Today we’d like to introduce you to Fonda Hollowell.
Hi Fonda, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started The Original House of Dope™️ (OGHOD) in my home workshop right here in Detroit. What began as a personal creative outlet has grown into a brand that stands for authenticity, confidence, and bold self-expression. Every piece is still made by hand in the workshop, designed to let people showcase their individuality and dope energy wherever they are.
Since launching, OGHOD has been shipped all over the United States and continues to reach customers nationwide who connect with the brand’s message of originality and empowerment. Locally, my customers wanted places to experience the brand in person, which led to partnerships with two Michigan retailers, The Bohemian Goat in Mt. Clemens, a vibrant artisan marketplace and personal growth studio that supports independent makers, and Crafty Corner Marketplace in Lincoln Park, a community-driven space featuring handmade goods and local creators. Both stores reflect the same creativity, community, and energy that OGHOD represents.
I have also brought the brand to life at street fairs and community events, connecting directly with people who love the designs and the story behind them. While OGHOD was born in Detroit, it is for anyone anywhere who wants to express themselves boldly and authentically. The goal now is to expand into more stores across the country while keeping every piece crafted with care, creativity, and dope energy.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road hasn’t been completely smooth, and I don’t think it’s supposed to be. Building OGHOD from the ground up while balancing life, work, and family has had its challenges. Everything is handmade, so every piece takes time and attention, and scaling while keeping that quality intact has been a constant learning process.
Another challenge has been getting the brand into spaces where people could experience it in person. My customers were the ones who really pushed me to find local stores to carry OGHOD, which led to partnerships with local retail stores. Learning how to manage wholesale, inventory, and community events like street fairs has been a lot, but each hurdle has taught me something new about running a small, authentic brand.
Even with the struggles, the journey has been incredibly rewarding. Every challenge has reinforced why I started OGHOD in the first place: to create something real, meaningful, and unapologetically dope. The setbacks make the wins even sweeter, and they keep me motivated to keep growing the brand, expanding into more stores, and staying true to what makes OGHOD unique.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in silk screening, which is at the heart of most of my designs, though I also use embroidery, sublimation, and sewing to bring each piece to life. I design nearly every concept and piece myself, making sure each item is bold and unique.
I’m most proud that I create designs that stand out and truly resonate with my customers, while also teaching my children the business and the value of creativity and hard work.
What sets me apart is my ability to take an idea from concept to finished piece, combining skill, attention to detail, and authenticity to create one-of-a-kind OGHOD designs.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I want readers to know that life is full of challenges and the key to moving forward is resilience. Staying true to yourself even when it is hard or when others do not understand your path is what makes your journey meaningful. Being unapologetically dope is not about seeking approval or fitting in. It is about embracing your individuality, celebrating your strengths, and confidently expressing who you are in your own way.
There will always be moments that test you, but those moments are opportunities to grow, to learn, and to prove to yourself that giving up is not an option. When you trust your instincts, honor your creativity, and keep pushing forward, you inspire others to do the same. My hope is that everyone who reads this feels empowered to embrace their uniqueness, face challenges with courage, and live boldly and authentically every single day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shophelladope.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oghouseofdope?igsh=azIxMWppeDhsY2Jt&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cu1S6QKdY/?mibextid=wwXIfr
