Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn Loyola.
Shawn, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My journey started over nine years ago. I was a jock out of high school with no sense of direction and just followed the typical medical route like all my other friends. I took a job while in school to make a little money. I liked dressing up at the time since my biggest idol was Michael Jackson, and I absolutely loved his style. I barely knew about suits, let alone how they should fit.
The more I worked around suits, the more I became interested to learn about them. I was a very shy individual, and communication was something I absolutely hated doing. Although I was shy, I had a feeling I should take on this as a career, even if I wasn’t sure where this would lead or if this would also work. I switched my major in college after my first semester to business, where I was fortunate enough to meet a good friend who taught me more about suits and tailoring as an entire industry.
Soon enough, we decided to work together. My friend, who was very knowledgeable in fashion, trained me. However, this was the most difficult moment of my life as I grew up in the industry. During work as I trained, clients would be mocking me because I was a kid fitting them, sometimes to the point where money was thrown in my face at the point of payment for their garments. Reacting to failures wasn’t my strong suit, I’d go home almost every night nervous and scared to go to work the next day.
All I had as motivation was my Instagram, following numerous fashion influencers and business owners. It was such a struggle wanting to be the best when anxiety always took over. I’d walk around in public seeing well-dressed gentleman and asking myself, “If they can do this, why not me? What makes me so different?” Once work became an anxious environment, things got worse as friends and family constantly doubted me. I was told numerous times to go back to school and do what everyone else is doing. I was told I wouldn’t be successful in a “dying business” Fortunately, social media kept my head up, I had a handful of friends who distilled belief in me, molded my mentality, increased my confidence and sharpened my skills.
After years and years of experience, I have become more confident than ever before, my looks started to change, and most of all, I became an incredible communicator. Today I do this business to create a story with every gentleman I fit. Custom tailoring is not a dying business but a work of art that is crafted every day with a brand new story created daily. Personality through each person is brought to life, and excellence is definitely paid attention to. This business is more than just an outfit, it’s a lifestyle.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Clients are continuously challenging me because I was a kid. Continually saying things along the lines of “You can’t be serious,” “Are you doing this, right?” “Can you go somewhere else so I can get taken care of properly?” Or “I’ll ask someone else who’s better than you” I’ve had constant suicidal thoughts; I was scared I wasn’t good enough or could amount to anything after constant failures with work, failures with friendships, unhealthy relationships, and family unsatisfaction.
We’d love to hear more about your company.
Indochino is a custom made to measure company here in the U.S that started out as an online retailer for the past ten years. The only showrooms that existed were in Canada and New York. I am currently specializing as one of the fitters for the company. I take care of the body measurements as well as the initial fitting for the client’s jacket, pants and vest as well as performing alterations after the garments have been produced.
I’m most proud of how our company is able to do so much at such an affordable price. Indochino gives the client the ability to create at such a massive level from changing lapel to the custom lining, monogramming, buttons, stitching, etc. With pricing going no more than $500, the clients have not only choice but production time and shipping to only 2-3 weeks!
With such a competitive market here in Houston, one of the biggest edges in the company is the timing of how quickly the garments are made outside the pricing. Most gentlemen don’t have time to wait 6-8 weeks when you can have limitless options with half the time in production.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Marc Isaac, Daryl Taylor and Chandra Phu. These incredible individuals were the first business owners I’ve ever met in the beginning of my career that shaped my mentality, grew my confidence, and help me create a vision for my future. At the same time, they continuously mentored me over the years.
Geno Segura, Ramon Smothers, Josh Aaron and Byron Wilson. These fashion icons are true friends as well as inspirations. Their content speaks to what I represent as a tailor. Their teachings of fashion keep my vision as a personal tailor alive.
Pricing:
- Premium fabrics $399
- Luxury fabrics $499
- Sport coat or blazer $279
- Pants $130
- Vest $99
- Tuxedo $499
- Shirts $79
- Tuxedo shirts $99
- 2 suit bundle $729
- 3 shirt bundle $199
- 5 shirt bundle $299
Contact Info:
- Address: The Galleria, 5085 Westheimer Rd UNIT B2870, Houston TX 77056
- Website: Indochino.com
- Phone: 346-360-1755
- Email: houston@indochino
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/indochino?igshid=16hdezr6ex9l5 , http://instagram.com/sployola
Image Credit:
Jeremy Kabala
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