Meet Rafael Alvarez-Mairanda | Founder & CEO of Miami Bums

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rafael Alvarez-Mairanda and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rafael, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
To have a successful clothing company it is absolutely vital to stand out, be unique, and be as niche as possible. Most people don’t realize how competitive the industry is. Most clothing companies have to trade quality for quantity to be sustainable. From the conception of our brand this was something we were aware of and did not want to wager. We wanted to be proud of the quality of clothing and went through a great deal of work to make sure the little things, like the tags, designs, and prints were as perfect as we could possibly make them.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Well, most of my art consists of skeletons. There’s something interesting about them. Quick story; there was a Greek philosopher by the name of Diogenes. Basically, he was a cynic. A very simple man, who to most, was just angry at the world, yet to me, just understood it more. One day, Alexander the Great found Diogenes looking through a pile of human bones. Upon questioning him, Diogenes replied, “I am searching for the bones of your father but cannot distinguish them from those of a slave.” That is what skeletons mean to me. A lesson, that when the layers are removed, we are all the same.

I’d say what sets me apart from others is how much I care. There were so many challenges in getting the quality that I strive for. From the actual garment, all the way to packaging, I want to make sure my customers receive the best possible product. I care about how my customer feels when they wear my clothing. Fashion is a form of expression, and if wearing Miami Bums is how you express yourself, you deserve the best.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many places to visit in Miami. As a Cuban, I’d make sure to hit the classics: Versailles, La Carreta, and El Mago de las Fritas. Next up, I’m a big cigar fan, so we are definitely going to either Cuban Crafters or Empire Social Lounge for a quick smoke. I don’t like to go out much, but if I must, I enjoy relaxing venues. Maybe a pool hall like K&K Billiards or a fun arcade like GameTime. There’s plenty of gems in the city. Tea and Poets has open mics and comedy during the week and Bay 13 Brewery has a local market once a month (find us there!). Miami is a melting pot, and trust me, if you enjoy something, chances are, there’s a place for you.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Where do I begin…

I have an amazing support system in my life. I can confidently say that I am blessed to have my friends and family in my life. To David for being a lifelong friend and sticking by my side as my confidant and as my brother.
To my mother for never giving up on me, always seeing me for what I can be, and not for what I am in the moment.
To my grandmother who loves me unconditionally and sees the best in me.
To my girlfriend, Barbara, for helping me relentlessly in each and every endeavor I have embarked on.

Most importantly, however, to my grandfather, Oscar. A man I strive to be like every day. If I become half of what my grandfather is, I have succeeded. From coming to this country with only the clothes on his back, to owning garment factories around the world, the only thing my grandfather has ever cared for was making sure his family was happy and healthy. I will always follow in my grandfather’s footsteps, one step at a time.

To my number one fan,

I love you Pa.

Website: miamibums.com

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