ABOUT LICENSED TO GRIND

In 1997, Licensed To Grind's founder Umar Bey along with two of his younger brothers Munthir and Luqman established themselves here in Columbia selling their merchandise out the trunk of Umar's Jeep Grand Cherokee. They traveled all over Columbia selling their products, taking them into barber shops, beauty salons, car washes, restaurants, laundrymats, sporting events, car shows, you name it.

After establishing their street credibility they established GEARFELLAS, one of Columbia's first urban/Hip Hop apparel stores. At the same time their mother Hafsa had become one of the first vendors to pioneer selling body oils and incense at the US 1 Metro flea market. She was in fact a major inspiration to Twelve Tribes' founder David Richardson who, along with one of his brothers, then used to set up nearby selling their unique Martys' brand handcrafted items.

Gearfellas store although very successful and monumental in its own right, lasted only two years due to legal complications.

After Gearfellas closed down in 1999, staying true to the game, Umar and his brothers made moves to strengthen their family's business presence at the US 1 Metro and Barnyard flea markets. They focused on these locations while still keeping their loyal to the streets providing their customers with the best quality product, at the most reasonable price with the absolute freindliest, warmest customer service possible. This commitment still stands true til today.

Umar and his brothers have been providing their customers the very best products available ever since. Never compromising. They have loyal, satisfied customers not only at the flea market, but all over Columbia...Broad River, Two Notch Rd., Decker Blvd., Garners Ferry all over and all praise is due to Allah!