Meet Cliché also known as Derrick | Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cliché also known as Derrick and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cliché also known as Derrick, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
It all started with a needle and thread. As cliché as that sounds, I always had a love for fashion.

I would study the game, different brands, styles, and designers. I didn’t know how to sew. So, I got behind a sewing machine and started practicing techniques. I learned how to utilize the machine and create pieces. I upcycled pieces out of my own closet to create new looks and styles. I wore my work, and people noticed. Thereafter, I was asked to style for various people – music videos, photoshoots, events, etc.

I always knew I wanted my own line someday, so I launched Needle & Thread Co.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At Needle & Thread Co., we pride ourselves on offering a distinctive blend of handcrafted, vintage, street-chic style that seamlessly merges with our love for music and pop culture. Our product line goes beyond conventional fashion, featuring limited denim jackets, activewear, and accessories that are truly one-of-one for both women and men. What sets us apart is our commitment to creating unique, up-cycled, fashion-forward pieces that resonate with individuals seeking exclusive, trendsetting apparel.

Owning a business has definitely not always been a smooth road. The struggles came with long nights, lots of fear, and doubt. Leaving a stable job to fully pursue my dream full-time in 2018 – not knowing what would come next. There is always a level of uncertainty that comes with owning a business, but I am grateful for every lesson I have learned along the way.

Needle & Thread Co., as most companies, had to take a major pivot once COVID-19 hit the nation. Having to transition from Los Angeles back to the East coast was a big step but thankfully brought us to Raleigh, NC. Our partnership with the Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA) and WakeTech University allowed us to open our first storefront at the Pop-Up Shops at Martin Street. This space has brought countless opportunities for Needle & Thread Co. which I am beyond grateful for.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hmmm…When the fam is in town, we’d have to stop by Flavor Hills for the best Caribbean dishes for brunch. Snap some photos by the Acorn in Raleigh City Plaza and then walk on over to the Self-care Market (12 W Martin St) for a perfectly curate selection of self-care essentials and the Pop-Up Shops at Martin Street (17 E Martin St) to get our dose of Art by Sarah Rosa Glickman and have them sign her living canvas. Pop into Munjo Munjo (20 E Hargett St) and Unorthodox Vintage (206 S Wilmington St) for some dope local art and vintage retail therapy!

After all this shopping, we’d stop into Mecca Restaurant (13 E Martin St) for lunch and have their shrimp and grits chef’s kiss. I would then take the fam over to the Green Monkey (215 S Wilmington St) for some gifts and souvenirs – if it’s a Wednesday, we’re staying for Trivia!! Leave from there and walk over to Moore Square to let the kids rip and run and people watch.

We would end our day at Oro Restaurant (18 E Martin St) for their eclectic dishes and drinks! Then take the adults to Alive Bar & Lounge (414 Fayetteville St, Ste 100) to finish the night with some good music and company.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to shoutout my family! My tribe for always supporting even when the vision is unclear to them.

Huge thanks to the NC State CYC for providing such an amazing program to local small businesses and helping me orchestrate key moves in my business! Thank you to the DRA and WakeTech for accepting me into the Pop-Up Shops at Martin Street program and allowing me to transform the space. Much thanks to my Staff (Go Pack!) for all the hard work and dedication given. Thank you to Shop Local Raleigh, Pop-up Raleigh, Pop-up Carolinas, Esther & Elsa, Soda City, and the Music Yard/Presto Projects for consistently creating dope vendor markets and events that allow for my brand to get exposure and recognition!! Huge shoutout to all the collabs – WeAreDTR, PNC Arena and Sheraton Raleigh! So many more – I truly THANK YOU ALL!

Website: https://www.NeedleThreadCo.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/NeedleThreadCo

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/NeedleThreadCo

Facebook: https://facebook.com/NeedleThreadCo

Other: https://tiktok.com/@NeedleThreadCo