Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Lawry.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I remember being a little boy and being extremely specific about the clothes I wanted to wear. As time went on, I remember saving up every penny to spend on garments. It was all I cared about! When I was 17, I met this guy with a DTG printer and paid him to make my first design.
By the time I was 19, my friend Sean Taylor and I bought our first silk screen press. That was the beginning of it all for me. We started designing and printing our own designs just for fun. My first design was a t-shirt I did for myself, but when my friends started asking me to make them some, I knew I was onto something. Even though making clothing was my real passion, I tried going the corporate route. I remember the day I came home after I quit my job as a financial services representative like it was yesterday. I came home discouraged because of the time I felt I wasted. As I was telling my roommates about the job I just left, a friend of mine told me that she needed 100 shirts made by next week. I got straight to work and realized I could make a living by doing what made me happy. Now, I produce clothing for other brands and run my own brand, Lawry. I design and create everything for my brand by hand and a lot of love goes into every single piece. I couldn’t be happier, but I am always ready to learn more.
Has it been a smooth road?
Honestly, every day is a learning experience. When you’re running a business, you have to be ready to wear many hats. I am the designer, the manufacturer, the marketer, and the customer service representative. I do everything myself. I know that it would be easier to hire people to handle some things for me, but right now I enjoy building relationships with everyone that comes my way. I love every aspect of what I do.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Lawry – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I run garment production for other brands. I also run my own. I specialize in bringing my clients’ ideas to life! In terms of my brand, Lawry, I specialize in bringing something unique and fresh. I geek out over small details in every design. I am obsessed about details. I am proud to say that every garment I have ever sold has been created by me. I design, print, and sew. Everything anyone has ever bought from me has come from my hands. It makes me happy.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love Gardena so much. I live in Costa Mesa now with a bunch of my best friends, but my people in Gardena have always held me down. Gardena is kind of a lowkey city that no one ever talks about, but I know so many people that are up to some amazing things. I’ll always be a Gardena boy.
Contact Info:
- Website: lawryla.com
- Phone: 3107217874
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/lawry.la
- Facebook: facebook.com/lawrylosangeles
- Twitter: twitter.com/lawrylosangeles
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