We recently had the chance to connect with Solomon Lawrence and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Solomon, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Energy is definitely the most important to me, and I’d add good energy. Energy is something that radiates, you can feel it, you emote good energy, you attract good energy. I believe intelligence can be learned. Some may not initially have all the tools and experiences to be considered intelligent in a certain field, but with energy once can push to acquire.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Isaac and I am the designer of Solomon Lawrence fashion brand. As a designer my skillset encompasses a wide range of categories from menswear, womenswear and accessories. Since inception we have been able to build communities around the products we produce. What makes our business special is that it is a dual service, not only do we sell ready to wear garments online, but also provide custom made apparel such as suits and gowns for our clients. I myself sit at the forefront of design with experience in sewing, pattern making, and technical design that really speaks to the level of skill and experience for our business.
We are currently working on our next collection SL Lover Boy Collection. This is a more flashy collection that is to represent the bachelor lifestyle. Young and cool yet sophisticated with a strong attention to detail.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Brown. She has impacted my life in ways she can’t imagine and I often think of her online this journey of entrepreneurship and fashion.
One morning as I entered our elementary school campus, I noticed my 1st grade classed lined outside of the door beyond the bell while all the other classes went to their classrooms. I wondered why we were being held outside.
Shortly later the principal arrived and immediately I thought our class was in trouble. The principal told us that our teacher wasn’t having a good day and to be on our best behavior that day.
As we entered class I found my 1st grade teacher red with tears pouring down her face. We were shocked and concerned as a class. She had told us her father had passed away from Cancer and shortly after she took a leave of absence.
Weeks went by with our teacher missing, and when she returned she wasn’t the same person. Originally bubbly and full of life, she became heart broken and depressed.
On the last day of the school year as the bell rung she asked me to stay beyond the bell as she needed to talk to me. I remember feeling uneasy and scared thinking I did something wrong.
After class she went to her closet and pulled out a briefcase and told me “I want you to have this”. I know one day you will be a great artist, I know this because my dad was… and this was his.
I opened the briefcase and it was filled with paint brushes, oil paint, acrylic paint, charcoal pencils and more.
AT that moment I saw what she saw in me, I was committed to taking my passion seriously and to this day I still do.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You are worthy. Your ambition will fuel you, your talent will guide you, your intuition will protect you, and your heart will be your key into rooms of opportunity.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie my industry tells is that luxury is foreign.
I love Parisian brands and other foreign brands, but we too as Americans have the talent, skill, and precision as other major fashion brands.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Representation is so so important. Growing up I always felt like I didn’t belong, not quite fitting the mold as my peers and not really having a model to look up to regarding art in fashion. As a Black male designer it is very uncommon and sometimes feels impossible to accomplish great success, but this journey is much more than myself, it is to prove we can do it too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.solomonlawrence.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/solomonlawrence
