi Nick, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Cousin Boujee started in 2019 with a passion for creating original apparel and artwork. We began by selling through our website, working with local retail stores, and eventually taking our brand to trade shows and sneaker conventions, where we connected with people who appreciated unique, creative designs.

Over the years, we’ve continued to grow by focusing on quality, originality, and craftsmanship. Today, Cousin Boujee is expanding both its apparel and artwork, creating products that let people express themselves while continuing to grow our brand through events, online sales, and new creative projects.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not. Even today, it’s far from a smooth road. One of our biggest challenges is being a small business while trying to reach the level of manufacturing quality we envision. Higher-end products often come with large minimum order quantities (MOQs), which can make growth difficult for an independent brand.

Another constant challenge is finding new audiences who eventually become part of the Cousin Boujee family. Building a loyal customer base takes time, consistency, and creativity. There are always obstacles, but that’s part of the journey. It’s never been a smooth road, but it’s been an enjoyable and rewarding one, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m the owner, founder, and lead designer of Cousin Boujee™. Alongside building the brand, I’ve also worked a full-time job for the past 15 years, balancing both every step of the way.

From day one, Cousin Boujee™ was built on a vision of bringing together talented artists and designers from around the world to create something unique. I personally seek out and work with artists who share that vision, combining my ideas with their creativity to develop every product we release.

What motivates me is my dedication to the brand and my passion for creating fresh apparel and artwork that people genuinely enjoy. I’m involved in every stage of product development—from the original concept and design direction to sourcing manufacturers and refining the final product.

While we’re known for our apparel and artwork, I’m especially proud that we’re continuing to expand into new products like sneakers, bags, rugs, and other creative projects. Every new release starts as an idea, and seeing those ideas become real products that people can enjoy is what makes the journey worthwhile.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was definitely one of the class clowns. I had a lot of energy, loved making people laugh, and probably kept my teachers on their toes. You could say I was a bit of a “Bad News Bears” kid—I wasn’t always the easiest student, but I enjoyed having fun and never took myself too seriously.

As I got older, I learned to channel that creativity and energy into something productive. That same imagination and willingness to think differently eventually became the foundation for Cousin Boujee™. Today, I still have that same personality, but it’s focused on creating original ideas, designing new products, and building a brand I’m passionate about.

Pricing:

• 39.99
• 49.99
• 124.99
• 40
• 65

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Cousinboujee.com
• Instagram: Cousinboujee