This young lady is known as HBCU Bae to Rattlers near and far. She is one of FAMU’s entrepreneurs. She is also a member of the Marching 100 and ROTC programs.
Her name is Marissa Lomax, a third-year business administration student.
Last December Lomax launched her clothing brand HBCU Bae and it has been booming ever since. She gives credit to her journey at FAMU for giving her the chance to grow into the person she is now — a young African American entrepreneur.
“I have a greater sense of appreciation for HBCUs considering my educational background growing up. Watching and learning from people here on campus my freshman year really drove my curiosity and courage to start and create something of my own. Hence the start of creating my brand,” Lomax said.
The name HBCU Bae stands for “Historically Black Colleges and Universities” and “Black and educated.” The name HBCU BAE started as her YouTube handle, which is where she documented her HBCU experience and shared ways to help inform all Rattlers, future, past and present.
“So, once I started my apparel, I kept the name to really captivate and shape my brand. Once I really established my business I later became better known as HBCU BAE on campus,” Lomax said.
The current design that has everyone going crazy is the “Big Bite FAMU” design.
“The black and gold snakebite hoodie immediately caught my attention, so I thought to myself, ‘I definitely have to get myself one ASAP.’ Let’s be real: purchasing nalia from the bookstore can cost an arm and a leg and I love that she took that into consideration,” said Demiya Davis,a thirdyear pre-occupational therapy major.
Lomax is no stranger to the concept that of being a college student on a budget and she took that into consideration and has made her items affordable. She gives her customers the option to direct message her on Instagram to cut down on cost, if possible.
HBCU Bae brand currently has three collections, Black and Educated, Rattler, and classic. Between all the collections she offers T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, polos, bottoms, headwear and accessories. All of the items can be found on her website HBCUBae.com.
Khalun Jones, a second-year visual arts major and a fellow Marching 100 member, said, “I genuinely like the concept and the designs of the apparel as well as the color combinations she chooses.”
She has gained a great support base although HBCU Bae is still a new company.
“I support HBCU Bae because supporting Black businesses isn’t a trend, it’s a lifestyle,” Davis said.
To show her appreciation to all her supporters and customer she created an Instagram challenge on her page @HBCU_Bae. She wanted to do something small but have a big impact.
“The challenge on Instagram is my way of saying thanks,” said Lomax.
This is just the beginning for her. She wants to expand her products and audience to other HBCUs.