Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Donald Carlson, Founder of TWEEDS Suit Shop, located in Sarasota, FL, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

TWEEDS Suit Shop started out of a 16-foot box truck in 2019. I wanted to make the custom suit buying experience easy for busy professionals by bringing the shop to the client. I bought a used box truck that previously was an A/C truck and transformed it into a mobile suit shop. We now have 4 trucks that travel the SWFL region and also have a beautiful location in downtown Sarasota. We work with all ranges of clients, from someone getting married to gentlemen that just want a new sport coat for a Friday night out.

Tell us about yourself

I was in the family dry cleaning business most of my life. In 2019, I felt burnt out and was ready for a new venture, so I sold my car and bought the first TWEEDS truck. I have always had a passion for dressing up and have always subscribed to the theory Look Good, Feel Good, Do Good. So getting into the clothing business and helping men look and feel their best was a no-brainer for me.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I'm not quite sure what my biggest accomplishment is I just try to do my best each and every day and continue to improve our product, people, and processes.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

If it were easy, everyone would do it, lol, but I would say just my work-life balance. Being a new Father, I want to be able to be the best Dad I can be but also make sure the business never gets neglected and is always improving.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Attention Follows Money. That's my number 1 rule. This basically means if someone does not know you exist, they can not do business with you. Do everything you can to get yourself and your product known.
  2. Make the commitment and go all in. For example, with TWEEDS, my commitment came from selling my car and buying the first truck, as well as putting in the needed actions with my job at the time so I could leave them in good hands. I did not want a backup plan. I needed to make it work.
  3. Read #1 and #2 again :)

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://tweedssuitshop.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tweedssuitshop/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tweedssuitshop/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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