Marc C.: Making It In The Bowtie Business
How do you balance creative aspect and the business operation?
There is no balance for me, which is sad. I am always creative and inspired by everything I encounter. Creativity is something that comes naturally and the business aspect is 24/7 as well. It is what I eat, sleep and breathe; it how I pay my rent, take care of my family and my two dogs.
Can you describe the procurement process that you undertook to manufacture the full Marc C. collection?
I get my material from the Fabric District in New York and I look for material that are innovative, cool and not over saturated in the market. I am also looking for materials that are unique and wearable.
What’s an average day like?
My day always starts off with e-mails and follow ups from the previous day. From there, stylists pull pieces from me that they use in music videos, photo shoots or artists reach out to me directly. So, to get the pieces to different places we may have to run to the city, Fed-Ex or the post office and ship out stuff. I also do a lot of designing because most of my products are hand made and I also do press interviews.
What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?
Russell Simmons is my mentor, I worked with him for four years. I have taken a lot of business sense from watching him up close and personal. One important thing that I have taken from him that I apply to every thing I do is; you have to have vision, because when you have a vision you become clear on what it takes to make that vision come true. Once you do that, it’s our responsibility to convey that vision to everyone around you. That’s where a lot people get lost. They may have a vision but don’t know how to properly convey it to others and that is where they give up.
Has there been a particular pattern or formula that you have noticed over the past year that has been instrumental in your success?
Hard work. I wake up at 7AM every morning and I do not stop working until I go to bed. I guess, I am working hard now because I want it to pay off in the future. I only go out to parties and events to build contacts and connections, I am not going out for fun. I am trying to work hard so I can have fun when I am older.
What sacrifices have been involved in the process of building your career and your business?
Moving to New York was a sacrifice in itself and seeing family. I am the oldest of seven children. I have younger brothers and I am absent in their lives. I wish I could visit more but since a majority of my business takes place in New York and Los Angeles, I have to always be on the road and away from those that matter most.
What advice would you give to aspiring designers?
You have to realize that when you start off, its not going to be easy. If it is easy, you may want to reconsider what you’re doing because longevity is your aim and you have to experience that struggle. Eventually, that struggle will wear off and it will be easier. As it wears off you will begin to see through the struggles, failures and mistakes and see how you can improve what you’re doing.
In the next year, where can folks look forward to seeing Marc Clark and your brand?
Marc C. will be focusing more on clothing. We will also come out with more accessories. You will see us branch of into a cut and sew line, featuring men and women’s jeans, blazers and blouses. Marc C. is becoming a lifestyle brand versus being known as the bowtie brand.
Want to shop Marc C and keep up news from his brand? Check out his online accessory, clothing boutique MarcClark.com and follow him on Twitter @therealmarcc.
