We were lucky to catch up with David Morgan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, David thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

I made my first ever sell outside of friends and family by taking a huge risk and doing my first ever popup. I signed up for a pop-up event in Atlanta for POP ATL/ ATL IndieMarket, I had no idea what I was doing or what I needed I just knew I had a spot in an incredible event for small businesses and I had amazing products to bring and present. My friends came to support me which was amazing and I’m forever grateful for but I was still trying to reach/sell to someone I’ve never met before. It was maybe about the 3rd hour into the event after giving out multiple business cards, gaining followers on Instagram, and meeting other vendors I finally got someone interested in buying an item! After browsing he didn’t see his size in an item that he wanted because a majority of my friends bought most of the popular sizes. He stated that he loved my brand and said that he would circle back. As soon as that customer decided to circle back another decided to buy the same item he just put back down. He stated to me “I walked passed here and told myself I was going to buy it if no one else did.” He then asked me how much was it for the hoodie and proceeded to reach for his wallet. My face instantly lit up like a kid at an amusement park, it hit me that I just got my very first sale outside of family and friends. Being so filled with excitement I let him know that he was my very first ever customer outside of my friend and family and he decided to buy 2 more items! Words can’t describe how incredible I felt at that moment. To be able to sell to your friends and family is amazing and truly a blessing, but being able to sell to a stranger who doesn’t know me or my brand shows me that all of my hard work isn’t for nothing and continues pushing me to always go my hardest!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is David Morgan and I am the owner of the brand Limited Access. At first designing and making clothing and being so interested in fashion was a safe space for me to get away from any problems or issues I was currently facing. When I first started my mental health wasn’t great, I was suicidal, depressed, and on probation. One day I woke up and was tired of living the same depressed day over and over again. Clinging to my safe space I ended up drawing an astronaut with a balloon in his hand and was thinking about all my dreams and goals for the future. One of my main goals was to keep anyone from feeling how I felt or if they did help them not feel what feel. All I could think about was how could I help others while I’m still trying to help myself. I needed to find a way to limit the access that negativity had on me and my life. Over the next couple of months, I chose to limit my access to anything toxic whether it was family or friends, bad habits, my thoughts, or anything that wasn’t positively benefiting me. After months I was finally in a better position mentally and all I could think about was how I limited my access to negativity or didn’t give access to people or things that were negative later that year the brand Limited Access was born.

At Limited Access, we sell streetwear items that include hoodies, t-shirts, sweats, jeans, jackets, beanies, and more! At Limited Access one of our main goals is to make everyone feel their best while looking their best, while always trying to be their best. Behind each piece has a meaning or purpose that relates to the three main logos we use which are balloons, skulls, and an astronaut.
The balloon represents the urge to let go or in this case to let go of the past or anything holding you back from being a better you .
The astronaut represents our hopes and dreams we hope to achieve ourselves in the future.
The skull represents the past (the old version of ourselves) that wants to keep us trapped in the same spot forever.
These 3 logos help our followers understand our mission/vision of being the best version of ourselves that we can be.

A lot of brands differentiate themselves from others based on a certain style or logo. We’re more concerned with the well-being of our customers and that’s what sets us apart. We post monthly tips and information about mental health on our about section of our website and where to get help if needed. I firsthand know how hard it is to be surrounded by darkness and how much pride it takes to ask for help so our main concern is making sure others are well. When speaking about clothes we provide the best quality in the game, as well as the best customer service. Each piece has something unique that sets us apart from other brands as well. Whether it is glow-in-the-dark embroidery to simply the quality and comfort of a product each item has, there’s something there sets us apart.

I would say I’m most proud of starting Limited Access to be completely honest. Being able to overcome my fears and self-doubt and just starting and chasing after my dreams shows me I can do whatever I put my mind to. Being able to overcome those fears and self-doubt allowed me to be where I am today and set up the route for where I am going and for that I will always be proud of myself.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I would say I’m still in the beginning stages of my company, so I have to use a lot of my capital or resources. To get capital for photoshoots, samples, websites, shipping, supplies, etc I work as a mobile detailer for my second business Morgans Detailing Service. (@morgansdetailingservice_ on Instagram) I also have a 9-5 job while also doing Door-dash & Uber Eats on the side. I do have bills so once everything is paid monthly my savings for the month would be the capital I use for Limited Access. When I tell a lot of people this they are truly either perplexed or inspired. If I want to reach my goals and get my brand to where I want it to be these are the sacrifices that must be made! Eventually, any capital made from Limited Access will go back into Limited Access meaning it’ll be funding itself.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Popups and a free giveaway!!! I’ve been to over 10 popups since the start of my business including places such as Denver, Atlanta, Philly, Houston, and Los Angeles. Every popup I’ve done I was able to meet most of my clientele in person where I was able to share my vision or mission upfront. I also have had several free giveaways where the people who follow my brand share, repost, and tag new clientele who had no idea my brand existed. Doing this repeatedly over the years turned 200 followers into 500 that turned into 700 turned into 1,020. I’d say word-to-mouth has been my brand’s biggest ally.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.liitedaccess.org
• Instagram: Limitedaccessatl

Image Credits
Instagram- @ 001drop