Today we’d like to introduce you to Corey Hackett.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Corey. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Michael Jackson, Andre 3000, and Ralph Lauren are fashion icons I admired at a young age. I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. At an early, I discovered that personal image plays a major role in self-esteem, impressions, and overall full potential.
I (Corey) was a youth model in Atlanta where his (my) eyes were exposed to fashion. Further, I was inducted to a unique organization called the Esquires. As an Esquire, I learned how to tie a Bowtie and a Windsor Knot which later lead to my sartorial taste. After receiving his B.A. in mathematics at Albany State University, I moved to New York City to jump into the heart of fashion. He has created hundreds of looks for top retailers including Ralph Lauren, J Crew, and H&M. With knowledge and confidence, I partnered with my core friends to create Work Hard Dress LLC. We educate our youth in the inner cities including New York and Atlanta, and will soon be launching lifestyle novelty items.
Along with running Work Hard Dress Well, I am the Store Director of Blank Label Atlanta. Blank Label is a men’s custom clothier in the heart of the Midtown Atlanta, Colony Square. Blank Label helps sponsors my flight!
“My purpose is to create a desire for others to strive for their dreams and goals to live life confidently.” – C. Hackett
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not a smooth road at all but well worth the trip!
I started my career in New York City. First, nothing is smooth about New York unless you are a millionaire! Even though I graduated with a respected degree, I started ground level in retail and worked 2 other jobs just to maintain in the big city. Being a heterosexual black man from the south can be a little tricky in the fashion industry. Other struggles included balancing personal time, fighting for my pay, and not giving up on myself. All and all I learned to Work Hard and Dress Well.
Please tell us about Work Hard Dress Well LLC.
Work Hard Dress Well is a lifestyle brand that focuses on internal self and giving back to the community. We are an image consultant company at the very core but with a different approach. We focus on instilling and birthing social intelligence. through motivational speaking, etiquette, fitness, and style. We are known for motivation and the mantra Work Hard Dress Well.
We are most proud of giving back to our Young Kings and Queens! From teaching them how to tie a tie from teaching them proper etiquette on the job interview!
What sets us apart? We work from the inside out and not from the outside in. We focus on the core.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Here is one:
I grew up off of MLK in Atlanta, Ga. There’s a plethora of gas stations and corner stores off of MLK. One of which I would get my fresh white 1x tees and slouch socks from. Yes, I am really from Atlanta. I remember my T-Shirt man had expanded his business at the Right Stuff gas station. He got some new Fubu pieces, fake as all could be, but the colors he had was fresh. White tee with the lime green (FB) logo in the center and he had some lime green joggers to go with them. I am talking the lightweight joggers, the kind that makes the swish noise when you move.
I remember rocking that fit to a bbq one summer day. I had to walk about two blocks to my best friend Marcus house but I had to turn a corner to get to his house. On this day everyone was outside for the parlay. I remember turning the corner and I heard a loud ” OOOOhhhhh Shit! “… this was the day my skin grow tougher because I had to defend myself with Art of Joning.
My childhood friends still talk about that outfit until this day!
Contact Info:
- Website: workharddresswell.com
- Email: whdw@workharddresswell.com
- Instagram: @workhard.dresswell
Image Credit:
Photographers: Jerome Eunis IG (@jpeunis), Hector Cruz IG (@hectoracruz) Models: Jessica Israel IG (@thehustleisrael), Danielle Larauf IG (@daniellelarauf)
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
