Good chums since the third grade and business partners since 2004, Jack Yates High School juniors Joshua McAfee and Jeremy Smith have always had an interest in fashion.



In an effort to artistically express themselves while making money at the same time, the duo launched Phresh Inc., a custom clothing line that is described by McAfee to be “new-age, urban professional.”

Using music for inspiration and some fabric paint, both Smith and McAfee decorate clothing, shoes and accessories with original designs that represent their line.



In September of their eighth grade year, the name Phresh Inc., came to them after listening to the radio. Smith had suggested that they name their new clothing company Fresh Inc. But after a song by artist, Pharell, began playing, McAfee came up with the idea that the spelling should begin with a “ph” like the singer. The two have gone by Phresh Inc. since.

After more than three years in business, Phresh Inc. has earned Smith and McAfee about $10,000.

According to their many customers, the teenage fashion duo’s line has become quite popular among students.

Hexter Holiday said he purchased two shirts and a hat from the company after McAfee marketed Phresh Inc. products for a project in a business class that they share.

“I found the artwork on the clothes very refreshing and cool,” Holiday said, “The clothes look a lot different from what’s out today. It is a great business. I would recommend it to anyone who wants something original to wear.”

Other students, like senior Jonathan Howard, said he took notice of the line when McAfee modeled a hoodie at school. Seeing the colorful, graffiti-like letters, and skull caricature painted on the hooded jacket made Howard want to know where McAfee purchased it. After finding out that the designs on the jacket were created by McAfee and Smith, Howard said he was surprised to say the least.

“I was amazed. I don’t know where he got the equipment from to do that kind of thing. I was also impressed by his entrepreneurial spirit,” he said.

Most students note that what they find most appealing about Phresh Inc. clothing is the fact that McAfee and Smith do all designs by hand unlike other popular lines.

“I could’ve gone to Basik, but Josh and Jeremy have

some real art talent. Plus, I really appreciate their handiwork. Unlike Basik, they really take time into making their clothes,” said junior Michelle Lauren Walker, who bought a black off the shoulder dress that had the face of the late actress Marilyn Monroe painted onto it.

“I think it’s cool. That’s real original, real creative. When you look at the designs, you know that it’s Phresh Inc.,” said sophomore, Briana Drisdale.

Students are not the only ones raving about the Phresh Inc. business. The team has been positively acknowledged by teachers as well.

Since working with McAfee and Smith to resurrect Yates’ radio station, journalism teacher, Nick Strong, said he has always seen potential in the pair.

“Those are the type of students I like,” Strong said. “The ones who you don’t have to ask to do anything, the ones who go and get it by themselves, the ones who go above and beyond.”

Because of their school wide success, students predict that Phresh Inc. will receive even more notoriety in the future.

“No one else is really out there pushing their line like they are. Pretty soon, they should be taking over the high schools. Then it’s going to be going on to the middle schools and the elementary schools. Who knows, they may even be in a music video some day,” said senior Joshua Ballard.

“I know that he has the potential to do something big. If he stays with it, and stays focused, I know he’s going to become something great,” said Howard.

Although McAfee and Smith are expected to have Phresh Inc. project them into superstardom in the fashion industry by their peers, both have different plans in mind. Smith plans to study pharmacy in college, while McAfee plans to go to medical school to become a pediatrician.

“I express myself in painting, but in reality, I know I need to focus on school work,” McAfee said.