Peerless Creatives' Rockstar Shaymar Higgs for Pleatherette in Pink

We first met Shaymar when we were all running around putting together #DCRESIDENCE @DCWEEK last year - actually, we (Pleatherette) were running around and Shaymar was cool as a cucumber, prepped with a beautiful display of his colorful handmade belts, vests, jewelry and more hours before the doors opened.

And when we found out that, in addition to his beautiful designs, Shaymar was also heading up an organization, Dude Skateboards, leading the effort to bring together skateboarding kids and local politicians to secure a $650,000 grant to build the Cosca Regional Skateboard Park in Clinton, MD, we thought: who is this wonder boy? And when does he sleep? 

Outdoing himself once again, Shaymar is now the Chief Mastermind for Peerless Creatives - a new group that empowers the emerging creative designers from all backgrounds. 

But enough bragging from us, find out about Shaymar in his own words: 

Pleatherette: You are a renaissance man. How did you get your start as an artist?

Shaymar Higgs: We are all born artists, but I have been too stubborn to leave it behind. As trite as it sounds, art actually makes me feel alive!

My first real initiation into the art world was in high school when I would skip class to work in the ceramics studio. I built my skills enough to be accepted and showcased in a state-wide student exhibition in Annapolis, Maryland. Everyone thought my teacher had helped with the sculpture, but it was all my creation. Shortly after the exhibition, we brought the piece back to the school and it magically disappeared. It has not been seen sense, but that was the point when I knew that art was my calling!

P: Your group Peerless Creatives is a powerhouse - what are all of the different types of work that you do?

SH: We [Peerless Creatives] are just starting!

Right now we are graphic designers, photographer, painters, ceramicists, web designers, fashion accessories designers, and even woodworking craftsmen! Not to forget about our community activism and food outreach work. We are always looking for new challenges and more skilled designers to add to our group of talented and skilled creatives. I believe what makes us so different is that we are not afraid of what we do not know. My favorite quote to explain our Creatives is, “Curiosity did not kill the cat, it only made it stronger!"

P: What's the story behind your working to create the Cosca Regional Skateboard Park?

SH: The short version of the story goes… After reading about a couple of youth skaters who petitioned our local delegates about creating a safe skateboarding plaza literally across the street from my house, I knew that I had to get involved. At the same time, I was putting together a skate group/movement called Dude Skateboards to get youth involved with making decisions that affect us.

Since 2009, I have been the go-to guy from organizing meetings with community members and politicians, hosting events, and even sitting in as a member of the State of Skateboarding focus group for Prince Georges County. I guess my dedication and attention to detail has allowed me to continue this journey where I am usually the youngest person within the meeting room. So to anyone who wants to do the same, as many, many wise people have told me: just stay consistent and two steps ahead.

P: How do we find out more about Peerless Creatives and your work?

SH: Peerless Creatives could easily be found at PeerlessCreatives.com, or even better, you could check out our one-of-a-kind wears and crafts at PeerlessCreatives.storenvy.com.

One thing that we promise is that you will NEVER see someone with the same item as you unless they copied us because everything is made only once. Production work does not reflect true individuality. That is our promise and it could be yours too at PeerlessCreatives.com. Keep checking our website for the release of the coupon code to receive 20% off of your order!