Despite his passion for design, Ozzie initially struggled to find a clear career path. Facing uncertainty, he took a job as a Director of Marketing for GSL Clothing, a subsidiary of Jordache Enterprises. The company’s president, Howard Weiss, took a liking to Ozzie and began including him in non-marketing-related meetings, exposing him to the business side of the fashion industry. Unbeknownst to Ozzie, Howard was informally mentoring him, sharing insights that would shape his understanding of the business. Ozzie’s ability to blend creativity with business strategy quickly earned him respect and recognition. Under his leadership, GSL achieved unprecedented success, garnering attention from fashion insiders and elevating the brand’s reputation. Throughout his time at GSL, Ozzie balanced his marketing role with his love for design, often contributing creative input to the design room.

Recognizing his knack for marketing, Ozzie made a significant impact by securing a clothing ad collaboration with R. Kelly, the biggest artist in the music industry at the time. This strategic move blended creativity and marketing expertise, further solidifying his influence.

After leaving GSL, Ozzie took a better position as the Director of Marketing and Product Placement for Saxony Luxury Leather & Furs, a more luxurious brand. His ability to merge creative design with strategic marketing caught the attention of the industry.

In the early 2000s, Ozzie revolutionized the custom footwear market by introducing luxury brands like Gucci, Fendi, and Louis Vuitton into Timberland boots and Nike Air Force 1s. These groundbreaking designs reshaped the footwear space and remain influential even in 2025. Celebrities like Usher, Nas, and Ludacris sought out these custom pieces, which also appeared in numerous music videos.

To ensure top-quality craftsmanship, Ozzie collaborated with Salva, a skilled Russian shoemaker based near 5th Ave and 35th St. in New York City. Known for his meticulous work, Salva helped bring Ozzie’s vision to life. Pushing creative boundaries further, Ozzie hired a tattoo artist to airbrush multicolored designs on the Nike Air Force 1s, making each pair unique.

Ozzie’s innovative approach caught the attention of ‘XXL’ magazine, leading to a feature that celebrated his influence in the custom footwear space. Many tried to replicate his work, but few could match his quality and creativity. His impact on the fashion world continues to resonate, setting a standard for custom, fashion-forward footwear.

Ozzie Small’s strategic decision-making as the Director of Marketing, Product Placement, Sales, and Designing for Damselle LTD. from 2003 to 2007 played a crucial role in transforming the company from a $2 million enterprise to a $7 million powerhouse. His rise to become President of the E=MC² division and his decision to rebrand Damselle LTD. to Damselle Development Group marked pivotal moments that solidified his leadership and vision.

Strategic Decision-Making

Small’s choice to decline a space in Macy’s Herald Square—an opportunity that might seem like a guaranteed success—was a calculated, strategic move. Although Macy’s is a renowned retail space, the potential drawbacks included high costs, profit-sharing, and the risk of brand dilution. By maintaining exclusivity, Small elevated the E=MC² brand as a symbol of luxury and exclusivity, particularly within the entertainment industry.

Leveraging Experience and Insight

Working under Howard Weiss provided Small with invaluable insights into market dynamics, consumer behavior, and effective business practices. Recognizing the need for revenue growth, Small introduced the E=MC² brand, an innovative and memorable name that suggests creativity and sophistication. This strategic approach not only addressed the financial needs of Damselle Development Group but also opened new market opportunities.

Innovation and Branding

The introduction of the Eizzo Furs line demonstrated a keen understanding of the market for European-style luxury furs. Macy’s interest in the E=MC² brand further validated its appeal, but Small’s decision to keep it exclusive allowed the brand to thrive in influential, high-profile circles. The luxury focus ensured a strong brand identity and reinforced exclusivity, which can be more valuable than broad, mainstream exposure.

Revenue Growth and Scaling

The rapid growth from $2 million to $7 million signifies a successful approach to marketing, sales, and network building. As President of the E=MC² division, Small led strategic partnerships, optimized operations, and scaled efficiently while maintaining the brand’s integrity.

Long-Term Impact

Small’s commitment to brand equity over short-term retail expansion helped sustain Damselle’s luxury image. The strategic alignment with the entertainment industry likely facilitated high-profile endorsements and organic word-of-mouth marketing.

Key Takeaways for Modern Businesses:

• Know Your Market: Deep market knowledge can guide impactful decisions.
• Leverage Experience: Industry experience can reveal opportunities that aren’t immediately obvious.
• Value Exclusivity: In certain markets, exclusivity enhances brand perception and profitability.
• Effective Branding: A compelling brand identity can elevate a product’s value beyond its functional aspects.

Ozzie Small’s strategic foresight and calculated risks exemplify the power of understanding one’s market, leveraging experience, and prioritizing long-term brand value over immediate gains.

