By Betsy Finklea
A Dillon native is chasing his dreams and has launched his own clothing line.
Eriq Bruce, a 2014 graduate of Dillon High School and a 2018 graduate of Coastal Carolina University, is a young man who has accomplished a great deal in a short time.
Bruce “thanks God” for his success. Bruce said he struggled in middle school and even got kicked out of J.V. Martin Junior High School and was sent to the alternative school. He said he can remember sitting in Superintendent Ray Rogers office with his mom crying because he was getting kicked out and knew he needed to become a better person.
When he got to Dillon High School, he was determined to do well and became part of the marching band and played tennis. He was even part of the school play, “Fences.” In college, which he said he benefited from, Bruce was elected Student Body President at Coastal Carolina University, no small feat for someone from a small town like Dillon. While in college, he joined the military in his sophomore year.
After earning his Bachelor’s Degree in political science from Coastal. he did some work on Capitol Hill, worked on a political campaign, and earned his master’s degree in public administration. He then went and worked in Atlanta for the Fulton County Magistrate’s Court as a judicial manager. Bruce now lives in Houston, Texas, where he has entered a new phase of his life as he enters the fashion world. Eriq has his own clothing design called “Rique.” He describes “Rique” as “a bold luxury streetwear brand that connects urban culture with fashion forward statements.” A couple of NFL players have reached out to him with interest in his new line. Some of his fashion influences include Maison Margiela and Alex McQueen.
Bruce said he always had an eye for fashion and credits a great deal of his interest to his grandmother, Linda Bruce. She would allow him to dress her and take him to outlets and let him pick out her clothes.
He said he has always been fashionable even from a young age, and he has been able to use his talent, education, and life experience to create his own brand.
Bruce would like for his story to give other young people “hope.”
He can’t stress the importance of getting an education and chasing your dreams.
If you would like to learn more about Bruce’s fashion line or see some more of the clothing from his line, visit riqueclothing.com on the web or on Instagram @theeriqbruce or @riqueb1.
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