Meet Christopher Whitfield of TopherDewayne in Metro

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Whitfield.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Well, I can honestly say I enjoy serving. In most capacities, I’m always found serving. And I enjoy doing it behind the scenes. I was born and raised in Memphis Tn. I started my fashion journey redesigning clothes that my mom and I wore back when I was in college. I always wanted to have my own style and add a creative touch to my appearance, and that’s what I did. So I launched a clothing line and styled my family for the premier photo shoot in custom clothing designed by myself. At the time I used to express my vision to my friend who was a designer by the name of Myron Cummings and he’d make all of my designs. One day there was an event where celebrity Fashion Stylist J. Bolin would be speaking. I packed up all of my apparel and set up a table to sell them and I gave him one. He loved the brand and even posted it on his social media.

A few weeks later he was looking for a designer for his client in the area and others referred him to me via Instagram. He asked if I could have a certain dress made within 5 hours of his arrival into the city. I told him I don’t make clothes per-say, however, I know someone who does and I’d assist in any way that I can. I picked up the phone and called my friend Myron and said, ”man we have to do this project because it could really be good for you.” Not having any idea of what we were really getting into. He cleared his entire schedule, took the information given and started on the project. I assured J. Bolin that I’d have everything he needed by the time he arrived into town for the fitting. I had 2 hours to get other options along with jewelry and shoes. I just went and picked out things and even borrowed gently used shoes from a fashionable cousin of mine.

When he arrived, he was so pleased with the garments and my willingness to serve that he allowed me to assist him during the actual event. His client at the time was Erica Campbell of the Grammy Award-winning group “Mary Mary.” He sat me down and asked me have I ever considered Fashion Styling… He believed in me and felt that I had a creative gift that could not only benefit me but others as well. And I told him NO. Lol. Where I was from, there was no such thing as a male fashion stylist and it was frowned upon. However, I decided to pursue it and I have been gracious enough to birth more than 50 projects and brands within Memphis Tn. I knew I wanted more though. And I prayed to God for the direction. I remember walking into work one day and being called into a boardroom with all of my peers and being laid off.

The company completely shut down all over the world. I knew then it was time for me to relocate and follow my heart. But then I was hit with more terrifying news. My mom was diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer. Im super close to my mom so that ripped me apart. We didn’t know if she’d survive. I attended every chemo and radiation session until I relocated. I sold my things, packed a studio size uhaul and relocated to Atlanta with less than $1000 to my name and stayed with my God Brother Emmanuel. It was one of the hardest years of my life. Although I wasn’t far and I could just drive back to be with family for any major need, it was still difficult.

However, I prayed, got out, networked and begin to pull in work. I knew my journey wasn’t unfamiliar to some however I wanted others to know that during transitions and trials, you can still become whom God called you to be. As one of outlets to my life drastically changing overnight, I began to jot down all of the encouraging messages to myself and that’s how my book entitled “Dream Inspire Create” was born. Through prayer and faith, my brand has continued to prosper here in ATL and I’ve made more progress than I’ve ever made in my life. Oh, and BTW… My mom is one year of being CANCER FREE! I’m Grateful.

Has it been a smooth road?
This journey has not been easy by far. I’ve had many challenges. I faced clients who have low balled me, canceled at the last minute after all the work was done, non paying clients and even ridiculed by people who didn’t take what I did seriously. Another major struggle was comparison. I found myself comparing my journey and gift to others who have already “made it” and it did nothing but distract me from my own purpose.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I own TopherDewayne LLC. My company specializes in Wardrobe Styling, Brand Development, and Motivation. I am known for creating fashionable content for special projects, authors, artists, and celebrities. I enjoy catering to the everyday hardworking individual as well as new startup entrepreneurs. I am also known for using my gift as a motivating factor for creatives.

I am mostly proud of seeing one’s transformation through my work. Seeing an individual or project embody the confidence they have within is fulfilling. Just to be chosen and a part of that process gives me life. I’m also proud of my book “Dream Inspire Create” which is a 21-day motivational journal for dreamers, visionaries, entrepreneurs and those who need an extra push to step out and fulfill their life goals. It consists of positive and daily targets, solutions to life challenges, issues; Yet encourages you to find your purpose in life. Within this journal, you’ll feel compel to change. It will inspire and amaze you. But most importantly, this journal has the potential to ignite the inner fire that motivates you to take on the world. My work has been featured on numerous news outlets, major performance platforms, and magazine features such as Sports Illustrated and Huffington Post.

The thing that sets me apart from others is simple. It’s a consistent positive mental attitude, a heart of integrity, drive, and faith. None of this could be accomplished on my own. So I have to remain integral and I’m truly humbled by every task I’m given.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes. Atlanta is for the hardworking creatives and entrepreneurs. It’s definitely for those who are trying to become successful. The mentality here is very different and motivating. I’d highly recommend talented creatives to start here.

Contact Info:

• Website: Topherdewayne.com
• Phone: 662-6018845
• Email: Topher@topherdewayne.com
• Instagram: Topherdewayne
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/topherdewayne
• Twitter: Topherdagreat

Image Credit:
Darren Lykes, DesignerJov, Kirklan H/ XL Shoots, Sedrick Askew/ImpactLyfe

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