Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Freddie Polk. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Freddie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Essentially, I am always creating and doing different projects for myself and my friends. Weather it is making fabric jewelry, baking, designing clothing. During the beginning of the pandemic, I was working part-time as a Contract Nurse Care Manager. Then the company closed due to the Pandemic. Usually, I participate in Art Shows such as Arts Goggle here in Fort Worth, Texas where I live, Also, I would participate at other local vendor shows and venues such as the State Fair of Texas in Dallas, Texas. But their arenas also shut down. Being isolated and Home bound I started playing with some Sunglasses I had and adding repurposed stones and other eye-catching designs to them. I belong to several Craft groups on Facebook where you can showcase your creativity… So, I took photos and shared them in the Groups. I received many reviews and request! I had no idea how a simple jester of pasting time would create interest. I met and became friends with so many people that wanted to wear my designs. I was not prepared as I was using only broken jewelry that I had. Then I got request for specific themes such as Butterfly Gardens, Animals, Palm Trees, Island themes, turtles, bumble bees. I was almost overwhelmed but loved every moment of it! I wondered if this is how all the famous Name Brands got started? I have been pleasantly rewarded with accolades and request from all over the USA and some Caribbean locations. I hope to grow my unique approach to Uniqueness and OOAK (ONE OF A KIND) Designs way into the future as they speak for themselves. So, I decided to open my own website: Freddiepcustomdesigns.com. I am excited about the future and my name becoming a Brand creating one pair of Sunglasses at a time for the Person that know and can appreciate Creativity and Art, no matter what form it is presented!

Freddie, 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 Freddie M. Polk. I am a retired Nurse with 50 years of service behind me. I grew up in a small town in East Texas where I believe my creativity started with watching the women create quilts, rugs and other items from repurposed fabric and worn-out colorful clothing. I watched as it became a work of art yet providing warmth and love. You could see a dress once wore or a shirt your father once wore. My interest developed into many Muli -faceted arenas of creativity from floral designs to making clothing. Years pass and artist interest change slightly. This pass Two years has been different for me. I am mostly into repurposing fabric and hand painting handbags to avoid them ending up in the trash. I love resale shopping and thrifting, so I have acquired many items of clothing, handbags and Jewelry. I use them in my creativity. Designing Sunglasses never entered my mind until the Pandemic and I had more time to be creative once again. Out of this void I started decorating some sunglasses I had not worn in a while, when I shared with my peers. they raved and bought a new definition to me. It peaked an interest of hidden talent for me. I found I could look at a individuals faces and determine the shape of the frame they would look best in and 99% of the time I was correct! Unbelievably, I have created some unusual designs that I put my faith and love into. Those Persons that I have designed for have been very pleased with the fact that I could understand what they wanted and put it on such a small scale. That in itself sets me possibly apart from any other Sunglass designers since I am basically unknown. It is not just what I want but what the customer wants. I feel I can provide the ultimate design and it will define who that person wants to express to the world. I want to be that Brand that is recognized for it ‘s beauty and boldness and speak for the inner self artistically, That is my goal for my Brand to speak for it’s self by word of mouth and by sight! I am open to the whole Universe, check me out and find your artistic spirit.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

I am still getting my name out there. But for me it has been interacting with Creative Groups on Facebook, Tik Tock and Instagram. But what seems to be most rewarding is Friends and Word of Mouth. Participating in Vendor Shows and Contest. It is work that you have to put in and I am still learning because what I am presenting now is a different and new product that I have decided this is what I want my Brand on. So, learning from my mistakes, taking chances, Praying and listening to others is a goal I pursue. Nothing comes easy, it can be up one day and down the next. It could be seasonal. But when it is all over and you make it. You can say well done and keep moving do not stop.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Starting my Sunglass adventure was purely by coincidence of being part of several Creative Groups on Facebook and being a member of Facebook, going on Pinterest. I watch YouTube videos for inspiration. I have Sold items for many years in different online arenas, but when my Sunglasses were responded to so well, I chose to do Word of Mouth, Friends, social media and my own website. All of this takes time and a technique that I have yet to develop completely but I am not giving up and nor should you.

Contact Info:

• Website: freddiepcustomdesigns.com
• Instagram: freddiepcustomdesigns
• Linkedin: Freddie M. Polk

Image Credits
Images by Freddie M Polk