About Us
I AM AN IMMIGRANT, AND I AM PROUD OF IT.
If people were supposed to be born, live and die in one place they would be a tree.
My grandfathers and ancestors were immigrants. During the complex circumstances in Europe at the beginning of 20th century, they were forced to move frequently. Hundred years later, I decided to make a similar life decision.
In 2013. I moved to the United States with my wife Jelena. We came here as regular tourists… We were open to exploring and learning about possibilities… We settled in Chicago. A city with the most beautiful architecture in the US, with great music, food and the strongest winds.
I will never forget the winter of 2013-2014. That winter was the longest, coldest with the heaviest snow that had covered the city of Chicago in decades. We had a difficult time, as we had mise in our apartment. We could not move to a better one because we barely had any money or any proper immigration documents. Several times we had only a few $ in our pockets but we managed to survive.
The weather was cold but the people were warmhearted and kind.
I was working endlessly to prepare my documents to get a working visa. Luckily for me, I met a lawyer who helped me succeed. After a couple of months, my application for O1 (Visa for extraordinary achievements in Graphic Design) was approved.
Yey!
DAVID VS GOLIATH
The O1 visa is for non-emigrants who can prove that they are among 2-5% in their industry. Since I was in design and marketing industry and worked for over 27 countries around the world before coming to the United States, it was not a big challenge for me to prove. But I still had to start from scratch and prove myself all over again. And that's what I did!
An interesting fact, when I got here, in order to present myself in the United States, I applied for various design competitions and received 18 international awards in less than 3 years! I've been in many competitions, and have competed with the best in marketing industry from all over the world. My opponents were design studios, even a big marketing companies, like PepsiCo and etc… On several occasions, I've managed to be The Very Best and winning platinum and gold awards.
So, when someone starts mocking me about emigrants- I remind them, that the only reason why they have the ability to read this very text is because the electric power that was invented by my fellow countryman: Nikola Tesla. An Immigrant.
After achieving one goal, the next best thing a man can do is set up a new one.
After 4 years, since I came to the US, I had accomplished so much in the marketing industry, through my established company Designer and Gentleman, and business was just been getting better and better.
I started wanting to express myself more and expand my talents in other industries.
I was always very good in illustration, my whole life. Through my design work I was always able to create a proper message with minimal art language and after visiting Italy at least 15 times, I realized the Fashion Industry was the answer and my next step!
With this fashion platform, I believe I can combine, art, illustration, and personal statements for young spirited people all around the world who can be connected in one Pacific idea. There for Urban Royalz Brand was born.
For me, Urban Royalz is far more than just a tee-shirt or just "a stuff" that we wear (remember that movie scene?). It’s a motivation, inspiration, messaging and a statement. It gives people ability to share their thoughts and communicate without saying anything.
Future Trends
In the next 5 years, I would like to see my brand on every continent around the world. I wont to connect the people through my Urban Royalz brand. Whom the people that are wearing the clothing that I designed having a better and improved quality of life by the message they wear.
Thank You For your Reading and support
Sincerely Nikola