Community Highlights: Meet Preston Gates of Marty’s Threads

Hi Preston, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I was a junior in Stephenson High School, me and my best friend was in a fashion marketing class. For a final exam, the class was assigned a task of arranging the annual fashion show. This was a major event that always bought out the entire Stone Mountain community. My teacher went on to assign the class roles and responsibilities of who is going to do what during the fashion show. Me and my friend were responsible for hosting the show. Immediately we began to collaborate on what we were going to wear during the transition of our content, which designer we would rock, and the list goes on! As the process of developing the fashion show progressed, our teacher announced that we couldn’t get the final approval and everything was cancelled! I was devastated! But at that moment I began to reflect on the work we did to prepare for the show of our lives. Garments was created, designs were crafted, colors were coordinating. At this moment I understood I wanted to create my own clothing brand.

On January 2, 2023, I was released from Baldwin State Penitentiary. On February 10, 2023, Marty’s Threads was created. My first release were beanies and sweat shirts. I wanted to target my audience with something simple, but sleek. I want my garments to be able to mix in any environment and still catch the eye of attraction. 
Today my garments can be purchased in boutique stores and online at martys-threads.shop.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been smooth! Working with manufacturers and understanding the marketing/advertising strategies has been the biggest hurdles.

As you know, we’re big fans of Marty’s Threads. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Marty’s Threads is a clothing company based out of Atlanta, Georgia with a target audience of people between the ages of 25-45. My niche consists of an urban casual mix full of chic clothing looks. My main focus is to provide quality garments that is based off of comfort and exclusivity. Some pieces may be created for bulk production while other pieces are created just for you. My customers appreciate the craftmanship of my garments. Most of my pieces are created with a unique texture.

I advertise several different delivery features; perhaps you are in a 10-mile radius I offer to drop off your order with specific instructions given, I have a next day option and a standard delivery option. I strive to create a memorable customer experience by greeting my customers and capturing their shopping experience at pop ups. By visiting my store (www.martys-threads.shop) and becoming a member, you will receive 10% off your order.

I am most proud about how my brand make people feel! Seeing their faces light up when they see my artwork on a garment makes me feel like I am doing something right. Marty’s Threads is here to make people feel good about their story! Marty was derived as a person who did not fit in and was not supposed to win, however MY ART changed the narrative.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I love to read and learn new things! Reading started my journey on establishing my business online first.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.martys-threads.shop
• Instagram: @shopmartysthreads