Zych ( right ) with Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster ( center ).
athletes , musicians and loyal customers — connections that grew organically .
“ It makes me laugh , but the saying , ‘ Real recognizes real ,’ holds true here . I really had no connection with any athlete or celebrity before NOLAC ,” Zych says . “ One thing that holds true with everyone who ’ s worn my brand is that they have an incredible amount of passion and belief in what they do , so when I created the opportunities to cross paths with these individuals , there was mutual respect between us , and , in some cases , it ’ s led to some incredible friendships .”
While he ’ s grateful for the support , he ’ s not surprised by the fact that celebrities are attracted to NOLAC apparel .
“ It sounds crazy to some , but I knew I would have my clothes being worn by a lot of people who currently support the brand ,” he explains . “ It all circles back to the vision I have for what I ’ m building . It makes me happy to know that some of the people wearing my brand have access to the best clothes money can buy but still consistently wear NOLAC .”
Numerous pieces in Zych ’ s collection are printed with inspirational sayings such as “ Fate Loves the Fearless ,” “ Keep on Going ” and “ No Love Lost .” Some of his best sellers are sweat suits and what he calls “ fundamental pieces .” These include plain long-sleeve and short-sleeve shirts that can be worn for any occasion , whether dressy or casual .
“ I have NFL players who will wear them under their sport coats to games , and then work out in them after the game ,” he says .
Growing up
To shop for NOLAC apparel , visit www . nolacnation . com . in Pittsburgh certainly impacted both Zych ’ s work ethic and vision .
“ Pittsburgh works hard — that ’ s the easiest way to say it ,” he explains . “ This is a city that knows what it means to work , and I ’ m thankful for that .
There are no handouts here . You have to earn your keep and it isn ’ t easy .”
Over the next few years , he plans to focus on building more exposure for the brand . He also wants to speak to high school and college students about “ all facets of life ” and eventually travel to conduct Q & A-style discussions .
“ I believe my story at this stage is one that will gain an ear ,” says Zych . “ I want the youth to understand how many options there are in life . I want to use my story as a motivational tool to inspire and guide . I tell people all the time — I ’ m not selling clothes . I ’ m building a brand .”
Zych says he handles 99 percent of the business operations by himself , pulling in independent contractors or part-time helpers for shipping and inventory when necessary .
“ The brand is an extension of who I am , and until it reaches a point where branding is solidified , I like to have my hand in every aspect ,” he states . “ I expect a lot out of myself and the brand .”
After a year that tested him physically , financially and emotionally , he says he never lost faith in the struggle , pointing out that it ’ s “ impossible to stop an individual with passion .”
He adds , “ We are growing all the time , and that ’ s all I ’ m thankful for . I truly believe if you aren ’ t growing , you ’ re dying in this industry .”
And while other successful entrepreneurs may be tempted to relocate to larger cities , Zych has no plans to leave Pittsburgh . In fact , he still lives in Bethel Park : “ I ’ ve had opportunities to leave , but I want to build here . This is home .” ■
After a year that tested Zych physically , financially and emotionally , he never lost faith in the struggle . “ It ’ s impossible to stop an individual with passion ,” he says .
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