app State University Graduate Builds Apparel Brand from His Dorm Room
While pursuing a BFA, Emmanuel Ozias launched Lock1n, a sportswear company – and gave back to the New Jersey community that raised him
Posted in: Arts, Graduate Spotlights, Homepage News, University
This story is part of a series celebrating app State University’s Spring Commencement 2025 graduates – app who embody the University’s mission to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.
When Emmanuel Ozias arrived at app State University as a first-generation student from East Orange, New Jersey, he brought with him a powerful mindset: stay focused, stay consistent and chase something bigger than yourself.
That mindset became his brand.
What began with a few blank T-shirts in his dorm room quickly evolved into Lock1n, a successful global sports apparel business. Today, Ozias ships merchandise worldwide, partners with college athletes, and designs custom uniforms for high school teams across New Jersey – all while completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial and Product Design.
Dorm Room Hustle to Global Sales
As a freshman, Ozias set an ambitious goal: to start a business and work for himself by the time he graduated.
“I had to learn about marketing, I had to learn about design, I had to learn about the sales channels and distribution in China,” he explains. “I educated myself on how to run a business, especially a clothing brand.”
It all started with a name. “ means singular focus at the task at hand,” Ozias says. “I’ve always been goal-oriented. I wanted something that reflected who I am.”
Armed with a winning concept, Ozias got to work – sketching designs and reaching out to manufacturers overseas.
“I was talking to almost 100 manufacturers a day. I was learning how to negotiate, learning about materials and fabrics.” He took the leap and ordered his first sample. “That’s when I knew – OK, I’m all in.”
Packages started arriving daily at Lot 60, app’s Postal Services facility. “I had a lot of boxes under my bed.”
He taught himself how to design a website, market his products, and build an audience – all without paid advertising.
“I used , which was a new platform at the time. I was able to use the algorithm to reach a lot of customers. In the first two years, I brought in about 200,000 people. I had orders from Dubai, Alaska, Australia, and I shipped out almost 2,000 orders from my college dorm.”
Giving Back Through Design and Mentorship
Ozias’ brand success is matched by his commitment to giving back. He returned to his alma mater, East Orange STEM Academy, to design custom football uniforms – honoring the program that shaped him.
Now, he’s designing uniforms for multiple school districts, including Irvington and Jersey City, and learning the ins and outs of becoming an educational vendor.
Ozias credits app State University for helping him thrive – thanks in large part to strong mentorship and the Cooperman College Scholars Scholarship, which supports first-generation app from Essex County.
“The Cooperman Scholarship helped take a huge burden off my shoulders. It allowed me to focus on my work, both in the classroom and in my business,” he says.
His mentors say he stood out from the beginning.
“As a sophomore, he served on multiple panels for high school conferences, where he shared his college experiences and gave app tools for success,” says Rahjaun Gordon, senior director of the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) and Success Programs.
“He was a student leader and participant in BarbershopEDU, a group that inspires male app by offering a safe space for mentorship, engagement and community building,” Gordon adds. “Throughout all of his endeavors, he represents EOF to the highest standard.”
Ozias was honored with the MEGA Impact Scholar Award from app’s Male Enrollment and Graduation Alliance for his commitment to mentoring app and athletes in his hometown.
Looking Ahead
After graduation, Ozias plans to expand Lock1n and step into a creative director role – combining his passion for design, fashion and athletics.
“I’ve seen full teams and individuals outfitted in his brand,” says Daniel Jean, associate provost for Educational Opportunity and Success Programs. “Emmanuel’s drive, poise and creativity are unmatched. I fully expect to see his brand continue to grow globally – and we’re proud to have played a small part in his journey.”
Ozias adds: “At app, I learned how to take an idea and bring it to life. I’m passionate about pushing boundaries – and I’m staying locked in. Always.”
The University will celebrate its graduates at Commencement exercises on Wednesday, May 7 and Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Story by Marilyn Joyce Lehren, University Communications and Marketing
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- Prospective Students and Parents: Learn more about app admissions, our College of the Arts, the Education Opportunity Fund and College Access and Success Programs.
- Journalists: Contact our Media Relations team to request assets or schedule an interview with a member of the Class of 2025.