By Juliana Stumpp
Arts Editor
In Toby Keith’s good-time anthem “Red Solo Cup” he sings, “Red solo cup, you’re not just a cup/you’re my, you’re my friend/thank you for being my friend.” For the past couple of years now, this song has been played to bring people together and enjoying being in each other’s company. As college students, we study hard during the week but live for the weekends when we can have fun, a concept that entrepreneur Ryan Craig understands.
Craig, a San Diego State student who transferred from Palomar Community College, created his own clothing company, “Red Cup Tour,” which illustrates our generation with the depiction of the infamous plastic red cup. With the company’s website up and running, as well as stylish shirts available for purchase, we sat down with the designer.
Question: What inspired you to start a clothing company? What does the “Red Cup Tour” represent?
Answer: I feel there are all these clothing companies. I wanted to create something about simplicity and relationships, the people you celebrate with. It wasn’t about creating a clothing company but the idea and expanding from that idea.
Q: Why did you choose the “red solo cup” as the logo for your brand?
A: First off, [red solo cups] are everywhere. It’s the universal symbol of people together and having a good time. The line isn’t about beer pong or drinking per se but to live life to it’s fullest. Our tagline is ‘Thirst for Life.’ That explains it all.
Q: How has the journey been from an idea to putting designs together to selling your product?
A: It’s been a while, actually, a year that I started working on the idea. I found resources from my friends to my family and them helping me out. You just have to tell yourself everyday to do something even if it’s going to be a mistake, at least I tried. It takes a lot of planning. It’s not just drawing something in class and putting it on a shirt.
Q: Where do you get inspiration for your designs?
A: I didn’t want anything too cheesy. Its just things I find entertaining and think other people would like. I take in the world around and use certain things in my life.
Q: How do you balance school and running a business?
A: I’ve never thought I needed to be in school to be successful. I want to create jobs for others and myself. If I had the choice between reading a business book over a textbook, I would choose the business book. In my opinion, education is too streamlined. I find it successful to teach yourself. I still have to balance school. For me, school is more networking and I take it upon myself to learn what I need to.
Q: What future plans do you have for the “Red Cup Tour”?
A: Every clothing line has collections, so I have some upcoming releases seasonally. There will be different designs and clothes, some surprises. Eventually, backpacks and other accessories but I don’t want to give too much away.
Q: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
A: Be a self-learner. You can’t completely rely on others to do everything for you but allowing their help. Definitely know your strengths and weaknesses. Find others that can supplement your weaknesses. Also to fail faster, by that I mean learn by failing because it’s a quicker path to success. This is the best time to make mistakes.
Find the “Red Cup Tour” collection at theredcuptour.com and follow it on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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