“I started my company with $100,” he beams. “I sold tee-shirts and I just kept–I hate to say it–but I took the drug game mentality and took my $100and kept turning it over, and turning it over, versus taking the $300 or $400 that I made and going shopping. I put that money back into the company.”
Larkin continues, “I cut my costs by making my own clothes; that cuts my costs tremendously.”
It boggles the mind that someone with ‘no formal training’ makes beautiful pieces with perfection.
Larkin’s shop boasts supple leather jackets, funky hand-painted tee shirts, knit caps, and nearly every look in between, and all adorned with the stylish Larkin moniker. “I work with a lot of different leathers. Right now, we’re doing handbags and backpacks. We’re trying to compete with Louis Vuitton and Gucci on the level, but not on the price scale.”
Getting to this point wasn’t easy, and Larkin encourages other entrepreneurs to do the work, stay the course, and to not expect praise or charity when you start your journey.
“Don’t ever believe what people say you can’t do,” Larkin advises. “A lot of people didn’t believe in me; you can’t even bet on family, or friends–and don’t rely on support, support only pays the bill once because people will only support you once. And don’t give up.”
Confident, he is; yet Larkin’s humble spirit squashes the slightest hint of arrogance.
The successful, self-made clothier is as authentic as the antique sewing machine that sits on his desk suggests.
“I put this machine in here to show people what I do,” Larkin beams. “I’m not the person who just slaps my name on something and say, ‘I have a clothing line.’ Yes, I have a clothing line, but I actually make everything in my line.”
Larkin Designs is located at 2150 S. Canalport Ave. Studio 4A-7. For more info, call 773.414.0700. Will Larkin is on Facebook at Larkin Designs.
