FACES. | JUSTIN ZARAGOZA

Justin Zaragoza | Anxiety 

eightonethree. | You’re born and raised in Tampa. What part of the city shaped you the most growing up, and how does Tampa influence the way you approach your brand today?

Justin Zaragoza | Yeah, I was born and raised in Tampa. Growing up, the skate park was really my main hub, I specifically grew up out in Citrus Park. That’s where I spent most of my time and where a lot of my influence came from.

As far as how Tampa shaped the way I approach the brand, it’s really about the attitude. The city has this mindset of just doing what you want to do, there’s no real pressure to follow a certain path or fit into a box. It’s very much a “take it or leave it” kind of vibe. That’s something I carry into Anxiety. It’s like this is what it is. You either connect with it or you don’t. Tampa gave me that confidence to just create freely and not overthink how it’s going to be received.

eightonethree. | Before starting Anxiety, what were the early influences that pulled you into streetwear and design? Was there a specific moment when you realized you wanted to make your own brand?

Justin Zaragoza | Supreme, for sure; 100%. Being around the older guys at the skatepark, they really put me on to what was cool and what wasn’t. Skateboarding culture opened my eyes to fashion in a whole different way. 

As far as starting my own brand, it wasn’t something I planned from the beginning. At first, I was just making pieces for myself and my friends. But once I started seeing people post it and it started getting attention, people were hitting me like, “Yo, can I buy that?” That’s when it clicked for me. I was like, damn, people actually want this. That’s when I realized I could really do something with it. This was all before Anxiety,  this was back when I was just making the “Fuck You” jeans. That was really the starting point for  everything.

eightonethree. | The name “Anxiety” is powerful. What does the name represent to you personally, and how does it connect to the ideas behind the brand?

Justin Zaragoza | Anxiety, to me, is chaotic. It's like having a lot going on in your head at once. That feeling of everything being a little crazy, a little overwhelming. That’s something I try to channel into the brand. A lot of what I put out reflects that energy,  it’s bold, unexpected, sometimes even shocking. Like, you might not see certain designs coming from other brands. Not necessarily the silhouette, but the way it’s executed; it stands out. For me, Anxiety is really about embracing that chaos and turning it into something creative.

eightonethree. | Mental health has become a bigger conversation in recent years. How has your own experience with anxiety shaped the way you create or the message behind the brand?

Justin Zaragoza | I feel like, more than anything, the clothes are about making people feel confident. If you’re dealing with anxiety or feeling nervous, putting something on that makes you feel good can really shift your mindset. That’s what I want the brand to do, help people feel more comfortable in themselves. Even if it’s in a small way, if wearing something can ease that feeling or help you push through it, then it’s doing what it’s supposed to do. If it helps you overcome that in any way, then that’s the goal.

eightonethree. | A lot of people see the finished product; the clothes, the drops, the visuals but what does the creative process actually look like for you from start to finish?

Justin Zaragoza | It’s nonstop. I’ll have an idea, and it just keeps replaying in my head over and over,  like a million times,  until I actually go out and execute it.

eightonethree. | Has there been any notable influencers who have taken interest in the brand, what’s so industry insight that they have provided? 

Justin Zaragoza | It’s definitely Upscale Vandal. He’s really tapped in and has been in the game for a long time, so when he reached out, it meant a lot. I was like, okay, if he’s messing with the brand, I must be doing something right. That’s an OG right there. He’s also helped open my eyes to thinking bigger, not just dropping one-off pieces, but really focusing on building out full collections. That’s something I haven’t fully done yet, but it’s definitely in the works.

eightonethree. | Skate culture and street culture have always been closely tied to fashion. How did that environment influence the way you see style and community?

Justin Zaragoza | It’s everywhere. Skateboarding is really at the center of everything, whether people realize it or not. Back then, I used to get made fun of for skating. Now, it’s become the cool thing, and you’ve got major brands paying skateboarders to wear their stuff, it’s crazy how much that’s shifted. A lot of designers pull from skate culture, take what they like, and put their own spin on it. They’ll rework it and stamp their name on it. But honestly, I think it’s dope. I’m not against it at all, it just shows how influential skate culture really is.

eightonethree. | Tampa’s creative scene has been evolving. From your perspective, how would you describe the city’s streetwear and creative culture right now?

Justin Zaragoza | I fuck with it, it’s loud right now. Everyone’s coming down here doing their thing, and there are nothing but opportunities. Honestly, I think we need even more of it. But the thing is, it’s always been here, the creatives, the musicians, the art; it’s just that now it’s on a whole different scale. It’s bigger. It’s louder. It’s starting to feel like Miami energy, and I love that.

eightonethree. | What’s your favorite spot in the city to get inspired or just recharge?

Justin Zaragoza | The beach; specifically Clearwater. I mean, there are definitely better spots, but I usually hit that one since it’s right there. I’ll just slide through, soak up the sun, and chill for a bit.

eightonethree. | For someone wanting to start a brand or creative project, what advice would you give them?

Justin Zaragoza | Be patient; patience is everything. Don’t rush the process, because trying to force it will burn through your money fast. Take your time, move intentionally, and focus on creating pieces you’d actually wear yourself. Don’t do it just for the money.

eightonethree. | Finally, What’s next for Anxiety? Is there anything you’re building right now that people should keep an eye out for?”

Justin Zaragoza | I want to do more pop-ups in different cities and states, almost like going on tour. ComplexCon is definitely in the plans. I also want to show more behind the scenes, just documenting everything and giving people a look into the day-to-day lifestyle. At the end of the day, it’s really about staying consistent.