Check Your Six – Weapons of Mass Distraction

Last week, I had the chance to speak with Moh Habib, the owner of Studiiyo23, a clothing & sneakers shop taking over Minneapolis. Studiiyo23, which is quickly becoming a staple for everything cool: Fashion, Art, Culture, Music, and Sneakers – is the destination for the fashion-conscious consumer in Minneapolis.

I asked Moh a few questions, giving us a look-into his store and everything surrounding its creation. Below is the interview, photos of the shop, and information on how you can join the movement.

Give us an idea of who you are. Where have you been, and what brought you here today?

My name is Mohamed “Moh” Habib. I was born in Cairo, Egypt…my parents immigrated to the United States when I was 6 months old. I grew up in Texas, then Arkansas, then moved up to Minnesota for high school. I graduated in 1999 with a degree in International Business and a minor in Marketing (and a Spanish concentration). I then lived and worked five years in Tokyo, Japan and then spent 3.5 years in Geneva, Switzerland doing international business and consulting before moving back to Minneapolis in 2010. Along the way I’ve had the opportunity to travel to 30 different countries and more than 185 cities worldwide….all along pursuing my true passions.

What is Studiiyo23? And what motivated its founding?

Studiiyo23 is a fusion of everything I love in life: Fashion, Art, Culture, Music and of course, Sneakers. It’s a space where “anything is possible”….where we try to break down traditional boundaries so when you walk in its doors, your first thought might be “Wow, I’ve never seen anything like this before”. The motivation came from deep inside….I am an artist at heart and love supporting those who follow their dreams and passions. I got tired of the Corporate Life, the suit and tie life. It just wasn’t me. It was a means to an end, a way to reach my true goal of going into business for myself. Everything fell into place at the right time and all the dreams I’ve had came together to create Studiiyo23.

What makes Studiiyo23 different than other shops in Minneapolis?

While traveling the world in search of inspiration I would seek out what each city claimed to be their top boutique, art gallery, sneakershop, etc. I experienced just about every type of shop you can imagine, but for me, the majority of the time I left the experience disappointed in some way. It just wasn’t me. I’m a freak for details. I observe. I notice everything. I wanted to create something that expressed me, my nature, my experiences in life and my passions. We operate as an art gallery and a clothing boutique. We host open mics, art exhibitions, in-store events, etc…so because it is a very intimate and constantly evolving space it is inherently different than any other shop in Minnesota.

Why was Minneapolis the choice for the shop’s location?

To be honest when I left Minneapolis back in 2002 to go to Tokyo, I told myself I’d never come back. Again, that was just me. I need constant change and evolution of thought and action to be happy. When I arrived back to Minneapolis on March 23, 2010, within a few weeks I dipped to California and then to NYC to find my new location. But something was missing. Then I asked myself what were some of the reasons I told myself I would never come back to Minneapolis and one was, what I felt, was a lack of this type of experience in the Twin Cities. There wasn’t a space for me, or for folks like me, to shop or express ourselves. I could not visit one shop in Minneapolis and buy my sneakers, bottom, top and accessories. I couldn’t walk into a space and analyze or purchase art that spoke to me and my experiences in life. I wanted to create that kind of environment and give others a space where they too could express themselves through Art, Fashion, and Music…a new-age culture Mecca.

What is in store for 2012 from Studiiyo23?

In the words of my good friends in Jamaica, ‘Big ‘Tings a Gwaan’. You will see Studiiyo23 continue to grow and push the traditional boundaries of retail, art and fashion. Our in-house Studiiyo23 clothing line will continue to expand and develop to not only focus on pieces that can be coordinate with the latest sneaker release….but on pieces that will hopefully move our consumers and guests on a very personal level.

Okay, let’s have some fun. What was your New Years Resolution?

“No more Mr. Nice Guy, but you can still call me Mr. Nice Watch!” Haha. This is my year, the Year of the Dragon and not coincidentally, I feel and have been more focused than ever before in my life. For those who know me…they know that can be dangerous!

Chess or Checkers?

Chess, but you don’t want to see me!

Biggie or Tupac?

Outkast!

What is the best way to stay up on new products coming in?

Connect with us on our website at www.studiiyo23.com or on Twitter and Facebook. We try our best to utilize these social media tools to connect with our people all over the world.

by Matt McM