Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Martin
Hi Chris, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started off with a sense for fashion around 15 years old. I’ve always had an attraction for style and self expression through the freedom of dressing myself starting in high school. I grew up mostly in Georgia but my family moved to Chicago, IL during my High School years where I also played basketball. During my High school years, there were always groups of guys right at the entrance door that always critiqued your attire no matter how you felt. Kind of like an unauthorized fashion show…. Whatever anyone walking through the front door was wearing every single day between 7am-8am you were getting judged no matter how you feel about it. The same group of guys either clapped for you ,or they scolded you by how well they thought you put your outfit together. Talk about building character…
Naturally, as anyone would with that amount of pressure 5 days a week I became extremely self conscious & filled with anxiety about the clothes I wore everyday. I became determined until my constant criticism became an applause. To where those guys standing by the front doors of my high school would actually look forward to me coming in that day to see what outfit I would put together. I then became someone others gravitated towards to get their fashion inspiration & ideas on what they should wear. I felt that in my heart this would be my calling and I knew that I always wanted to be an entrepreneur selling clothes.
Years later, I would start my own clothing store and call it House of Nehesi. A store where I would partner with other well known brands and sell the best fashion I thought people would love in Southern California. I started off with an online store. I built relationships with brands such as Vuori, Fox Racing, Rusty Surf Co, Nixon, Thousands Helmets, Nike, Richer Poorer, Roark and plenty more brands. I then got an opportunity to put my clothes inside 2 of the biggest malls in LA. My 1st location was at the Westfield Fashion Square Mall in Sherman Oaks, CA. My 2nd location is at Del Amo Fashion Center Mall in Torrance, CA. Now I am attempting to open my 3rd physical location in San Diego, CA. I now host Pop Ups every weekend at different locations in San Diego and across the country to build traction for the store I plan on opening here in San Diego.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No it hasn’t been a smooth road. I come from humble beginnings, growing up in the rough neighborhoods of the Southside of Chicago. The only way I saw out was with my own vision. I learned at an early age to create my own path. That whichever direction the crowds go, I would go opposite and luckily it has been working for me. What helped keep my head straight was the loss of my older brother at a young age… Having imposter syndrome while having friends who didn’t believe in me also was tough, no one cared until I actually started doing what I said I would. While others saw me as being an athlete or just a model I’ve always known in my heart that I belonged to fashion, but the Owner. One thing I’ll never forget is my old boss told me that 99% of my fashion ideas were incorrect, while working that job ironically I actually had my business in 2 major shopping malls in LA. I guess I proved him wrong…
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the Founder of a clothing store called House of Nehesi with 2 locations at 2 malls in LA and an online store. I have an eye for picking out the best fashion. Currently, I also own a nail shop as well in San Diego county with exceptional nail techs. I believe that we all have a gift to share in the world. If you decide to tap into your gift you’ll will be rewarded internally. If you’re lucky enough you will be rewarded externally. I believe you’re the most blessed when you have both!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Seek advice but ultimately you will have to trust in your own vision and constantly make choices to get out of your comfort zone. Advice that I wish I knew starting out is to tell myself that I know what I’m supposed to be doing. Anything else is a waste of time. Create jobs and change the world. That comes from changing the thinking you now have to what you want it to be then act like it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nehesiretail.com
- Instagram: @houseofnehesi
