b'uncertain futures,unstoppable dreamsHow high schoolers are using a simple phrase to redefine fashionBY MILES HOUSEI t all began with a simple order. VanThe founders of Ouigoncie. (L-R): Luke Robinson, Jerry Browne andbi weve accomplished, says Browne.ob-Girton-MarshallsfatheroverheardTheir path has not come without hissonandhisfriendsansweringVan Girton-Marshall stacles. From the beginning, the trio faced questions about their plans with theskepticismwhensomestudentsinhigh phrase we gon see and thought itschool did not believe that they had a viable would be fun to order blank hoodiesschoolersandfriends,saysRobinson.Itwascom-from his manufacturer friend and print theabout reaching different audiences, from kids topany.But phrase on them.grandparents. Ro nson, With the help of Columbia High School stu- In February of 2024, with the responses fromGirton-Mar-dents Luke Robinson and Jerry Browne, they cre- local friends and family overwhelmingly positive,shalland ated the name Ouigoncie. We put a unique twistthe three built a website and ordered more inven- Brownede-on how [the phrase is] spelled, and we kind of justtory. Their first release, a line of hoodies, was fol- cided to defy ranwithit,saysGirton-Marshall.Theplayfullowed by short and long sleeve shirts and shorts,the odds and name really means to embrace the unknown andall available in many colorways.taketherisk to show no fear of the future. When the shipmentThroughoutthisprocess,theirpriorityhasofputting arrived, Girton-Marshall, a Montclair Kimberleyalways been choosing products with the highesttheirhard Academy student, thought that he and his friendsquality.Injustsixmonths,thegrouphassoldworkintoa could really do something with the hoodies. more than 400 items.new venture. They found opportunities to sell them at theThe groups journey is more than just creat- Despite placestheyfrequentlyvisitedparties,schooling clothes. The members describe it as creatingg ra pp li ng events, and local gatherings. Wed stuff the trunka movement. We love the term family and arewiththear- The hoodies, with the distinctive Ouigoncie logo, come in a variety of our cars with hoodies and sell them to middlealways trying to expand our family and share whatguments andof colors.38/ matters magazine / school 2024'