Today we’d like to introduce you to Pun Wilborn
Hi Pun, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is (Marcus Wilborn) but I gained the nickname “Pun” in my freshman year of college at Clark Atlanta University; born and raised in Columbus, OH on the “Northside” is where I gained my passion for fashion. Growing up I’ve always had an eye on the latest trend when it came to clothes; whether it was seeing a family member at a get together or seeing which artists had the best outfits on tv, which I’m glad to say was always a black owned brand (Sean John, phat farm, Fubu, Karl Kani). It was around the age of 15 the year was 2010 when I really got serious about what I put on my body as far brands because that’s when I could get a job and spend my money on what I wanted to wear. I had started catching a liking to websites called plndr, karmaloop, moose limited; these were the websites that carried the original & newest streetwear brands like stüssy, the hundreds, 10 deep, crooks and castles, famous stars & straps, & dc skating. Fast forward to 2012-13 senior year when I won best dress, graduated from Northland high school, now I’m in college at Clark Atlanta University to make it to the “pun” part of the story; I made the name of my brand Dë Chiëf over summer break after my first year of college. I interned at a local store called “Kingsrowe” now known as “Sole Classics”. The owner Dionte Johnson helped me out a lot with figuring out the identity of my brand and audience I wanted to reach as well; he even had me understand what it was like to run a store and sort through inventory. When we finally sat down and spoke about the brand name it was what he said that had me solidify what I wanted the name to be; he said “make sure the name means something to you and you can explain it to somebody briefly, let them understand what you and the brand stands for”. My ethnicity always stuck out through my life, always being asked what race or where I was from; so I solidified the answer with “De Chief 5991” which to me says I am Native American and African American, I am The Chief of the year 1995 (5991 is that backwards). That was year 2014 so After making sure the name was what I wanted I began to finally print the summer of 2015 when college didn’t go as planned, did my first shoot, started selling the first signature tees and we’ve been a known name and around in the city as well as other states since then. I’ve had my ups and downs with the brand but all in all I wouldn’t trade the journey at all, this brand has brought laughs, cries, celebrities, trips, new experiences, new relationship, new friendships, everything NEW! Through this almost 10 yr process all I can say is I’m blessed and thankful to be here creating and doing what I love!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No it has not been a smooth road at all! It’s been times where I’ve wanted to quit and give it all up but then there’s a order or message or some inspiration that always pull me back into the fashion life whether I like it or not I’m here to stay in this fight to show the world Columbus is a fashion hub and we have as much talent as those big states! Main struggle is being able to continuously put money in if the product you thought was going to work doesn’t; it’s discouraging forsure but once you get it right and a product you thought would move does it’s all worth it!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My title is broad I would say; I do everything for my brand! I model, screen print, draw the designs, airbrush, distress, add rhinestones, run the instagrams, etc. All in all I’m a clothing brand owner, manufacturer, graphic designer, artist/ creative. I’m known in my city and a couple other cities for my clothes but mainly fitted/adjustable hats. I caught traction with those during Covid with my “106 Pitch” design; which has the likes of “Young Thug”, “Gunna”, “G Herbo”, “Fabolous”, “India Love”, “Jacquees”, “Dave East”, & “Juelz Santana” wearing the piece”
I’d say That’s my most proudest piece and moment because it wasn’t planned on it being as big as it because it was so simple to me but it took me so far with my brand that I’m forever grateful for it; I met so many people and went so many places and made much money off that so I’ll never let the “106 pitch” design die!
What sets me apart from everyone else is my originality, I always come up with designs based of something that was happened in MY LIFE and not the next persons; I tend to shy away from trends but when I do get consumed by them I still add my twist to make it my own.
What makes you happy?
Getting an idea out my head and it being exactly how I pictured it. I’ve learned owning a brand that everything is not going to be perfect, especially your design process! Designing is amongst all the most difficult especially if you don’t know what direction you want to go; then you don’t want to attract an audience for one thing then lose em on the next so your constantly trying to find that specific thing that caught em the last time. It’s a roller coaster but I love when a design comes out perfect and resonates with my audience.
Pricing:
- Hats $80-$120
- Hoodies $50-$100
- Tees $25-$40
- Longsleeve $40-$50
- Jeans $100-$200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.5991days.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pun.5991/ or https://www.instagram.com/dechief.5991/?hl=en
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/vif17wldxvxm
