We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Burrell Brown. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Burrell below.

Burrell, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

When I initially moved to DC I was in graduate school and working at a law firm and really wanted my suits to fit well. I got some pants tailored at a cleaners and I was not pleased with the results. I received a sewing machine as a gift from my mother-in-law and began watching YouTube videos to teach myself. After a lot of trial and error and gracious friends that allowed me to practice on their clothes I decided to see if I could profit from this skill. At the time the sharing economy was really expanding (Uber, Lyft, instacart, Airbnb, etc.) and inspired me to create a business that implemented a similar strategy of convenience. I researched and identified that no other tailor in DC offers mobile tailoring as a service as most are in a brick-and-mortars in combination with dry cleaning. I knew that alone could set me apart in addition to how different I looked in comparison to other tailors in the area to my knowledge.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I am a data scientist full-time and in my spare time I am a tailor and clothier. StreetSmart Tailoring offers everything from full-service alterations (including wedding dresses, leather, etc.) to custom pieces (suits, dresses, overcoats, trousers, special projects, etc.). This business provides a sense of purpose for me as I able to positively impact a vast amount of people. The reach is undoubtedly what I am most proud of. In 3.5yrs I just sent my 1000th invoice a few days ago. We’ve impacted 500+ people in the DMV. A team of 1 has expanded into a team of 4 so I’m energized for our potential as we continue to grow. Wrapping my head around the fact that this all began with a needle, thread, and an idea is surreal.

I think what sets us apart from other tailors or alteration services in the DMV is the convenience and excellent customer service we offer.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I watch/listen to a lot of YouTube videos and speak to various people in my environment that provide a source of inspiration and guidance. I listen to a lot of sermons from various pastors. I listen to motivation speakers and I’m a big sports fan so I am drawn to any story of someone overcoming a challenge. I believe that inspiration can only get you to the initial challenge before desire and will are tested. A few days ago I was listening to a Kobe interview and he was referencing that he didn’t know what was he was capable of when he was younger, but was willing to put in the work to find out. I am intentionally abiding by that mindset. I am in a bible study group with 2 other Prayed Up Kings and its so powerful having a support system that challenges you, yet uplifts you.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I have a mentor that constantly extends gems to me. We had a conversation about the scarcity mindset and how detrimental it can be to an entrepreneur. My mentor encouraged me to think more about gaining and less about the possibility to lose. It has been a major catalyst for my recent growth. I previously ran my business from a mindset of scarcity. I am a believer in faith and in signs that are sent to you. Circling back to the surreal reach. I typically ask clients how they found the business when interacting and I have had several clients reaffirm the belief in the abundance mindset that all things are working together for my good, even in ways I cannot see. One client was informed of StreetSmart Tailoring when she was on a bachelorette trip in Miami and one of the bridesmaids was utilizing one of my tote bags from 3yrs ago. Instead of being so selective with my marketing, I am now thinking of what it could possibly lead to. Clients have found me on reddit threads, pure word of mouth, flyers in elevators. simple google searches and so many other ways I cannot fathom.
Networking is so powerful and I have shied away from it for so long out of fear and anxiety. It is something I am working through and have devised a plan to overcome.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.streetsmarttailoring.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/streetsmarttailoring/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/55055378

Image Credits
Justin Furbush