Even as a child, Marcus Lewis wanted to be in Ebony magazine. In 2006, he was, as one of its “Top Bachelors of the Year.” He participated to get his then 3-year-old business—Lewis Pierce Fine Clothing—some exposure, but didn’t anticipate how large an impact it would have. He says he still meets people who recognize him from the famous pages.
“As long as people mention it, I’m going to ride it,” Lewis says. “I don’t want to be 60 years old and still talking about it, but if it’s still working I’m going to use it.”
As a men’s custom clothier, building relationships is integral to Lewis’ business growth—as is finding common ground to make the client comfortable and trusting. Whether it’s recognizing Lewis from Ebony, his position on the board of the Baton Rouge Black Chamber of Commerce or through his brother Eric Lewis of Ephod Business Solutions, every bit of grass-roots, word-of-mouth marketing helps.
Though Lewis has many well-established, older clients, the majority of his business comes from young entrepreneurs like himself. Juggling full-time shift work at Formosa Plastics, Lewis invites clients to his home or he visits them at their home or office. Having recently reached the point where a lot of his entrepreneurial clients didn’t have offices, and wanting to separate his business and personal life, Lewis decided to take the plunge into a store on Airway Drive.
With an open house on Thursday, March 13 from 4 to 7 p.m., Lewis Pierce Fine Clothing shows off its 700-square-foot store, which offers custom services plus ready-made shirts, men’s shaving products and luggage. Moreover, the store’s presence [and bills] will pressure Lewis to do whatever it takes to keep growing his business.
“If I show my clients I’m growing, we can grow as a team.”
Position: Owner
Company: Lewis Pierce Fine Clothing
What they do: “Make wives happy” via men’s custom suits, shirts, ties and shoes
Revenue: $65,000 to $70,000
Next goal: Before the year’s end, dress Mayor Kip Holden and Gov. Bobby Jindal. Also expand business to have a seamstress on staff.
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