We had the good fortune of connecting with Eric Washington and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eric, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Since a child, I have always been infatuated with conservative men’s style and the sartorial lifestyle. I began my journey while I was serving in the Army during an overseas assignment to South Korea. I desperately needed to switch up my look, so I commissioned a few suits from a tailor there. As time progressed, I learned of the Ateliers of Savile Row, Milan, and Naples. As most of these places have price points that are unattainable to the middle-class American, I had an epiphany to build a business that cares as much about the garment quality as it does about the client relationship. In 2020, after apprenticing as a cutter (pattern maker) for over a decade, I opened my first storefront in the Historic District of Downtown Fayetteville, NC.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

Washington Apparel Company is dedicated to creating the highest quality menswear (custom suits, shirts, outerwear), delivering unparalleled customer service, and upholding our ethical responsibilities. I believe the way we do business is what makes us different. So, we are challenging industry norms by creating quality merchandise with more options for customization at an unbeatable price for value. We are on a mission to help people look better, feel better, and be better.

We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others? What you are most proud of or excited about?

One thing that makes us unique is that we cut all our garments in house. Our partnerships with industry leading international textile manufacturers such as Samsung Goldentex, Dormeiul, and Holland and Sherry, which allow us to produce garments at a range of price points. We also have a first-class 25 point made-to-measure process for a better fit, the first time.

Another thing that makes us unique is that our storefront location has a Clubhouse. The Clubhouse is a members-only place for our wide range of clients, entrepreneurs, career professionals, influencers, and their guests to network, socialize and unwind. Members pay a membership fee for access to the lounge and perks like discounted beverages, social, networking, and professional development activities.

As a service-disabled veteran, I’m proud to be the first company to offer a made-to-measure Army Green Service Uniform. I couldn’t be more proud of the nationwide success of this program. We are currently fulfilling contracts for DoD uniforms and suiting items. In the near future, we plan to launch business-to-business (B2B) support in manufacturing for US based menswear brands.

Besides the level of success that I’m having, I’m most proud of the impact in the community. Telling people they can be successful is one thing, showing them and not gatekeeping is entirely different. Our nonprofit arm, The INCspire Foundation, is focused on becoming a catalyst for improving the quality of life for low-income and minority youth.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

One piece of advice I’d give an aspiring entrepreneur is that no plan is perfect and no amount of preparation will remove all the obstacles of business ownership. The success comes from the ebbs and flows. So many people are hung up on perfecting the process and the product before launch, but if you look at any billion dollar corporation, you’ll see that they improve over time. My advice: “Get out there and get some sales.”

Another hard lesson I’ve learned is that every business is a media/public relations company. Driving people to your business (whether it’s online or brick-and-mortar) is the most important function. You need a team of professionals that can creatively and consistently push your product or service on every platform. Introverted or not, you’ve got to put your insecurities down and promote your business. Networking, collaboration, and partnerships have gotten me much further than Facebook Ads.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve got to shout out the coolest spots in Downtown Fayetteville:

— You can’t mention Fayetteville without mentioning its history. Visit the Airborne Special Operations Museum, Fayetteville Museum, or one of the tours from DistiNCtly Fayetteville to visit several nationally recognized historic places.

— If you’re a sports fan, you can always catch a Woodpeckers game (Houston Astro’s farm team) at Segra Stadium.

— If you’re looking for an adult beverages, check out Winterbloom Tea. It’s a cozy art-deco themed bar that creates custom alcohol-infused teas and cocktails. Another charm of our downtown is the local wine and champagne shop, The Sip Room. If you just want coffee, check out Rude Awakening or the Coffee Scene.

— If you have time to check out a movie, we’ve got the Cameo Art House Theatre or you can see a play at the Cape Fear Regional Theater.

— If you’re looking for some delicious eats we’ve got all the variety with Antonella’s (Italian), Circa 1800 (American upscale), Agora (Mediterranean), and The Salad Box and Some (Variety American). and Vibe Gastropub (Vegan).

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In order to lead we must learn to follow. Undoubtedly, I owe my knowledge to my Master Tailor. I would 100% not be successful without my team, my clients, and my community who have supported me from day 1 in the launch of my own private Atelier. I’d also like to dedicate this article to my mother Zenobia Washington who recently passed, for bestowing the ingenuity, drive, and character I possess which enables me to strive for success.

Website: washingtonapparel.com

Instagram: instagram.com/washingtonapparel

Facebook: facebook.com/washingtonapparel

Other: Shears and Sharps Tailoring Academy: washingtonapparel.com/shearsandsharps
INCspire Foundation: washingtonapparel.com/incspire

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