Today we’d like to introduce you to Dudley Beene.
Hi Dudley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
For the past two decades, I have worked in marketing, creating campaigns for other people’s TV shows, movies, politics, and more. This has offered great opportunities for creativity, but they are always tied back to someone else’s product and agenda. I liked the idea of creating a brand from the ground up. (What do we sell? What are our values? What sets us apart?) I know that’s backward from most entrepreneurs, but the spark for going into business came from the desire to market it. I looked for the “white space,” an arena that wasn’t saturated but still in demand. That year two friends were throwing caftan pool parties, and it all seemed to click. Caftans are clothing that is gender neutral; one size fits all, and more about the fabric design than the tailoring. It all seemed doable. An affordable, outrageous caftan line that went heavy on the “extra.” I had never run a business before, but I am a big believer in learning on the job, so I took the plunge. I watched a million tutorials about business creation and yes, they were helpful, but nothing can prepare you for running your own business until you do it. I am still learning daily, but I have been grateful for the support and advice from the other entrepreneurs in my life. Plus, I have a new marketing assignment every morning: how am I going to get new eyes on this product I believe in… and I still love doing it.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The creation of my product went smoothly; it just took time. Honestly, more time than I ever imagined. When you are working with suppliers overseas to manufacture your fabric, you have to factor in the shipping times and the back and forth of testing out new suppliers to find the best material at the best price. My new struggle is marketing. We are still a baby brand trying to grow, and no matter how many clever ideas you have for getting the word out, you need another one the very next day. It’s a good struggle, but I am still working tirelessly until America knows the Studleyduds brand.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My day job is as a creative director for a marketing company. I cut my teeth in the biz doing promotions for daytime talk shows. I am proud to be a 9 time Emmy nominee, and yes I do have the Susan Lucci moniker at work. But what I have been most excited to do is create captivating campaigns within a tight budget. I have done everything from writing songs, acting, creating print campaigns, teaching dance lessons to a flash mob, and more for my job. Every day is different. The caftans are a new visual challenge that I am pouring all my previous experience into.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Fashion, in general, is going more gender-neutral. I am excited to see more clothing for men that embraces color, whimsy, and movement. In the next few years, I believe there will be a greater deal of crossover in consumer stores of clothing that everyone can wear.
Pricing:
- All caftans are $45
Contact Info:
- Website: https://studleyduds.com/
- Instagram: @studleycaftans
- Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/studleycaftans/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Studleycaftans
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@studleyduds
Image Credits
Charlie Vaughn
