The Ledger

By Becky Holland

At 20 years old, Marcus Newson is already building more than a future—he’s building a brand.

The son of Chuncey Phillips and Kenny Newson, Marcus graduated from Bleckley County High School in 2024 and is currently attending Central Georgia Technical College, where he is pursuing a degree in logistics management.

“I’d like to start a trucking company one day,” he said.

That may sound like a typical goal for a young man—but Marcus is anything but typical.

As a child, his interests leaned more toward creativity than commerce.

“I was really into shoes back then,” he said. “Shoes were my passion.”

A former high school athlete in track and football, Marcus began to see a new path around the time he graduated. Inspired by others creating their own clothing lines, he began thinking about launching something of his own.

“I saw people using manufacturers and making athletic and casual wear, and I thought—I could do that,” he said.

That idea became NewJus, a brand name with personal meaning: the first three letters of his last name, the “J” from his middle name, and the final two letters of his first name.

“I was just playing around with it,” he said. “It just fit.”

What started as an idea quickly turned into action. Marcus first focused on women’s athletic wear, inspired by popular brands at the time.

“Lululemon was big, and I wanted to do something more affordable,” he said.

From there, NewJus expanded into men’s and children’s clothing. Today, the brand includes everything from tracksuits and hoodies to t-shirts, hats, and sweatshirts.

“It’s not too fast, but it is fast—and not slow,” Marcus said with a laugh, describing the growth of his business.

At just 18 years old, he invested $5,000 of his graduation money to get started.

Now, he operates his business through his website and sells merchandise locally—from his home and even his car when needed.

Support has grown steadily. Friends, local athletic teams, and bands have embraced the brand, with Marcus outfitting teams in both Bleckley and Macon counties in travel gear.

His reach has even gone international.

“My furthest sale came from Germany,” he said.

No matter where his career path leads, Marcus says NewJus will always be part of his life.

“Any money I make, I reinvest,” he said.

He credits his parents for helping shape who he is today.

“They raised me right,” Marcus said.

At its core, NewJus is about more than clothing.

“My brand is for everyone—red, yellow, black, white, young and old,” he said.

And seeing people wear what he’s created never gets old.

“It makes me smile and feel good.”

Looking back, Marcus offers simple advice to his younger self:

“Be consistent. You might not see results in the beginning, but if you stick with it, in the long run, you will.”

To learn more or shop NewJus apparel, visit http://www.newjus.net.

Photos from NewJus