As an entrepreneur, Marcus Lewis is dedicated to getting the word out about the business he started in 2003. He was recently profiled in the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report. There's an article about the business on the website of the National Association of Minority Contractors-Southern Region. He even appeared in Ebony Magazine's 2006 edition showcasing the "Top Bachelors of the Year." He says he didn't anticipate how large an impact that national exposure would have. "I still meet people who recognize me from that article."

Lewis attended Delgado Community College with plans to become a mortician, but later went to work in industry. He continues to work shift work at a plastics plant, but was inspired to go into custom clothing after he visited a fine clothing store in the area. At first he thought he'd like to open a store himself, but after he investigated the business, he felt an affinity for the close-up, one-on-one, personal service of the custom clothier.

When he started Lewis Pierce Fine Clothing (named in honor of his grandfather) he had only a website as home for his fledgling business. He would see clients in his home or visit them at their home or office. Though Lewis has many well-established, older clients, the majority of his business comes from young entrepreneurs like himself, many of whom work from their homes. His clientele has reached such a point that he was able to rent a seven hundred square foot space in March where he consults with clients by appointment only. "If I show my clients I'm growing, we can grow as a team." Lewis feels that taking on rental of shop space will keep him focused on growing the business. "Besides I wanted to separate my business and personal life."

Lewis Pierce Fine Clothing offers custom services plus ready-made shirts, men's shaving products and luggage. From individually tailored suits to the finest in neck ties, bow ties, cuff links, other accessories as well as fine shoes, the business can dress a man from head to toe for overall image enhancement. "I prefer to work directly with my clients, helping them to carefully select the appropriate accessories to complement their attire."

Custom clothing is designed to fit each individual's specific body style, whether a standard fit or a more unusual build. He works with clients to get a near perfect fit, so the clothing not only looks great but also feels good to the wearer. By taking various critical measurements, such as shoulder slope, posture, torso proportion, wrist and bicep size in addition to the person's normal measurements, he is able to craft a unique pattern for each customer. Once the template is established, subsequent orders require only a fabric selection after a brief review to ensure no major changes in weight or shape. Availability of material and complexity of the design may affect the time frame, but orders are typically delivered in 2-4 weeks.

"Building relationships is integral to the growth of custom clothier business—as is finding common ground to make the client comfortable and trusting." Lewis networks with other businessmen through his position as a board member of the Black Chamber of Commerce where he also serves as chairman of the membership committee. He welcomes positive press, but grass-roots-word-of-mouth marketing through satisfied customers has propelled his business to revenues of sixty-five to seventy thousand dollars and growing. He hopes to expand the business so he may keep a full-time seamstress on staff. "Making wives happy with the way their men look is the best advertising I can get." His next goal is to dress Mayor Kip Holden and Governor Bobby Jindal before year's end.

Lewis's favorite business book is Think and Grow Rich: a Black Choice by Dennis Kimbro and Napoleon Hill. Kimbro adapted Hill's previous book to the black community including many stores of successful African-American entrepreneurs. Lewis sees small businesses as the backbone of the community. "The only way to survive is by getting out in the community. That's why you'll see many small businesses sponsoring kids' baseball teams and other community activities." His advice to those wanting to start a small business is simple--find a mentor and don't give up. "Establishing a business is not easy, but if you persevere you'll make a success." He said his biggest challenge is to make the cross-over between races. He's hoping his new shop space will make the white community more comfortable with the special services he offers. "My custom clothes are timeless classics suitable for all executives, businessmen and those who just want to look great when they go out with their lady." Mayor Holden's dream of Baton Rouge as "America's next great city," inspires Lewis. "There are great tailors in this city; I want Baton Rouge to become known as a place where you can have a good time and look good doing it."

(photo courtesy of Aaron Cormier)

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