We recently connected with Martell Washington and have shared our conversation below.

Martell, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new venture – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?

It’s truly astonishing how swiftly the world of content creation can turn on a dime. I vividly recall my very first brand deal—DSW. The moment I opened that email, a wave of excitement washed over me, as they expressed their admiration for my content and enthusiasm for collaborating. I was filled with a mix of nerves and exhilaration, unsure of what lay ahead but proud to catch the attention of such a major brand. I poured my heart into the project, and when it went live, it did even better than I could have imagined—racking up over 211.9k views. That milestone ignited a fire within me, fueling my desire to keep pushing, learning, and growing with every step.

Martell, 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 Martell, and I’m the founder of DadFashion, a content-creation brand built around authenticity, lifestyle storytelling, and everyday growth. I entered this space because I realized how powerful genuine content can be — not just to entertain, but to inspire, connect, and reflect real experiences that people relate to.

DadFashion started as a personal idea rooted in identity and evolution, but it quickly grew into a creative platform. Today, I focus on producing content that blends style, fatherhood, motivation, and real-life perspective. Whether it’s short-form video, lifestyle visuals, or brand-aligned storytelling, my goal is to create content that feels real, intentional, and meaningful.

What sets DadFashion apart is our approach. I don’t chase trends; I build narratives. I focus on clarity, relatability, and quality — content that resonates with people genuinely, not just algorithmically. My work speaks to individuals who value growth, balance, confidence, and the everyday journey of becoming better.

I’m most proud of how far the brand has come from its initial idea. DadFashion wasn’t built overnight; it took consistency, learning, and believing in the message. Every piece of content reflects that journey — the development, the responsibility, and the creativity behind the brand.

For potential clients, followers, or partners, the most important thing to know is this: DadFashion is committed to authenticity, storytelling, and producing content that leaves a lasting impression. Whether someone is looking for lifestyle content, branded visuals, or creative collaboration, I approach every project with care, purpose, and a genuine understanding of the audience I’m creating for.

DadFashion isn’t just a brand name — it’s a creative identity built on growth, storytelling, and real-world connection.

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

Building my audience on social media didn’t happen overnight. When I first started DadFashion, my goal wasn’t to go viral — it was simply to show up consistently and share real moments of growth, fatherhood, style, and everyday life. I focused on being genuine, staying true to my message, and creating content that felt relatable. Over time, people connected with that honesty. They weren’t just following the brand; they were following the journey.

What really helped me grow was paying attention to what resonated with my audience and staying consistent even when the numbers were small. I learned to treat every post as a chance to connect, not just collect followers. I shared what I knew, what I was learning, and what I was experiencing, and that created a community instead of just an audience.

My advice for anyone starting out is simple:
1. Be authentic. Don’t try to be what you think the internet wants. Be who you are — that’s what builds trust.
2. Stay consistent. You don’t need to post every minute, but you do need to show up regularly.
3. Focus on value, not views. Give people something they can feel, learn from, or relate to.
4. Engage with your audience. Comments, messages, conversations — they matter.
5. Be patient. Growth takes time, and the slow build is usually the strongest.

If you stay committed to your message and move with intention, your audience will grow with you. That’s how DadFashion evolved — by being real, being present, and creating content that reflects who I am and what I stand for.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One thing I think non-creatives often struggle to understand is that the creative journey isn’t as effortless as it looks from the outside. People see the final video, the finished photo, or the clean piece of content — but they don’t always see the planning, the trial and error, the moments of self-doubt, or the countless times an idea didn’t work the way I imagined.

Being a creative means constantly putting pieces of yourself out into the world and hoping they connect. It means staying inspired even when life is busy, staying consistent even when numbers are low, and pushing forward even when you’re your own biggest critic. Creativity isn’t just talent — it’s endurance, discipline, and a willingness to keep evolving.

What might surprise people is how personal the process can be. When I create for DadFashion, I’m not just making content — I’m telling parts of my story, sharing my growth, and trying to create value for people who might be going through something similar. That takes vulnerability, intention, and patience.

If there’s one insight I’d offer, it’s this:
Respect the process, not just the product.
Every creative you see online is learning, adjusting, doubting, and growing behind the scenes. What looks simple is often the result of consistency, late nights, and learning through small wins and setbacks.

And for anyone trying to understand a creative in their life — support goes further than you think. A like, a share, a kind word, or even taking their work seriously can make a big difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://instabio.cc/4061505iWzmqw
• Instagram: Dadfashion2021
• Facebook: Dadfashion2021
• Linkedin: Martell (DadFashion) Washington
• Other: TikTok dadfashion_