Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Hahson Askew, Founder of Leopold Jacobs 1983, located in Hanover, MD, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
A lifestyle fashion brand for the upwardly mobile business professional.
Tell us about yourself
I am an Entrepreneur from SI, NY; I graduated from CAU and currently reside in the DMV Area with my fiancé and kid. I, along with my brother, wanted to speak to and for our friends through fashion. We both grew up in a very expressive time, with hip-hop being the foundation, so the idea of fashion has always been there. Jordan's, Timberlands, Tommy Hilfiger, Wu Wear, Rocawear most recently with Ye and Adidas, the late great Virgil, the inspirational brands and figures all play their part. We decided to merge our grandparents' names, with a twist to it, so Leopold being my grandfather's first name and Jacobs being my grandmother's surname before marriage; we put them together, adding the 1983 in which I was born. Around 2012-2016, we began the process of designing prints with my brother on lead design. I would help more on with the behind-the-scenes work of creating the LLCs, Website, and marketing.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being a business owner and doing the majority of the work to get it out and running is a huge part. That's exciting to see something go from an idea to an actual company, and you get your first sale and so forth. That's my joy because it's not easy, it's not the average way to earn a living, however, nowadays we've seen an emerging market of entrepreneurs, so kudos to those that have been in business for years and also to the people who have been in business for 6 months. So many people I've known personally quit this entrepreneurial race because we all need to live and pay bills, raise our families, and all that goes with that. To fund a business comes with more bills, whether you're using your own money or credit. It's still a bill coming in, so how do you continue to go get it?!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
You can basically read from question 3, and its response. The ups and downs will come. Huge companies deal with the same issues that I deal with being a boutique business. It's no way around it, so you have to be tough and continue at it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be wise.
- Be consistent.
- Be patient.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.leopoldjacobs1983.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hahsonaskew/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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