Don’t get it twisted — men like to shop.
Over the past few years especially, they’re buying clothes, accessories and grooming products all in dramatically higher volumes than ever before. So it’s no surprise then that a few trend-savvy entrepreneurs want to take advantage of upgrading men’s style to the next level.
That’s where Lonzell Fogle and Breyon Williams come in. Their company, My Suited Life, aims to offer an extraordinary collection of fashion-forward accessories for the dapper crowd. Whether you boast a remarkable individualistic style or recently embraced modern fashion trends, they offer an exclusive catalog which allows you to express yourself fashionably.
Get to know more about My Suited Life through Breyon and Lonzell.
What year were you founded?
My Suited Life was founded in April 2013 and officially launched to the public August 2015.
What inspired you to launch your business?
Several years after graduating from college, we found ourselves in a transition period where our personal styles and fashion interests began to evolve. Quite frankly, we were tired of the same products in the market and the lack of new ideas and designs displayed by market leaders and other brands. We sought unique, affordable, fashion-forward accessories, and it was very difficult to locate products that met our standards and maintained the level of quality we were looking for. We felt we could build a brand that customers could believe in and introduce refreshing products that would revitalize the market.
What makes your brand/product unique?
Our My Suited Life brand is built on offering unique, high-quality products that are affordable to all and limited within the market. Our products are flexible and can complement your personal style in both casual and professional settings. A lot of time and attention to detail goes to curating collections with unique conversational items. Whether you are wearing one of our ties, our popular #beardgang cuff links, or an item for your lapel, be prepared for your accessories to be the topic of discussion during your coffee break at work, strolling through the airport, or while out grabbing a bite to eat.
Why should everyone #buyblack this holiday season?
Everyone should #buyblack this holiday season in an effort to support the businesses that are the backbone of our neighborhoods and communities. Often times, we overlook our own businesses to purchase products and services from businesses outside of our communities. Many of us have heard the disturbing statistic about a dollar circulating within the black community for only 6 hours compared to approximately 2-4 weeks in white, Jewish, and Asian communities. If we don’t support our entrepreneurs, how can we expect others to support our amazing businesses? We must continue to educate and change the mindset of consumers so “buying black” becomes the norm amongst our people and not only an encouragement during the holiday season.
How do you pay it forward within your community?
My Suited Life has partnered with various non-profit organizations to mentor and donate our products to youth. We credit mentorship in having a heavy influence on who we have become as businessmen and more importantly, as men. Not only have we donated products to youth, we have engaged in impactful discussions with youth about entrepreneurship. We leave these discussions hopeful that our youth will see that there are people that look like them and come from the same communities as them, and they can become entrepreneurs as well, if they choose to. The opportunities for the youth in our communities are limitless.
What is your business mantra?
“Express yourself, fashionably.”
Kimberly Wilson is a writer and social media director at theGrio. Follow her on Twitter.