By Alisha Murphy
ink Dolphin. Hundreds. Puma. Flaucy. Vampire Life.
Slow^^rlS. Yes, they have it all. Looking for the latest fashion
in men's and women's urban wear? That custom leather studded
vest you saw online for $500 is closer than you thought. Heat
In The Streets (HITS) has the hottest gear in the area. Located
conveniently at 129 Haystreet in Downtown Fayetteville, HITS is
on the rise and it's owner-operator Terrance "T-Mac" McNair is
just getting started.
McNair has a story unique outlook on life. A familiar face on
campus for some, he was here a while back but was forced to
leave after some poor decision making.
"I'm from Fayetteville. Went to 71st high school. Played ball and
got kicked off the team because my grades weren't up to par",
said McNair. How did he over come this short coming? "I got a
job", he said smugly.
Smithfield Chicken and BBQ wasn't exactly purchasing Marc Ja
cobs loafers (he had a pair on during this interview by the way)
and soon he began helping a relative sell clothes. Set up In the
flea market on Raeford road,the entrepreneurial spirit began to
make it's presence.
"I was working at Boston Market and hustling clothes but I was
already out the door in my mind. Then my employer called me
to the office and fired me. It was like I spoke it into existence. I
didn't belong there anyway," McNair said.
With a new 'go hard' attitudg^^ McNair worked at Booth #174
until clientele outgrew the rented space. Only open three days
a week for three years, he and his business partner kept their
shop at the flea mall until he made a home at The Sky Box on
Cllffdale road. Shortly after making the big move his business
partner pulled out.
"That's just how it is'; said McNain v ™ ;,
A few break-ins and bad investments later McNair was on the
look out for a new spot. With a help of his brother Jamal Reyn
olds McNair was able to make it past the low points. Soon he
raFlnto his future business partners and owners of Deadmen
Ink(DMI).
the type of business you want to run".
McNair encourages those interested in excelling to "Chase your
dream. At the sarne ^^ 9o the route you want to go. Be your
own person. At the end of the day take responsibility for your
decisions," he added.
Besides a booming business McNair is currently pursuing a
Criminal Justice degree at Fayetteville State University-a back
up plan that he understands is essential.
"[Plan B] I want to be a U.S. Marshal or a Probation officer.
Business is good, but not economy proof."
What else is in the future for "T-Mac" and H.I.T.S/D.M.L?
"Franchise. New location coming soon in Pittsburgh, VA and At
lanta, GA is in the works. People used to say I sold fake clothes
but I have official contracts from legit venders. Oh yea, we will
be selling Marc Jacobs real soon too, stay tuned".
So when you seen a guy in all white and Gucci Loafers, don't
be alarmed—it's just a business man.
Follow them on Twitter @HITS.
HITSmac.
.deadmenink and Instagram at
^ McNair accredits his father for preparing him for such a large
move "He kept teitlng me I didn't have enough saved up to
' a business. I had 3,000. No. 5,000 still no. Qnce I hit
10 000 saved I was like I'm ready! He was like still no, not
et" says McNair. After finding out most people didn't have $200
Lved when they want to become business owner's McNair real
ized his father was only preparing him for the worse.
"Qo many people invest money into things and loose it with no
recovery room. I just want you to be able to live the lifestyle of
Terrance "T-Mac" McNair poses in his downtown bou
tique and Tattoo parlor. Heat In The Street (H.I.T.S.) /
Dead Men Ink (D.M.I). Photo courtesy of McNair.