We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Richard Taylor. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Richard below.

Richard, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

A Risk That Redefined My Business and My Future
In 2014, I took a leap into the unknown. At the time, I was working a steady job, but I had a passion for men’s style and an entrepreneurial drive that wouldn’t let me settle. I decided to start selling accessories—lapel pins, to be exact—online. It was a small risk on the surface, but it felt big to me. I didn’t know if there was a real market for it, and I certainly didn’t know if I could turn it into something sustainable. But I believed in the product, so I pressed forward.

That small risk turned into something much bigger. I expanded into ties, pocket squares, and other accessories, which led to launching a monthly subscription club. That subscription model turned out to be a massive success, bringing in thousands of loyal customers and proving that my instincts about the men’s fashion market were right.

But I didn’t stop there. I saw an opportunity to move beyond accessories and into the world of custom menswear. Selling made-to-measure suits online was another major leap of faith. Custom suiting typically requires an in-person experience, so figuring out how to make it work online was a challenge. But I embraced that challenge, built the right systems, and once again, the business grew.

Now, after a decade in the industry, I’ve taken my biggest risk yet—sharing my knowledge and teaching others how to build successful businesses through Custom Clothier Academy. It’s one thing to build your own success, but it’s another to step into the role of a coach and mentor, helping others replicate and even surpass what I’ve done.

Taking these risks—starting with lapel pins, expanding into custom suits, and now launching a coaching program—has completely reshaped my career. Each step felt uncertain at the time, but looking back, every single one was necessary to get me here. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the biggest opportunities are always on the other side of risk.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Rich Taylor, the founder of Harrison Blake Apparel and Custom Clothier Academy. Over the past decade, I’ve built a career in custom menswear, helping men look and feel their best through high-quality, made-to-measure suits and accessories. But my journey into this industry wasn’t conventional—it started with a simple idea in 2014: selling lapel pins online.

What began as a small e-commerce venture quickly evolved into something much bigger. I expanded into ties, pocket squares, and a monthly subscription service that gained national attention. This success fueled my passion for men’s style and led me to custom clothing, where I found my true calling: helping men create a wardrobe that reflects their personal brand and confidence.

As I built my business, I realized that many people wanted to enter the custom clothier industry but didn’t know where to start. The barriers to entry—lack of manufacturing connections, uncertainty about pricing, and limited business knowledge—kept talented individuals from pursuing their passion. That’s why I created Custom Clothier Academy.

Through my academy, I coach aspiring and established custom clothiers on how to successfully launch and scale their businesses. I provide insider knowledge, industry connections, and proven strategies that have helped me and countless others generate consistent income in this space. Whether it’s through my one-on-one mentorship, online courses, or subscription-based training program, my goal is to remove gatekeeping and make this business accessible, profitable, and sustainable for those willing to put in the work.

What sets me apart is my real-world experience and practical approach. I didn’t inherit a fashion empire—I built it from the ground up. I understand the challenges my students face because I’ve been there myself. I teach what actually works, not just theory, and I’m passionate about seeing others succeed.

I take great pride in the community I’ve built—from my loyal custom suit clients to the entrepreneurs I’ve mentored. Seeing my students land their first high-paying clients, open their own showrooms, or even quit their 9-to-5 jobs to go full-time as custom clothiers is what fuels my passion.

At the core of everything I do—whether styling a client in a bespoke suit or helping someone launch their own custom clothing brand—is the belief that success is built on confidence. When you look good, you feel good. And when you have the right tools and knowledge, you can build a business that changes your life.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

When I started my business, I bootstrapped everything—no outside investors, no big loans, just a lot of hard work and reinvesting profits back into the business. In the early days, I used personal savings to get my first batch of lapel pins made and kept my overhead low by selling online.

As the business grew, I took advantage of PayPal and Square loans, which allowed me to access capital based on my sales volume. These short-term loans were a great way to fund inventory and expansion without the complexities of traditional bank loans. I’ve always focused on smart, strategic growth, ensuring that every dollar invested had a clear path to generating more revenue.

This approach has given me the flexibility and control to scale at my own pace while maintaining financial stability. Even today, I continue to operate with a lean, profitable mindset, focusing on sustainable growth and reinvesting in what works.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my social media audience has been a long-term, strategic effort focused on consistency, authenticity, and engagement. When I first started with @wearlapelpins on Instagram, I focused on high-quality content that showcased my products in a visually appealing way. Rather than just selling, I created content that inspired my audience—styling tips, behind-the-scenes looks, and lifestyle shots that aligned with my brand.

One of the biggest game-changers was leveraging collaborations and partnerships. I connected with influencers, fellow menswear enthusiasts, and customers, encouraging them to share photos wearing my products. This helped me grow organically, tapping into new audiences while building credibility.

For my podcast, The Life of a Gentleman, I took a similar approach—providing valuable content first. I featured guests who could share their expertise, helping listeners grow in business, style, and personal development. By consistently delivering value, I was able to build a loyal audience and earn over 100 reviews on iTunes.

Advice for Those Just Starting:
Consistency is key. Post regularly and stick to a theme or style that resonates with your brand.
Engage, don’t just post. Respond to comments, DMs, and actively connect with your audience. Social media is a conversation, not just a billboard.
Leverage partnerships. Find people in your niche and collaborate—shoutouts, giveaways, and guest appearances can help you grow.
Focus on value, not just sales. Educate, entertain, or inspire your audience. The more you give, the more people will want to engage.
Use analytics to refine your strategy. Pay attention to what works—track your best-performing posts and double down on what resonates.
Building an audience takes time, but if you focus on delivering value and staying consistent, you’ll see growth and real engagement.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.customclothieracademy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearlapelpins/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Harrison-Blake-Apparel-100064532689042/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@harrisonblakeapparel