Corwyn Thomas, Talks About The TIES WE MAKE
by: Donza Meagley 
Corwyn Thomas, a success story for everyone to hear.  He started at a very early age, just by picking out ties for his dad to wear.  His father saw that Corwyn had an eye for doing so.  Next Corwyn graduated in picking out his fathers shirts and matching them up with ties.  Corwyn soon started designing his own ties.  First, getting ideas from what he has seen out in the market.  One day Corwyn found himself at a mentoring program, he wanted to get pointers on how to start up his tie design company.  Well, as faith has it Kwame Jackson of Donald Trump’s “The Apprentice”; Season One Finalist was present.  Kwame Jackson, looked at Corwyn’s designs and helped him launch his tie products.  Together they launch their first brand called Krimson by Kwame, this is an executive neckwear collection that was recently endorsed by Oprah Winfrey.  .:read more:.
 

 The name Krimson comes from the colors of Kwame’s alma mater, crimson and cream.  Corwyn’s brand was chosen for the Father’s Day Exclusive “O” List in the June Issue of the “Oprah Magazine”.  Corwyn’s Luxury lifestyle brand is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio called Corwyn Apparel.  Corwyn is Chief Designer for “Kwame Jackson and President & Founder of his own company. Kwame Jackson, graduated from Harvard Business School, so putting these two powerful minds together could only bring success.  Corwyn also found out the two were fraternity brothers of Kappa Alpha Si. 

You can find his ties in Macy’s, in Herald Square in New York, Pentagon Mall in Washington, DC, Chicago on State Street and Belks.  Some of the locations for Belk would be, Southpark Mall in Charlotte, Crabtree Mall in Raleigh and Phipps Plaza in Atlanta, Georgia.  This Southern University A& M College graduate has also attracted a growing celebrity client base.  Celebrities such as Neyo, Usher, NBA All-Star Alonzo Mourning, ESPN commentator Allan Houston, Bishop TD Jakes, Matrix and Barber Shop actor Harry Linnux and CNN Contributor Roland Martin.  Corwyn has a true talent for Fashion Neckwear.  Corwyans’ designs have a classic look yet contemporary, so there is something for everyone.  You will find Wedding ties, business ties, stripes, paisley, geometric and the list goes on.  Corwyan strongly feels you need to be around POI’s (People of Influence) to make things happen.  See if you can pick up some entrepreneur tips from Corwyan.

Center Stage:  Is it true your gift for spotting great tie designs started early?
Corwyan:  Yes, at the age of six years old I was picking out ties for my dad to wear.

Center Stage:  Where did this brain child to start a design company, come from?
Corwyan:  My wife and I came up with this plan.

Center Stage:  So you are a husband and wife team, that is great.  Tell, me who else helped propel your career?
Corwyn:  Kwame Jackson, from the Apprentice show helped me launch my tie designs in major department stores, like Macy’s and Belks.  I was at a mentoring program and Kwame was there and I told him what I was trying to accomplish.  Kwame, liked what he saw and helped me launch my product.

Center Stage:  How did you feel when you first saw your ties on the shelves in department stores?
Corwyn:  It was a joy to see my product on floor and being purchased by people.

 

Center Stage: 
Tell me, are your ties selling in the stores?
Corwyn:  Well, in the kind of economy we have today we are doing great.  We are selling at 10%, this is in comparison to 5-6% tie sells when the economy is better

Center Stage:  What can you tell our budding designers about starting out?
Corwyn: You have to seek out people who have interest like you POI and have a passion for what you are doing.  Make sure it is something close and dear to your heart.

Center Stage: What direction do you see your company going in within 5 years?
Corwyn:  I would like to some day have a department store of my own.  The store would be like a membership store.  People coming in who are specifically looking for my product.

Center Stage:  What thought stands out in your mind?
Corwyn:  You have to appreciate the little things along the way.

Corwyn Thomas, remember that name a man that has itched a corner in a unique market.  Take a peek at some of Corwyn’s designs at www.corwynapparel.com

Congratulations Corwyn, your ties spell success.

Donza Meagley, Managing Editor, Center Stage Magazine

 

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