We recently connected with Aondray Worthy and have shared our conversation below.
Aondray, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?
Going over and above. Giving discounts, free merchandise or working with a clients budget. Giving back to the community with sponsoring high school fashion shows etc.
Aondray, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Aondray A. Worthy. Born July 27th 1974 in Milwaukee Wis. Attended school in Saginaw, MI before relocating to Lansing, MI. Encountered adversity early childhood before having a eye opening experience that would have landed me 25 years in prison. Ex-chid runaway, orphan, held back 3 times before dropping out in the 8th grade. Convicted felon, before having record expunged, which I did on my own without any legal help. Returned back to school, completed my GED and attended Delta College in Saginaw/Bay City MI where I studied computer programming. Always had a knack for fashion and loved expressing myself through clothing. A close friend asked if I ever considered selling clothing. Never considered, however the thought ignited a curiosity to see what I needed to do to do so. Started researching and found a company that drop shipped. Filed necessary paperwork and stepped out on faith. The name WalkWorthy was created to establish liberation and identity. We eventually created our on line of mens professional clothing and accessories. We provide men of all backgrounds the ability to create their on style and design through our custom clothing and custom shoes. We provide a concierge service where we’ll loaded up our fabrics and come to your office or home. Clients may also visit our haberdashery as a walk-in or schedule a personal consultation. No matter your size or build, we can help you get the look you deserve and desire. We also teach “Dress for Success” workshops, and motivational speaking for various organizations. Our goal is to build strong client relationships and repeat service. Our brand inspires hope and demonstrates your past does not define you. This is my ministry. It’s not what’s on the outside that defines a man but what’s going on in the inside that does. Fashion should only magnify those qualities. Our motto “Dress How You Want To Be Addressed!” We started in 2014 selling by catalog and now we have our own line of products. We believe this is but the beginning. We’re looking to establish affiliate programs and franchise opportunities. I l thank my wife Laura Worthy. I thank my children, Ladraya Worthy, Lemuel Worthy and Lalya Worthy for their sacrifice and support. We thank our clients for their commitment to the WalkWorthy brand. Our specialty is prom, weddings, funerals, business and other special occasions. We’re committed to having men look their absolute best. We can be found inside the Lansing, Mall 5330 W. Saginaw Hwy. Suite 199, Lansing, MI 48917. Were on all social media @Mr_WalkWorthy. Feel free to Google “WalkWorthy Menswear” to see our reviews and more.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
We pride ourselves on being self funded. We didn’t realize the power of broke, and how you must get creative to generate revenue. Consistency and being persistent are vital components when building a business. People need you, when they need you, and sometimes is out of your control. Everything we generate goes back into the business.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
We may not be right for everyone, however you’re right for someone. Make sure and focus on the someone. Support may not come from who you expect, but from complete strangers.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mrwalkworthy.com
- Instagram: @Mr_WalkWorthy
- Facebook: @Mr_WalkWorthy
- Linkedin: Aondray A. Worthy
- Twitter: @Mr_WalkWorthy
- Youtube: Mr_WalkWorthy
- Yelp: WalkWorthy Menswear
- Other: TikTok @Mr_WalkWorthy
Image Credits
Preston Evans