Today, we’d like to introduce you to Lionel Nichols.
Hi Lionel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been designing for 13 years now. I started sewing during my senior year of high school (completely self-taught). I kept honing my craft; I learned how to create opportunities for myself by meeting them where they could exist.
I’ve faced ups and downs, but ultimately, I have continued this journey through my faith in God and perseverance. Currently, I’m in LA, deciding where I want to take my brand while I do tailoring for many influential figures in the industry.
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?
It has not been a smooth road from not having money to even starting to get into designing. I couldn’t access all the resources and tools that others may have. I’ve made it to the point where I had my studio, which unfortunately flooded, and I lost everything that was in 2019. I looked at it as a chance to start a new one.
Then, I faced being taken advantage of by stylists because they knew you wanted exposure, so they’d make you feel like it would be beneficial, and they wouldn’t pay you, let alone credit you for your work. It got worse in 2022 when I thought I put preventative measures in place so I’d make sure I got paid by stylists/ clients, and then they would use net 30/45/60/90 payment terms to avoid paying in totality. That’s how I lost my second studio.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe you can tell us more about your work next?
I am an international tailor and designer I specialize in bespoke clothing. I’d like to say that my style is heavily influenced by my experiences growing up, so very inner-city style and streetwear, but also inspired by my father’s amazing suit collection that I couldn’t appreciate until I got older. I also feel like, as a designer, you choose which version of yourself you’d like to show up as every time you get dressed.
I think I’m not known for my puffer work, but it landed me in one of my proudest moments. I traveled to Paris to work on a Nike campaign for Nike Women’s Parris Goebel for Haute Couture Fashion Week. I believe that what separates me from others is the way my brain works when it comes to designing/problem-solving. Being self taught means that I don’t see things from the perspective of right and wrong I look at things to see what makes sense, what makes things better allowing me to find creative way to be more efficient and produce at a higher caliber.
Can you talk to us about happiness and what makes you happy?
Life makes me happy because of everything it encompasses: God, family, friends, creation, love, and all the experiences, both good and bad. I love that though we are on borrowed time, we get the opportunity to have the experiences we do, and by shifting our perspective, we can create the life we truly desire.
Pricing:
- Handbags start at $175
Contact Info:
- Website: Marioandlee.com
- Instagram: @Marioandlee
Image Credits
Chakeefe Gordon @Chakstudios and Patrick Pichard @suckahfreeswayze
