We recently connected with Keith Dixon and have shared our conversation below.
Keith, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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?
In 2011 I came up with the idea that I wanted to sell varsity jackets but the thing was, “how am I going to make this varsity jacket different from what’s on the market?’ My first two varsity jackets were blue and gray and the other one was red and yellow.Upon arrival of the jackets I went to JoAnnes in search of material. I decided the blue and gray varsity jacket would have a Dallas cowboy lining inside of the jacket and the star under the left hand pocket. Washington redskins lining for the red and yellow varsity jacket. At the point of my first sell I was about five different football teams in. I finally decided to post them to my facebook page and the response was great. I almost felt like nothing of this sort was done at that time. My friend/ army battle buddy Edward Wilson was the first person to purchase a varsity jacket from me. This was the idea that actually came to life in which I was able to sell on a consistent basis at that time. Those sales gave me the courage to produce more and to come up with other ideas that people might gravitate too.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My military career was the major component to me creating. I originally made my brand for military service members but in the back of my mind I wanted to make something for everyone, bridging the gap of military and civilians. Around the same time I got out of the Army I met a guy in Los Angeles that had a warehouse that carried tee shirts, varsity jackets, sweat suits, hats, etc. I expressed to him that I was looking to brand and so he told me what he had, I chose. He gave me a really good price on these jackets and this is how it began. Premiumjunk clothing is some what of a niche market. Available on the website you’ll find a variety of graphic tees, hoodies, sweats, hats, socks, bikinis and athletic wear. Theres another side to the brand. I also make custom suits, dresses, trench coats, and jackets. Ive been fortunate enough to be featured on Bravo Tv (Southern Charm), VH1 (Love and Hiphop Atlanta, Blackink, Ink-Paper-Scissors), and the Oscars. Music producers and mainstream artist.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I will never forget I met a buyer for Macy’s. I told her that I was a designer and she kind of dismissed the fact that I looked nothing like a designer until I showed her some of my pieces. She looked at me and said, “YOU did this?” and I replied with,”yes, I sured did” Her attitude changed and she asked me to tell her my story. I began saying that I was in the military for ten years. She interrupts and says, “strike one”. I had no idea what she meant. She proceeds to ask me my sexual orientation, I told her heterosexual, “strike two” she says. According to her at that time I had three strikes against me. 1. Prior military. 2. Heterosexual. 3. African male. She said, “there’s no story”, “you make amazing things but what’s the story?”. “Most people in the fashion industry don’t look like you”. If you can imagine a conversation like that could almost deter someone that’s making an honest effort to quit. I’m stronger than that! Fast forward 7 years, I know have more business than ever. Would I like to be in Macy’s? for sure. Its coming!
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
Unfortunately I am a solo operator. I create, ship, market, and network on my own. Good help is extremely hard to come by. So until I find people that care about what I’m doing as much as I do, I will continue to do it alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: Premiumjunkclothing.com
- Instagram: Premiumjunkclothing
- Facebook: Premiumjunkclothing
Image Credits
img 0881 Canadas got Talent – Kardinal Offishall img 6071 Love and hiphop Miami – Veronica Vega img 6932 Musican – Tweet