Q & A with MIGHTY HEALTHY’s Ray Mate
MIGHTY HEALTHY is a fresh, modern embodiment of a men’s clothing brand; Good, bad and unapologetic all at the same time. It embraces the tried and true spirit of original New York streetwear, taking a modern, optimistic approach to basic fabrics and silhouettes, culminating in the production of outstanding pieces for everyday wear.
To celebrate nearly ten years producing premium goods, we sat down with Co-Founder Ray Mate to find out more…
Q. What is Mighty Healthy?
Mighty Healthy is a Lifestyle brand that was started in New York in 2004. The inspiration for the brand is stimulated by music, skateboarding, art and of course New York
Q. As Mighty Healthy is still quite young in Europe, much of our community might not know the full history or how the brand started. Could you possibly give us a brief overview how the company came about and what your initial ideas were?
Growing up in New York and being on a skateboard at a young age, I was always a fan of Stussy, Vision Street Wear, Vans, etc etc. Clothes were different that what the average person was wearing. There was a story behind the brands that I was wearing growing up. I have always been a fan of shoes, clothes, hats so it was a progressive decision to make my own apparel one day
Q. Now that your nearing the first decade within the industry, what’s planned for the next 10 years and what have you overcome to get to where you are now?
I guess you are going to have to wait and see. I plan on doing the same things I have been doing the past 10 years. Doing what I want to do with the brand and keeping the growth gradual
Q. After numerous collaborations and the successful collections being released, what keeps you motivated?
Making cool projects with cool people. At the end of the day you want that respect from your peers with that you are creating something special
Q. What does Cut & Sew mean to you?
Well produced product that is made without taking any shorts. I am not there yet but I think Huf does a great job of being a premium brand
Q. With such a large influence from skateboarding throughout the lifetime of the brand, how have you kept your collection new and competitive?
I think being authentic to what I believe represents the brand, our riders and also myself. I don’t need to step off my path that I have been following. I just want to be me.
Q. What is the most mightiest and healthiest thing you’ve done for yourself and the company?
I think I have stuck it out through thick and thin with the brand for 9 years. I have developed relationships which ended up in strong friendships that are very vital to being successful in this business. I am proud to say that I have built a brand that has lasted this long and also have built a name for myself in the process. WIth all these accomplishments I have built over the years I feel very blessed.
Q. You’ve recently got together with corporate lawyer turned fitness journalist and ultra-marathoner Robin Arzon on her UNDOORDINARY journey. What enticed you to get involved with this certain project?
Robin is an inspiration! She is just motivated and has the best energy that sparks everyone else to make them selves better. That’s the kind of people I want to be around. Movers and Shakers. That’s what I am about.