Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to David Peck. 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. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission the drives your brand?
My mission is to empower women and marginalized communities through design. So often, design and especially fashion design is seen as frivolous and disconnected from real life. While that can be true and some of the excess and waste that the fashion industry produces is a testament to that.
Design can and should inspire by giving us reasons and hope that the world and our future can be a brighter and more beautiful place. That may sound corny or sappy, but I’ve seen firsthand how quickly good design can change a person’s mood and thus affect the way that they see themselves and the world. There’s a reason that we are drawn to Cinderella or ugly duckling makeover stories in books and movies. Whether or not we have to subscribe to the idea that everyone can do better if they just look better, there is a truth buried in these stories about the transformative nature of design.
Beyond making us look good and feel good, I believe that design and the industry surrounding it can change the world. What I find so interesting about the design world, whether it be art or fashion or interiors, is that is a place where art meets commerce. It’s the commerce part that can have as much of an impact as inspiring art. Whether it’s the stories we tell or the inspiration behind the design, creative business people have a chance to start conversations or introduce new ideas in a way that is more palatable than any politician.
As an entrepreneur in a creative industry, I believe that I not only have the ability to create work that starts conversations that change the world but also the responsibility to do so as well. That’s why as a company I’ve chosen to focus on three main areas where, as a cis, white man, I can make a difference. Besides the clothing that we make and design for our boutique, we also carry accessories, unique gifts, and art. There are three main criteria for the products that we choose to carry. They either have to be from a local business, a women-owned business, or a minority-owned business. Bonus points if a product fits all two or all three of these categories! There are many wonderful products out there that don’t fit these categories, but by deciding that as a company that we are going to focus on these areas, we are able to start conversations that introduce our clients and community to new ideas and creators that they might not otherwise know. I believe that it’s harder to dismiss or hold prejudices when you truly know someone’s story and have empathy when you can truly start to know someone’s story.
I can’t pinpoint exactly when these ideas became so important to me, but I do know that growing up it was the books, movies, and art that I saw that showed me what was possible and inspired me to be who I am and who I am growing to be. Even though I came from a family that didn’t have the broadest worldview and I lived in places growing up that weren’t major cosmopolitan centers, I read everything and watched everything I could that showed me that life was different and more diverse than my immediate surroundings. It was art and design that opened my world and helped me realize that not only were there more possibilities out there than what I could immediately see but that there were powerful, systematic injustices baked into our systems.
No one needs me to be their savior, however, having allies or knowing someone else sees you, even if they can’t fully understand your situation can be transformative. I know that I’ve had those types of people in my life and it’s made all the difference. If I can use my privilege in any way to help create opportunities for others to share their voice, it makes what I do all that much more rich and meaningful.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My official title is “Head of Everything,” which sums it up pretty much. My days range from finding myself on the studio floor, pinning a hem, to throwing on a tux and heading out to a black-tie gala or wedding for a client. I am mostly known for custom, couture quality wedding and evening gowns & easy pieces that become wardrobe staples. I’m the king of winging it and making it work. We take the frustration out of shopping because we help tailor everything to our client’s desires.
I design for women who want something a little different and appreciate quality clothes that stand the test of time. Luxury isn’t just the number of zeros on a price tag, it’s an experience. Getting to know our clients and what makes them tick is what sets us apart. There are a ton of beautiful dresses in the world, but the experience of having something made for you that truly makes you feel comfortable and the best version of you is what makes us unique. Having clothing made for you doesn’t have to be scary or intimidating. It should be fun and enjoyable. That’s what we do!
Collaborating with fellow small business owners and making women feel like the best possible version of themselves is what gets me going. My life’s passions are travel, movies, good TV (and some of the bad to be honest), and my family. Textiles sourced from around the globe, exuberant color, playful textures, and artistic prints are infused into my designs, many of which are limited editions. I love that we make our clothing here in Houston in our own factory that’s connected to our boutique.
Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.
Manufacturing what we sell started out of necessity. There aren’t a lot (or any) clothing manufacturing resources based in Houston. Figuring out how to build a small factory here seemed less daunting in a way than trying to go to New York or LA. Little did I know how challenging it would be.
Our biggest issue is always finding qualified workers. In most cases, we have to hire people with potential and not just skills. We then train them with the skills they need to the kind of work that we do.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
It took me a long time to realize it, but I have what is now called “imposter syndrome” when I first started. I truly thought that I didn’t know enough or wasn’t qualified enough based on my schooling or work background to run a business. It’s not that I didn’t have things to learn, but I doubted my abilities to learn the skills that I needed. It made me think that I needed business partners who were experts. Because of that fear, I ended up trusting people that I didn’t necessarily like because I thought I needed them. It was this scarcity mindset that caused me to make decisions that would take me years to correct.
What I’ve learned is that if you have the vision, you also have the ability to acquire the skills to take you to the next level. Not that asking for help and support is wrong, you can’t do it alone, but when you make decisions out of fear, you make compromises that compromise the integrity of your business. It wasn’t until I fully trusted myself that I started to grow.
There are still growing pains and I still make mistakes and there are still moments of doubt. That’s all part of being human. However, I know now that I know how to get the support that I need without compromising my values.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shopdavidpeck.com
- Instagram: @shopdavidpeck
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopdavidpeck
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopdavidpeck
- Twitter: @shopdavidpeck
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK19Mtqj6_Yc8DtnkWqr2fQ
- Other: Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/shopdavidpeck
Image Credits
Cody Bess Travis Forester Evans Composure Studios