Today we’d like to introduce you to Nelson Sanders.
Nelson, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve working in retail clothing for over 15 years, starting out of high school. I’ve worked at numerous stores from Banana Republic, J. Crew, Nordstrom, and Ralph Lauren, Over the years I’ve learned so much regarding clothing, and more so style. My knowledge and personal style has grown throughout this time.
A ton of my inspiration initially came from my dad. He was an old school Detroit guy who took his personal style very serious throughout his life. As a kid, he told me certain things I should have in my closest, and also how to properly take care of the things I had. Some of the things he’d taught me didn’t start to stick until I was an adult. I now realize that he set that foundation for me, and I’ve took it and put my spin on a lot of it. Before I started Dandy, I worked for another custom clothing company here in Detroit. I’d say there I learned the most specifically regarding tailored clothing and small business. My experience there has definitely helped me as an entrepreneur.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It definitely hasn’t been the smoothest rode, but I am blessed. I don’t come from a family with money, nor have I had access to tons of resources that could skyrocket my business. I’ve been putting in tons of work over the years, and have just stuck to my dreams.
There’s definitely times where I could’ve went harder, and there’s times where I should’ve taken a break. I didn’t finish college and go the traditional route either. I have friends from A-Z, some still in the hood and some who easily make over 100k in the corporate world. I always fell somewhere in between there. Now at 35 years old, I am finally started to see some benefits of my labor. By no means am I nowhere near my goal. I am continuing to learn daily, surrounding myself with like-minded people who are smarter and have more wealth than I do.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Dandy Detroit – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Dandy is a custom clothing company. As of right now, I mainly focus on custom suits, tuxedos, shirts, and overcoats. Outside of the clothing, I’d say right now I’m known for my eye and attention to detail from a customer’s point of view. Many people see and believe in my passion. I make it a point to practice what I preach on a daily basis. I usually try to act as a walking build board everyday. People see the passion coming through.
I’ve been in business a little over a year now. I’d say I am most proud of starting. Many times I have tons of ideas, but don’t act on them. With Dandy, I knew I had no choice. Nobody was going to give me a handout. I had to put the resources I did have together and just figured it out. There’s so much I’m learning on the fly, things that made me very uncomfortable has now made me stronger as a man/businessman.
There’s going to be more and more companies that are in my industry coming to Detroit. A few things that set me apart are that I’m born and raised in the city, I understand real Detroit culture, I’m African American, and my personal style/aesthetic is like no other. I’m building a lifestyle brand. It’ll be more than just about the suits. I’m providing an experience.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Creating a lifestyle brands, offering numerous products that every dandy should have. Dandy is currently setup within a store called Detroit is the New Black. I eventually will have my own stand-alone store, potentially within a neighborhood. I don’t want hundreds of stores. I want people from around the world to want to come to Detroit for the Dandy experience.
Pricing:
- A 2 piece suit on average is $1800-2200 (Handmade, fully canvassed, Italian or English fabric). 6-8 week turnaround
Contact Info:
- Address: 1430 Woodward Ave.
- Website: www.dandydetroit.com
- Phone: 313-333-1112
- Email: nelson@dandydetroit.com
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