The introduction of the E=MC² button-down shirt, priced between $350 and $450, ignited a sensation in the market. These shirts became synonymous with superior quality, setting a new standard within the industry. Crafted from fabric woven in Italy and meticulously manufactured in Turkey using the finest needles, each shirt exemplified excellence. Notably, production occurred every two weeks, a departure from the conventional fashion model. Small’s innovative approach yielded an impressive 72 shirt designs annually, each featuring distinctive details like fancy chubby buttons, cuffs, and collars, along with two-color buttonholes and removable button strips. Moreover, each design was available in 10 colorways and patterns, packaged with meticulous care.

During the brand’s growth, Ozzie Small’s creations under Eizzo and E=MC² garnered significant attention and recognition across various media platforms. The brands were prominently featured in prestigious publications such as SOURCE, XXL, VIBE, Complex, Playboy, GQ, and Today’s Black Men magazines, among others. Additionally, they received coverage on numerous radio stations and media outlets both in the United States and abroad.

E=MC² embraced the term “urban,” acknowledging its connotation with the city lifestyle, despite maintaining high luxury standards in fabric, quality, and design details. This recognition of urban culture allowed the brand to resonate deeply with diverse audiences, capturing the essence of contemporary city living while upholding its commitment to luxury craftsmanship.

The trademarked E-signature associated with Ozzie Small’s creations transcended the realm of fashion, becoming a symbol of style and sophistication. Its prominence was further highlighted in a national ad campaign for Burger King, where Eizzo Furs served as the fashion representative in the BK HEAT commercial. This collaboration underscored the brand’s growing influence and cultural significance beyond the fashion industry, solidifying its status as a trendsetter and tastemaker in the mainstream media landscape.

Fun Fact:

“Eizzo” is simply “Ozzie” spelled backwards! This clever play on words reflects Ozzie Small’s innovative and creative approach to branding his fashion line. By using his own name in reverse, Small injected a touch of whimsy and personal flair into his brand, creating a unique and memorable identity. The simplicity and ingenuity of this naming choice encapsulate Ozzie Small’s ability to infuse creativity into every aspect of his fashion endeavors.

E=MC²: The Luxury Fashion Brand Redefining Style & Success

E=MC² has revolutionized the woven shirt category, setting the gold standard for designer brands seeking retail success. With a cult-like following among celebrities, entertainers, and fashion-forward individuals worldwide, E=MC² shirts have become iconic symbols of luxury and exclusivity.

Expanding the Legacy: From Shirts to a Full Luxury Collection

Building on its global popularity, E=MC² has expanded its collection beyond shirts to include:

✅ Premium Jeans – Retailing between $400 and $500, reflecting high-end craftsmanship and timeless style. ✅ Luxury Sweaters – Priced at $350, combining sophisticated aesthetics with superior quality.

Celebrating Diversity: Luxury for Every Body

E=MC² champions inclusivity with a wide range of shirt sizes from Small to 6X, ensuring that luxury fashion is accessible to all body types. This commitment to diversity has reinforced the brand’s universal appeal and market dominance.

“Clothing for Millionaires” – The Motto That Defines a Movement

E=MC² isn’t just a brand; it’s a statement of empowerment, confidence, and luxury. With the ethos of “Clothing for Millionaires,” the label aims to bring happiness through fashion, democratizing high-end apparel and allowing individuals to embrace their unique style and identity.

Unmatched Demand & Retail Success

E=MC²’s impact on the luxury fashion industry is undeniable. A retailer revealed selling 150 E=MC² shirts in a single weekend, showcasing the brand’s massive consumer demand and retail dominance. This extraordinary success story solidifies E=MC² as a coveted luxury powerhouse, continuously redefining modern fashion.

(FROM A 60 SECOND COMMERCIAL THAT BURGER KING PAID FOR BK. HEAT)

Ozzie Small: Visionary Leader in Luxury Fashion, Global Buying & Brand Innovation

At the pinnacle of his career, Ozzie Small made the bold decision to step away from his role as President of the Luxury Lifestyle Division at Damselle Development Group for medical reasons, after transforming the company from a $2 million enterprise into a thriving $7 million luxury powerhouse. His strategic vision, marketing expertise, and deep understanding of high fashion propelled Damselle to unprecedented success, solidifying its reputation as an elite name in the luxury industry.

A Legacy of Luxury: From Consultant to Industry Powerhouse

Following his tenure at Damselle, Small became a highly sought-after consultant, leveraging his trend forecasting expertise and creative direction to shape the success of global luxury brands, including:

✅ BOUCHARDS – Curating exclusive collections for elite clientele. ✅ Mauri of Italy, Inc. – Infusing Italian craftsmanship with modern sophistication.

Between 2008 and 2011, Small’s unmatched ability to predict fashion trends and drive brand growth ensured these companies remained at the forefront of luxury and streetwear innovation.

Mastering Global Trend Forecasting & Luxury Buying

As a renowned fashion buyer and trend forecaster, Small’s expertise has shaped prestigious retail landscapes from the Midwest USA to the Westside retail store in the UK, ensuring retailers remained stocked with the most sought-after luxury apparel and footwear. His insight into consumer behavior and emerging trends allowed him to curate collections that dominated the high-fashion retail market.

