Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to David Carrington. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

David, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

I would start my business sooner because I would be further along running the company. But in all my experiences up until now, I wouldn’t change that for the world because Everything I’ve done in my career has led me to this point. To start and run this business the way I’m doing now, with the experiences I’ve had so far in my career and life. I started COMPASS last year in January 2022. However, I’ve had this idea for over 20 years. I wanted to start my own watch company, and I wanted a luxury watch company. I admired luxury watch brands like Rolex, and Patek Philippe, all the big names that people know and mention with admiration. I wanted to build my own, but It was for different reasons.

Representation is one of them. I say representation because, as a young person growing up. On most commercials and billboards, you didn’t see anyone who looked like me. We are the consumer, but we aren’t the owners or faces of these brands. I wanted to change that at a very young age, but I sat on the idea for a long time because I became interested in computers and technology. That’s where my career journey began, And I did that up until last year. When I got laid off, I said, you know what? I got to control my destiny. And that’s where I took action. If I was gonna go into business for myself, I knew this was my chance to start COMPASS. It is a business I’ve always wanted and a mission I feel I need to work on. And that’s where you have me today. So I wouldn’t change anything. The path that got me here is the reason I’m here, so I wouldn’t change that. My events up until where I am today, I was just saying I wish I would have started my business sooner so I would be further along in this initial beginning process. I’m enjoying the process now. I’d like to be a positive influence for those like me who have ideas but sit on them because working and having a career is safe. Our mantra is to find purpose; I have found mine and want to encourage others to find theirs.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a passionate watch enthusiast who decided to take action on my passion for designing watches with the idea of finding purpose. COMPASS is a brand that wants you to feel a sense of achievement or accomplishment when you get one. Our purpose is to provide that experience.

COMPASS sells various types of swiss made high-end timepieces and accessories for these timepieces. As we build our collections, there will be something for everyone to love and wear. All of our timepieces will come with a 2-year warranty with an option to extend them longer if our customer chooses to do so. I believe we fill a representation gap in the luxury watch market while I am sure there are people of color in high positions. Quite frankly, there just aren’t many black-owned brands in the luxury segment. We want to change that and show we can be successful in this space as well.

I am most proud that we are here in business for the world to see what we bring to the marketplace. I am excited because we are working on some great timepieces that will show that we will be here for generations. I found my purpose with COMPASS and will strive to inspire others to find purpose.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

When I made the decision to start this business, I had some money in my 401k that I could use to help get everything started. Also, my mother-in-law and my cousin were gracious enough to help and loan us money, which I used to start designing our first prototypes. I am happy I was able to finance most of everything myself by using my 401k, but like anything, it’s a huge risk if you don’t see it through!

Have you ever had to pivot?

When I first started, I used my last name as the business name, “Carrington Watches.” I wanted to use my name when creating the brand when I put in for the trademark of my logo and name. It turned out that it was already trademarked in the watch category! Then I pivoted to COMPASS, which goes along with “find Purpose.” With the change, I had to take time to come up with a new logo, but my mantra remained the same. This pivot was early in the process and cost me some money, but I think it worked out for the best. Launching this brand has taken much more time than I ever expected, but I know it will all have been worth it in the end.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://compasstimepieces.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compasstimepieces/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/compasstimepieces/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compass-timepieces/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/compasstime

Image Credits
Zay Monae Photography Jacqueline Carrington