Today we’d like to introduce you to Terell Green.
Hi Terell, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in a small town in North Louisiana called Longstreet, population 157. Growing up in a small town, you dream big and one of those dreams was owning my own brand of clothing. It was something always in the back of my mind if I were to ever become famous, create my own brand of clothing. In 2019 however, I was tired of being in and out of temp work, constantly struggling to make ends meet for 20+ years of actively working as a temp. I needed to put my dreams into action because I couldn’t see myself working another 20 years as a temp, something needed to change. Throughout my life I’ve dived into acting, directing, producing, dancing, screenplay writing, and photography, but it wasn’t digging me out of this hole of constantly working in corporate America as a temp. The one thing I hadn’t started as a career path was being an entrepreneur and releasing my own clothing line. So, in March 2019, I added Banister and Berek B&B as my newest journey in my life.
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?
If you have dreams and ambitions, you can always expect there to be a hill to climb to get to the top. Some of the struggles is using your own money to pursue your passion. When you’re struggling to make ends meet and you want to make a dream become a reality, you must start off small. You must work with what you got and slowly build on it. That’s one of the struggles.
Another struggle is that I have to manage Banister and Berek online because it’s primarily an online store, which in my opinion, makes it harder as a business owner when your products consist of clothing. I think things would be easier and sells would increase greatly if I had a physical storefront to where people can see Banister and Berek B&B in a physical building in person vs being online only. Banister and Berek have been in business since 2019, if people have never heard of the brand and only see it as an online store only. People are going to be hesitant to purchase because they maybe questioning if the store is a real or not. I know for myself; on social media, I see stores online that I have never heard of and I myself am hesitant to purchase clothing on a random website that I have never heard of. That’s why I feel that having an actual storefront, would help Banister and Berek greatly. Currently, I sell Banister and Berek straight from home like many other small business owners that has a work from home small business.
I also feel that if you have a clothing line that consists of catchy random phrases. People like catchy jokes and etc on shirts. That type of clothing will make sells, but Banister and Berek isn’t that type of line, it’s an actual brand name only; like Banana Republic and Fred Perry. To where the name Brand is your selling point. If I was famous like David Gandy or Rihanna, their name alone is already famous and worldwide. Their names alone easily promote their brand because people have heard of them, and their brand easily sells millions because of their name.
You must appreciate your climb as a small business owner. Yes, things would be easier if Terell Green was a famously known celebrity. It’s easier for them, but that’s no excuse to stop, give up, or throw in the towel. You must stick to your image, vision, dreams and push forward with all that you got.
We’ve been impressed with Banister and Berek B&B, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Banister and Berek is a family store. We specialize in clothing from newborn babies to adults. Mainly we currently consist of t-shirts, onesies, hoodies, toboggan hats, and sleeveless tank tops. We are known for comfortable outdoor and indoor wear that can accommodate any occasion.
As a brand, it’s different. It screams, fun, exciting, classy, casual, sporty, professional, and family. Most brands don’t cover all the bases of a family home. It’s rare to see a clothing brand that has a baby appeal section. Most baby clothing is sold in stores that only specialize in baby clothing. Not Banister and Berek, infants, toddlers, and kids all fall under family. I must admit, it took my sister who became a first-time mom in 2020 to ask me, “What about adding infant clothing to Banister and Berek.” I felt like I didn’t know a single thing about baby clothes (laughs), but I figured, “Hey, infants and toddlers need clothes as well.”
I’m proud of Banister and Berek’s growth, diversity, and family-orientated style. It’s a fun brand that an entire family can wear.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
That it’s important to continue believing in you, believe in your brand, and know that slow and steady wins the race. It’s important to continue telling myself that Bill Gates, Walt Disney, Larry Page, Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, Ronald Wayne, Paul Allen, and Jeff Bezos, started their business in a garage. Kevin Plank started his business, “Under Armor” in the basement and started selling them from the trunk of his car. Banister and Berek B&B was started in my small one-bedroom apartment.
You have to continue growing as a business owner, thrive for greatness, never give up, and push yourself. Continue pushing yourself even if you’re not reaching your goal fast enough. I tell myself all the time, don’t give up. I’ve put too much time, energy, research, stress, and studying the business to stop. The most important thing you can learn is that not everybody’s journey is going to be the same. I feel like Banister and Berek will always be a continuous learning experience for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.banisterandberek.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/banisterandberek
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/banisterandberek
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BanisterBerek
Image Credits
Terell Green and Jose Leiva
