Meet Yael Ortiz of ONE997 in North Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yael Ortiz.

Yael, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Since a young kid art has always been impactful in my life. Being raised by two Mexican parents your creativity is limited to the traditions that you are taught as you’re young. I was always the one stepping out of the box and being different. My art has always been very on the abstract side, and family and friends rarely appreciated the art that I did.

I’ve developed my art into my own style being a little abstract still but very influenced by more new school art, yet always keeping designs simple. Designing and producing clothing has always been a goal of mine. I was always so drawn at the fact of being able to wear my designs. That’s what ONE997 is. It’s 21 years of struggle and not always being accepted by the society. Its no boundaries in my art and whatever I please on my clothing.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
So far the reception has been amazing and the growth has been nothing short of that. Without even have released a product yet I have a lot of people very excited and tuned in to what’s to come.

Tell us more about your art.
My mission has always been to bring good people great artwork. This brand from the start has been nothing but that, expressing my artwork on clothing now. With a lot of great brands around the state, Arizona has the potential to so much more. ONE997 which was birthed in the blazing hot city of North Phoenix represents more then just a brand name. It’s filled with so far 21 years of struggling and grinding to where we are now. And this is only the beginning, we have a lot more in store then we’ve ever gotten credit for.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Of course, without the help of friends and family, this all wouldn’t be possible. Without the help of my mother and her boyfriend, the printing would not be possible. Without one of my close very close friends who also have a very successful local clothing brand by the name of NINETEENAVE, for giving me all the tools and inspiration needed for the brand. And last but not least to one of my closest friend’s Bryce Cardassi, for helping me everyday push the brand as if were his. without the help of all these people, this brand would just be ideas in my head and I have the world to thank them for.

Contact Info:

• Email: the1ninenine7@gmail.com
• Instagram: @one997_

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