✅ Midwest USA – Small elevated luxury retail experiences, aligning collections with the latest fashion movements. ✅ Westside Retail Store, UK – His expertise in global fashion curation positioned Westside as a premier destination for high-end apparel, footwear, and accessories. ✅ Limnos of Australia & Vender Industries (March 2008 – January 2011) – Trend forecasting & seasonal buying, ensuring retailers secured statement pieces that defined each fashion cycle.

Educating & Inspiring the Next Generation of Fashion Leaders

Beyond his industry success, Small is dedicated to mentoring emerging designers and entrepreneurs. In September 2010, he hosted an exclusive seminar at The Learning Annex in New York, teaching:

🖤 “How to Succeed in the Fashion Industry” – providing insights on luxury branding, trend forecasting, and business strategy.

His commitment to educating future tastemakers has left an enduring impact on the fashion world, empowering individuals to succeed in the competitive luxury market. E=MC²’s impact on the luxury fashion industry is undeniable. A retailer revealed selling 150 E=MC² shirts in a single weekend, showcasing the brand’s massive consumer demand and retail dominance. This extraordinary success story solidifies E=MC² as a coveted luxury powerhouse, continuously redefining modern fashion.

In 2010, Ozzie Small expanded his legacy with the launch of Lifestyle Shirt Collection, once again setting trends in luxury fashion. However, his creative vision reached beyond clothing—leading him into screenwriting and film production, where he masterfully blended style, storytelling, and cultural influence. His transition from fashion to film showcases his ever-evolving creativity and passion for pushing artistic boundaries.

(OZZIE SMALL DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED ALL OF RAPPER FETTY WAPS’ TOUR MERCH AND VIDEO GAME)

Ozzie Small: The Hidden Architect of Celebrity Fashion & Entertainment Style

Since the early 2000s, Ozzie Small has been a ghost designer for the entertainment industry, crafting red carpet looks, tour merchandise, music video fashion, and editorial spreads. His exclusive, behind-the-scenes influence has shaped some of the most iconic celebrity styles, blending luxury, creativity, and trendsetting innovation. While remaining discreet, Small’s impact continues to drive fashion in entertainment, solidifying his reputation as a visionary force in high-end and celebrity fashion.

(ABOVE ITEMS  DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED FOR A RETAIL STORE CALLED BOUCHARDS )

Ozzie Small Expands His Empire: From Fashion to Film & Television

In 2024, Ozzie Small’s cinematic ventures are gaining momentum as his films and reality/variety shows are actively being pitched to major platforms like Netflix and top movie production houses. His seamless transition from fashion mogul to filmmaker highlights his versatility and creative genius. With a bold vision for storytelling in the digital age, Small is poised to captivate audiences and make a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Ozzie Small: A Legacy of Philanthropy & Social Impact

Beyond his remarkable success in fashion and entertainment, Ozzie Small embodies compassion and generosity, using his platform to uplift those in need. His philanthropic efforts extend beyond the runway, as he has provided food, donated clothing, and volunteered his time to support underserved communities.

Committed to social responsibility and positive change, Small’s actions reflect his belief in the power of empathy and collective action. His unwavering dedication to uplifting marginalized communities serves as an inspiration, reinforcing the idea that true success is measured not just by personal achievements, but by the impact one has on others.

Ozzie Small: Redefining Entertainment & Legacy

As Ozzie Small’s projects gain momentum in the entertainment industry, his vision and innovative spirit continue to shape the future of media. With Style Marshal, Perception, and Be Careful What You Wish For, he introduces groundbreaking narratives and compelling content, setting a new standard for streaming-era entertainment.

Beyond his professional achievements, Small’s role as a proud father adds a profound dimension to his journey. Balancing family and creative pursuits, he exemplifies the importance of legacy—both in storytelling and in life.

Fun Fact: Ozzie Small’s Hollywood Fashion Moment 🎬👕

Did you know? Ozzie Small designed all the leather garments worn in the 2003 action film Cradle 2 the Grave, starring Jet Li and DMX! His exceptional craftsmanship and keen fashion sense brought an edgy, high-fashion touch to the movie’s wardrobe, seamlessly blending style with cinematic action.

This remarkable feat highlights Small’s influence at the intersection of fashion and film, proving that his designs aren’t just worn—they make a statement on the big screen! 🎥🔥

Fun Fact: Ozzie Small’s Hidden Talent – Master of Bespoke Jewelry

Did you know? Ozzie Small isn’t just a fashion mogul—he’s also a part-time jeweler! His passion for custom jewelry design has made him a go-to creator for celebrities, social media influencers, and sports icons looking for one-of-a-kind, statement pieces.

From red carpet-worthy necklaces to intricately designed rings and bracelets, Small’s jewelry creations exude luxury and sophistication. His keen eye for detail and flair for design ensure that every piece is as unique as the person wearing it.

Whether it’s high fashion or high-end jewelry, Ozzie Small proves that style has no limits! 💎✨

written & curated by ozzie small