We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Christopher Holmes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Christopher, thanks for joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
There are three things that I believe are paramount in order to be successful in any business. These are passion, talent, and time. These factors are interconected and can lead to success but each have a unique role in establishing a unique lane for your business venture. When all three are present you will naturally build clients that will do the hard work of marketing for you. The “street committee” is real, and when they talk about you positively, the business will grow. What eventually happens when remaining diligent is the opportunity to serve the right person, at the right time, at the right season of life that will change the trajectory. While waiting on elevation, remain humble, yet hungry. Continue to be grateful, but not complacent. When there is more to accomplish, continue to grind and persevere. Will it be uncomfortable at time…of course. This will be the place where increased resilience, growth, and character occur. I had to learn to continue to invest in myself when it didn’t seem worth it although the feeling was contrary. I also had to learn to trust and believe in me, but lastly, I had to be receptive to feedback and learn to be open to change.
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
What are the questions that I get asked all the time is how I got started. What many don’t know is that I started my career in fashion and style as a classroom teacher. I started teaching about 20 years ago and in a public school that served majority African-American students. Many of the students were living in abject poverty and had not grown up in a community where receiving a high school diploma was expected or even necessary. I truly believe that my students deserve to see a Black man from a different lens. So I was committed to dressing up everyday, which included wearing bow ties. As time went on students would always ask me where I purchased my bow ties and I would tell them I didn’t; I made them. They later began to ask me to make them bow ties from various events that were happening either in school or at church and I would make them for free. I eventually started giving them out as rewards for students that were performing well or demonstrating strong character and integrity. That later led to me making bow ties and other accessories for events like prom and homecoming. Everything changed for me the day a student came and said that a gentleman at his church wanted to know how much I sold my bow ties for. Well at that point I had never sold a bow tie and was trying to figure out what would be a reasonable price for a custom bow tie. So I said $15. And that is how D’CREE was born and I began selling bespoke men’s accessories. Most people also don’t realize that both D’CREE© and Pampered&Groomed© are faith-based companies. Decree is a company that places heavy significance on power words so the name itself is simply giving men an opportunity to give a visual representation and manifestation to the world of the things they have spoken over and about themselves. If you speak blessing, favor, love, power, confidence, etc., why not look like it. You can’t claim to be blessed and walk around looking broken and defeated. Sometimes even if you really don’t believe it if you can see yourself differently you can manifest those things that you desire. Transitioning into a creating a nuptial based company that provides multiple services that target grooms and groomsmen was natural. While providing custom accessories, styling, and other services on a groom’s special day has provided unique and newly encountered experiences. Pampering grooms in the way we do allows these men to feel and be kings in an effort to exemplify honor. Providing manicures, massages, barbering and grooming, custom food and beverage selections as well as ensuring every picture looks perfect has truly been a pleasure. You do not find a male focused company on the day of weddings, so we wanted to fill in that gap to ensure that grooms were getting the same specialized attention as brides.
Although now I operate several businesses, one thing has always remained a priority. I understood long ago that my purpose in life has always been to serve. That can take place either in a classroom or in a ballroom. Despite who I’m serving or where I’m serving oh, the proudest moment for me is always the look on my clients’ faces in the expressions of gratitude or how I went out of my way to ensure they received what was requested, but more importantly, the quality of service I know they deserved to feel confident and considered so their able to move to their next chapter in life. My personal montra is there is something to be said about you by others when you are great, but there is a feeling far greater when you are grateful.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
One of the most effective strategies to grow your clientele is to make sure that your reputation is always in good standing. Of course, there will be occurrences when everything will not always work out and you will pivot. Although you may ot have provided the client with the service that you desired, the client should never fee the impact of the shift. At all costs, always make sure that your client is satisfied. When your reputation precedes you and your quality of work is admired by others you will always continue to grow your client base as well as continue to be considered integral and professional. Not only will you experience new clients but you will also consistent clients.
Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?
For those, like myself, who create custom items, it is more advantageous to sell your products and promote from your website and your social media Pages versus using platforms like Amazon. because I never duplicate an item once it is created and I’m not doing both orders and I apply for my Amazon would not serve its purpose with my clients. It is important for you to have a clear understanding of who you are and how your products set you apart And how that should be reflected in your price points. Although my custom t-shirts can be ordered from the website in bulk, you rarely will find the same set of designs available from season to season as I run various collections throughout the year. Although there is nothing wrong with partnering with larger companies or manufacturers. It is critical to ensure that you are connected with those that can support and produce the vision from packaging and shipping, to mission and beliefs. My hand literally touches every item that is delivered to a client, which is very important to me. Oftentimes I deliver to clients in person so that I provide the highest level of customer service.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dcreeclothing.com; https://fullyengage.wixsite.com/pandg
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dcreeclothier/?hl=en; https://www.instagram.com/pamperedngroomed/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesignedbyDcree; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071159020513
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DcreeClothier
Image Credits
@champagnenupelovestories, @stephandiamonte