We were lucky to catch up with Melvin James recently and have shared our conversation below.

Melvin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

It’s really funny how I came up with the idea for my new baby Mercer + Lenox! I have always loved and been into fashion (I mean hey i did go to school for it) and loves everything innovative and everything luxury. So I thought to myself why not make a brand and/or something I know i would be proud of whole heartedly. Although there isn’t a solid launch date for the brand, I am enjoying the creative process behind it and would never want put out something half ass. I think Mercer + Lenox will bring a new fun, innovative, and intricate approach to the industry (which in my opinion…is lacking). My friends will tell you always have ideas or things I want to do and accomplish BUT each thing has a specific timeline of when I want to approach it (Although I have secured all the names). Mercer + Lenox just felt like the right thing to start with first and I’m so excited to let people see what i’ve been working on so silently and secretively.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My name is Melvin James but i go by Bentley Kouture (so don’t ever call me Melvin). Im an Atlanta native from what they like to call it the westside lol. I’ve been in the fashion/social media industry for a while since college actually. I’ve have worked at numerous retail stores so many chile i can’t count lol. How I first started to get clients and start meeting socialites and/or celebrities was when I worked for Topshop in Lenox mall. And I chose that opportunity to network and get to know people which lead to styling on the side for some well known people. Although I love styling and it will always be a part of me it not my PASSION. I am a firm believer of doing things that bring nothing but joy to myself. I knew i wanted to try and do more and around that time Instagram was just now becoming a thing kind of and I fell in love with the aspect behind social media marketing etc. So i took my passion for social media and my passion for having my own line and combined the two which lead to the soon to be Mercer + Lenox which a everyday luxury clothing line.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Like everyone else life has ups and downs and no ones situation is better than the next. I’m the type of person who shows little to no emotion when something stresses me out or isn’t going how I may have envisioned it. I feel like losing my jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic made me want to do more, live more, and have things to leave behind to my nephew and niece. I always told myself once i fully bounce back from there i’ll know the true definition of resilience…Im not fully there yet but I damn sure not that far away from it. Prayer and having a good support system will always help you get through any storm life may bring.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Mercer + Lenox wasn’t always a thing. I started a LLC by the name Bad Influence (which is still happening, just not now) its a streetwear brand BUT creatively i’m not there for a streetwear brand currently. I wanted to make something that represents where im at in life creatively and mentally. So that’s when I started back working in retail and have had several jobs since then and it gave me opportunity to see how other businesses run. I was able to see what and what not to do, what I can bring to the industry that’s different, while remaining true to myself. I pride myself on making things work, and if I want something i make sure i achieve it no matter how long it may take.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @bentleykouture
• Other: Mercer + Lenox Instagram: @mercerlenox