Phantom Global Interview (September 2019)
INTERVIEW FOUR: Nikos, owner and creator of Phantom Global.
(September 2, 2019)
To start off, who are you and what is Phantom Global? Well, I'm just a 15 year old kid with a love of entrepreneurship and I've always loved art and music, whether it was drawing when I was younger, to singing, to producing - I've never lost my love for art and music, so when I first saw brands like Lyrical Lemonade, Half Evil, Ransom and FTP, it really made me get into researching streetwear and I fell in love with the idea of me making something people would hopefully love and want to wear. It wasn't until I talked to Dylan (of Worldwide Youth) that I realized that the people who own these fascinating and fire brands were no different than you and I. It took me a failed launch and a lot of time and research to land on the name Phantom Global. I wanted something that no one had and that I actually enjoyed. I'm used to referring to my brand as Phantom but its true name is Phantom Global.
What inspired the name Phantom and what about the name holds value to you? While making the name, it was definitely challenging to find a solid name that had meaning and wasn't used. I loved the word Phantom because of the meanings it could have for someone, whether it's a ghost, some sort of hero/villain, or I've even heard it reminds people of Danny Phantom in a sense that it's someone's other side or different way of feeling. I was also inspired by Worldwide Youth because he told me he wanted it to incorporate everyone around the world as I wanted Phantom to be. I wanted everyone to know Phantom and get a new meaning of who and what Phantom is.
It's obvious that a lot of your work and your drive comes from inspiration. You've spoke of Dylan from Worldwide Youth, but who are some other inspirations and how have they impacted you as a creative? My first would have to be Cole Bennett especially. He inspired me when I first saw Red Roses in October 2017 when I seriously picked up my love for what he does and who he is as a person (He's very humble and caring, shout out Cole!). Another would have to be XXXTentacion because I love how he never cared about what anybody else thought about who he was and what he was doing. His line 'BAD' is strictly from him and what he liked and I know he wouldn't have changed it to anyone else's likings if he didn't mess with it. I have a lot of inspirations and people I look up to. GloupJake is like a brother to me and really inspires me and reminds me to keep chasing my dreams, and shows me nothing but love and humbleness (shoutout Jake!). I look up to my dad because he started with nothing and built his business to what it is today by himself. There's so many people, but quick shoutouts to Sam of Half Evil, Jonny Ransom, and all of the Lyrical Lemonade team!
Your very first release just sold out. What went through your head when you found out you hit this major milestone? To be honest, I put in countless hours, and my first brand I ever dropped had about 1/3 more followers and made only a single sale (2 including my dad lol). I knew I had to put a lot more time and effort into this one, but I only thought I'd sell not even a fourth of the stock. I sold half of it in the first 5 minutes. I'm beyond grateful for anyone and everyone who likes the brand. I'm only putting out designs and things I would wear (I'm very picky too *laughing emoji*). It feels crazy knowing I have some sort of fan base who genuinely likes my clothing. There's more to come!
To close this out, what can we expect in the future from Phantom Global? You can expect nothing but the best from Phantom. I'm going to make sure my brand will make high quality designs, clothing, support, everything. I want Phantom to be more of a group and a movement than a following. Most importantly, I want everyone to know you can literally do anything you want in the world. You're literally capable of anything you put yourself to work for. One thing you'll notice about the people who are at the top, whether that's rap, clothing, or acting, they never gave up, which is why they are where they are today. If you got a phone especially, you're at an advantage to people 20 years ago. We have the world in our hands. Don't put it to waste. (And shoutout Vital Studios! <3)
You can keep up with the future of this 15 year old phenomenon on his social media linked below.