Today, we’d like to introduce you to Dion Campbell.
Hi Dion, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Well, I started sewing when I was eight years old in Gary, IN. I was a very hyperactive child. Who was very active in bike riding and arts and crafts hobbies but one day as a project my mom took an old pair of linen curtains down and as an after-school project we created a dress together. I learned how to hand sew and create invisible seams and also back stitches.
Fast forward over 20 years later. I found myself at an international fashion show at the University of South Alabama, making neckwear for some models for an International Fashion show. My first time wasn’t the greatest, in my opinion, but I received so many compliments for it. So many that someone wanted to purchase the tie I had on. I sold it, but I wanted to perfect my craft and not only make neckties but also self-ties, bows, ascots, etc.
From there, I started working in the school system as an assistant librarian and each week I would showcase one of my custom ties. I did it because of my love of fashion and creativity, but many teachers and parents embraced my gift. So, I decided to pursue tie-making as a hobby.
When I left my job at the academy, I started sewing for fraternity members of various organizations in Mobile, Al. including the D9 organizations for their balls and events I eventually through word of mouth was able to procure business through other local organizations and I eventually began to sew for politicians and also make a bowtie for the ambassador of Ireland in 2017. Recently, I have been able to make items for one of the cast members of Love and Marriage in Huntsville, Marsau Scott.
From a community perspective I was able to work with the Embodee program here in South Alabama providing our young men with neckwear and also career day and interview process experience. I believe that neckwear is something special. I remember my father tying my first tie for me and it has been an honor to create an experience for those who I encounter for neckwear.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has not always been smooth, and there were a few bumps. But I will definitely say when you operate in your purpose God will send you an oasis and instructions in the desert places.
I think I struggled more so with confidence issues at the beginning phase of my business and always saying yes to everything which can be noble and ambitious at first, but it can definitely cause burnout.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a fashion designer who creates luxury neckwear for my clients. Each item is handsewn and sketched, and I love to create a bit of whimsy and charm with the incorporation of feathers and textured fabrics.
I am most proud of creating an experience for my clients. It is such a gratifying feeling to see a design that God has given me worn on a multi-generational level. I feel so full just thinking about it. I think Ties by Dion offers a different way to look at neckwear by incorporating nontraditional elements of men’s neckwear such lace and feathers and unique textures.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I see things differently now as I have become older. What some may view as luck, I view it as God’s divine timing. I definitely will say those last-minute deadlines I hit and making those in-person deliveries for clients have put me in position to meet Marsau and other politicians.
Pricing:
- $40 pre-tied bows with pocket folds
- $45 self-tie bows with pocket folds
- $55 neckties with pocket folds
- $100 custom neckwear
Contact Info:
- Website: Tiesbydion.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiesbydion_?igsh=Zm93YmVtdHd1aGNl
- Facebook: Facebook.com/tiesbydion
Image Credits
Henri McGuire, Nagina Armstrong, and Dion Campbell
