“The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” – Malcolm X
Name: Grant Harris
Age: 27
What exactly do you do for a living?
I am Owner & Chief Style Consultant at Image Granted, LLC, a Washington, D.C. based Image Consulting company dedicated to solving the complex image, style & fashion issues of today’s professional man. We provide private and corporate wardrobe consultations, closet organization, personal shopping, etiquette training, and other value-based services for men in need of practical and affordable advice. At Image Granted we dress men for the life they want!
What state do you represent? Washington, D.C.
Did you go to college? Where? Undergrad at Virginia Military Institute (VMI). Grad at American InterContinental University (AIU).
What did you study there? BA Psychology. MBA Organizational Psychology & Development
Why on earth did you choose this career path and how did you get involved in it?
I’m a bit of a serial entrepreneur and owned two businesses before Image Granted. Unfortunately, I was only in them for the money and had no passion for the work and they ultimately failed. I have always taken pride in my personal appearance. I’ve always wanted to look my best, but I never knew I could show other men how to do it for themselves. Going to a military school, a stellar appearance was ingrained in me every day. When I found myself in the real world, I came across a few fashion blogs and started reading them for pleasure, not knowing that I’d eventually find a passion for clothing and mix it with my natural affinity for entrepreneurship.
What are your future plans for your career?
I’d love the opportunity to work as a buyer domestically and internationally. I’d love to work with a menswear store, designer, brand etc., and help them reach their business and fashion goals while helping men advance their careers, fashion sense, and ultimately their lifestyle.
What are you in love with about this profession? What are you not so in love with?
I love working with men to address their personal concerns about their appearance. It’s gratifying to educate men and show them simple ways to feel about their appearance and ultimately feel better about themselves, which will permeate the rest of their lives.
I dislike the fact that many people think the fashion industry is full of shallow people who only care about the next hot thing on the runway. The truth is less than 5% of the clothes Americans wear are found on the runway and some of the most educated people in the world have chosen the fashion industry as their career of choice. Also, many people think all men in fashion are homosexual. While many men are it is no where near the majority and this false stereotype sometimes makes it difficult to break down the initial barrier with men who aren’t familiar with the industry.
Give us an example of a day in the life of you doing what you do?
I spend a lot of time reading and writing. I check all of my fashion news outlets in the morning to catch up on the day’s news. I post consistently on Facebook and Twitter to keep my style community up to date. I spend a lot of time reaching out to other stylists, businesses, designers who are looking for services or to discuss collaborations. If I’m not writing then I’m reading and studying my craft or talking to someone who is more knowledgeable than me to make sure I’m on top of my game.
What steps do you recommend to someone who is planning to pursue this career?
Do your research! Make sure you’re getting into this industry for the right reasons. Many people think fashion is about bright lights, parties, new clothes and runways. There is plenty of dirty work that goes on behind the scenes and anyone looking to get into the industry would serve themselves well by getting educated on every aspect before jumping in head first.
What is the single-most important piece of advice you can offer a person pursuing this career?
Be passionate about your craft. Lots of self-proclaimed fashinistas or fashinistos crash and burn because they don’t have a real passion for the industry in the first place. Be sure your goals and objectives are morally grounded and you’ll be fine.
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
Be patient and true to your passion and success will come in time.
What can we look forward to seeing from you next?
More, bigger, and better for men who are seeking the best style to fit their lifestyle.
What professional or community volunteer organizations are you currently a member of?
I’m currently not a member of any professional organizations or clubs but I plan to join The Association of Image Consultants International (AICI), Fashion Group International (FGI), and/or the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce (GWFCC) in the future.
What book are you reading right now?
I just finished reading the most recent Spring/Summer edition of Esquire’s Big Black Book (BBB). See my review here.
What’s playing in your MP3 player right now?
I don’t have one. I’ve never been much for technology. I listen to Pandora a lot on my Blackberry.
Where can we stalk you online?
Check out Image Granted: www.imagegranted.com
Social Media spots: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, About Me
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