{"id":226136,"date":"2025-05-06T16:44:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-06T20:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/?p=226136"},"modified":"2025-06-25T11:51:30","modified_gmt":"2025-06-25T15:51:30","slug":"montclair-state-university-graduate-builds-apparel-brand-from-his-dorm-room","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/2025\/05\/06\/montclair-state-university-graduate-builds-apparel-brand-from-his-dorm-room\/","title":{"rendered":"Montclair State University Graduate is Building a Successful Apparel Brand"},"content":{"rendered":"

This story is part of a series celebrating Montclair State University\u2019s Spring Commencement 2025<\/a> graduates \u2013 students who embody the University\u2019s mission to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

When Emmanuel Ozias arrived at Montclair State University as a first-generation student from East Orange, New Jersey, he brought with him a powerful mindset: stay focused, stay consistent and chase something bigger than yourself<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

That mindset became his brand.<\/span><\/p>\n

What began with a few blank T-shirts quickly evolved into Lock1n, a successful global sports apparel business. Today, Ozias ships merchandise worldwide, partners with college athletes, and designs custom uniforms for high school teams across New Jersey \u2013 all while completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial and Product Design.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dorm Room Hustle to Global Sales<\/strong><\/h2>\n

As a freshman, Ozias set an ambitious goal: to start a business and work for himself by the time he graduated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI had to learn about marketing, I had to learn about design, I had to learn about the sales channels and distribution in China,\u201d he explains. \u201cI educated myself on how to run a business, especially a clothing brand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It all started with a name. <\/span>\u201cLock1n<\/a> means singular focus at the task at hand,\u201d Ozias says. \u201cI\u2019ve always been goal-oriented. I wanted something that reflected who I am.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Armed with a winning concept, Ozias got to work \u2013 sketching designs and reaching out to manufacturers overseas.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was talking to almost 100 manufacturers a day. I was learning how to negotiate, learning about materials and fabrics.\u201d He took the leap and ordered his first sample. \u201cThat\u2019s when I knew \u2013 OK, I\u2019m all in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He taught himself how to design a website, market his products, and build an audience \u2013 all without paid advertising.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI used TikTok<\/a>, which was a new platform at the time. I was able to use the algorithm to reach a lot of customers. In the first two years, I brought in about 200,000 people. I had orders from Dubai, Alaska, Australia, and I shipped out almost 2,000 orders.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Giving Back Through Design and Mentorship<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Emmanuel
Emmanuel Ozias on campus at Montclair State University. \u201cI\u2019ve had incredible mentors here \u2013 faculty who believed in me and pushed me to think bigger,\u201d he says. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ozias\u2019 brand success is matched by his commitment to giving back. He returned to his alma mater, East Orange STEM Academy, to design custom football uniforms \u2013 honoring the program that shaped him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, he\u2019s designing uniforms for multiple school districts, including Irvington and Jersey City, and learning the ins and outs of becoming an educational vendor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ozias credits Montclair State University for helping him thrive \u2013 thanks in large part to strong mentorship and the Cooperman College Scholars Scholarship<\/a>, which supports first-generation students from Essex County.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Cooperman Scholarship helped take a huge burden off my shoulders. It allowed me to focus on my work, both in the classroom and in my business,\u201d he says.<\/span><\/p>\n

His mentors say he stood out from the beginning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs a sophomore, he served on multiple panels for high school conferences, where he shared his college experiences and gave students tools for success,\u201d says Rahjaun Gordon, senior director of the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) and Success Programs<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe was a student leader and participant in BarbershopEDU, a group that inspires male students by offering a safe space for mentorship, engagement and community building,” Gordon adds. “Throughout all of his endeavors, he represents EOF to the highest standard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ozias was honored with the MEGA Impact Scholar Award from Montclair\u2019s Male Enrollment and Graduation Alliance<\/a> for his commitment to mentoring students and athletes in his hometown.<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking Ahead <\/strong><\/h2>\n

After graduation, Ozias plans to expand Lock1n and step into a creative director role \u2013 combining his passion for design, fashion and athletics.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve seen full teams and individuals outfitted in his brand,\u201d says Daniel Jean, associate provost for Educational Opportunity and Success Programs. \u201cEmmanuel\u2019s drive, poise and creativity are unmatched. I fully expect to see his brand continue to grow globally \u2013 and we\u2019re proud to have played a small part in his journey.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ozias adds: \u201cAt Montclair, I learned how to take an idea and bring it to life. I\u2019m passionate about pushing boundaries \u2013 and I\u2019m staying locked in. Always.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The University will celebrate its graduates at Commencement exercises<\/a> on Wednesday, May 7 and Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Story by Marilyn Joyce Lehren<\/a>, University Communications and Marketing<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?<\/strong><\/h2>\n