Rich Taylor is a six-figure entrepreneur, author, and podcaster who began his entrepreneurial journey back in 2009 when he penned his debut novel. After writing a non-fiction book about men’s fashion and etiquette he transitioned into an online entrepreneur, launching a menswear brand, named after his son — Harrison Blake Apparel. The brand offers neckties, accessories, custom suits, and it’s featured offer — a popular monthly subscription service that delivers one necktie and four matching accessories every month for only $25. You can learn more about it at www.HarrisonBlakeApparel.com
Rich is now helping others grow their brand through photography, business coaching, and helping people build a personal brand. He’s grown his social media accounts to over 130,000 followers on Instagram alone and knows how to leverage social media to get positive business results. Learn more about that at www.TheGentWay.com
Tell us something about yourself?
I truly enjoy creating and so every day I have the opportunity to feel excited about what I do. Whether it’s designing a new suit or curating accessories and ties for my monthly subscription — there are no dull moments. I’m also an avid reader and learner, so I spend each day consuming information that inspires me and helps me improve my business skills. Being a family man with two children keeps my schedule full. Thanks to a very supportive wife, which I am grateful to have, I can juggle it all.
What is your entrepreneur’s story? How did you come about building your business?
I started in my business like most people, trying to solve a problem. From 2009 to 2013 I was self-publishing books with some success, but I wanted more opportunities to grow my income. I was intrigued by e-commerce and started to research the possibilities of selling items I was passionate about. For me, that was men’s fashion. I have been in love with the art of dressing well and being a sartorialist since I was a teenager.
Everything began with my love of lapel pins or boutonnieres, but in 2013 they were priced far too high in my opinion. Being creative I set out to make my own by hand. After several revisions, I finally cracked the code and figured out how to make them. People noticed, wanted them, and asked to purchase them. I soon placed them for sale on Etsy and began to sell them at a rapid pace. I knew I was onto something and needed to brand my products. I started my website and began marketing the business, primarily through social media. I was one of the first brands to leverage what is now called influencer marketing.
What that means is I purposely gave away free products to stylish guys I sought out on Instagram. They would then wear and promote my products to their audience and the business began to take off.
What is your business model — how were you able to grow so fast?
The most popular option our business offers is the best value in menswear. Our monthly subscription club is $25 per month and ships to homes and offices around the country (1 necktie and 4 matching accessories). The reason why it’s so popular is the value and quality of products shipped, coupled with the fact that the items are color-coordinated, allowing the average non-stylish guy the opportunity to look extremely polished and dapper, just by opening the package and wearing the coordinated set that includes bracelets, socks, tie bars and more. This turns a bland suit into a very fashionable look!
We grew rather quickly based on word of mouth, which was fueled by our small army of social media influencers. For the first few years of the business, we didn’t do any paid advertising, just gifting products to people, including YouTube reviewers and mom bloggers. The product makes for a perfect gift!
Can you give me an overview of who you are, what is your educational or overall background? What are some of your achievements?
I received my Bachelors Degree in Business Administration and put that to use in the manufacturing sector in the Midwest. Before starting Harrison Blake Apparel I was working for a clothing manufacturer who created private labels and government-contracted clothing. I was serving as the Spreading and Cutting Table Supervisor for two shifts. I was responsible for the scheduling of the fabric being laid out on the 5, 120 foot long spreading tables and the cutting of the garments. I learned a great deal about fabrics, production and how garments were made, start to finish. I realized that with this knowledge, I could manufacture my products.
Since then I have a few accomplishments that bring me pride. I earned 5 Shades of Romance Awards for my writing in 2009 and in 2016 I was named one of the 100 Men of Color Award Recipients. Currently, I am n=most proud of being an inspiration to my children and mentoring them in the field of entrepreneurship.
What have you learned through your experiences as an entrepreneur that can be used by aspiring business individuals?
Over this journey, I have learned that the most important thing you can do to be successful is to gain a winning mindset. You have to find a way to be positive and resilient. Developing a business is more than just finding sales prospects, advertising and converting clients. Continue educating yourself and developing new skills is so essential.
Finding ways to meet like-minded people who understand the entrepreneurial life is also very helpful. It’s not for everyone and some people just won’t understand your drive. Of course, there are days when even you will feel down. So, know your “why” — meaning your purpose for being in business. Money can’t be the motivator. It has to be something deeper that resonates inside of you to keep pushing, even through the tough times.
What makes your business so unique and successful?
Harrison Blake Apparel is unique because we are the first monthly subscription to make the color of our curated items coordinating and we do not source products to include each month. All of our offerings are manufactured and created specifically for our brand.
In addition to that, we are more than just a monthly subscription. Customers can shop ala carte and select their items and as of 2019, you can even create your custom made-to-measure suit or dress shirt. Interested in a custom suit experience? Drop us a line at contact@harrisonblakeapparel.com
Lastly, we aim to educate and entertain the consumer through our Podcast, titled after my first non-fiction book, The Life of a Gentleman. Each episode I interview another successful business owner or content creator in the menswear space and we chat about actionable steps people can take to chase after their dreams. You can hear the podcast on iTunes.
What have you learned through your journey as an entrepreneur?
I have learned patience and humility. Face it, we will all make mistakes in business. That is part of the journey. Every product idea isn’t a grand slam. Sometimes things don’t go as planned. That’s when you g back to the drawing board and strategize your next winning move.
What skills and attributes make you as successful as you are?
I believe that I am successful because I am doing what I love to do. My greatest assets are a strong work ethic and the drive to leave a legacy. I am quite the introvert by nature, but the business has gotten me out of my shell and helped me become an amazing communicator. I love creating and solving problems, so when times get rough — I will figure a way to win. As I have transitioned into coaching others, I now get the chance to interact with so many different people and watch them have success. That inspires me! If you want to learn more drop me a line at rich@thegentway.com
Why is online business, marketing, etc important?
For me, it has been crucial to my business growth. Without social media and the online world, I wonder where the business would be. These days, everyone in business needs to realize that they are their brand. You must understand that social media is a skill and there are strategies that you can use to win big. Traditional advertising is dying and it’s time to realize that there are legitimate ways to get positive attention for yourself or your business. I am hoping some people reach out because I’d love to share some strategies that can help. My entire business is online. We are e-commerce only and have no plans for brick and mortar locations. Face it, Malls and shopping centers are closing all around us. The future is digital and online.