Jul 21, 2014 8 Questions With: ASPECD
Today’s interview is with Kent Mori, one of the Founders behind ASPECD Apparel, a new contemporary menswear company that makes it super easy to find great fitting clothes – and boy do they mean easy. Each shirt sold on the site is offered in “in-between sizes,” such as “medium/large” and “large/XL,” and with FREE alterations as well to create the best fit possible just for your specific body. Options include fields for your height, waist size, shirt fit, and my favorite, stomach type. Although their designs are unique and fresh, I’ve just got to say that their customer service is absolutely stellar. You can really tell that they put a ton of time into understanding what exactly it takes to provide a truly enjoyable shopping experience. As a customer, these are the types of experiences that you remember, appreciate, and tell your friends about – and that is exactly what ASPECD has achieved spending nearly zero dollars on marketing and instead leveraging their organic customer base to spread their mission through word of mouth.
Fresh designs and an incredibly seamless shopping experience. Can’t get much better than that when shopping around for your next shirt. Best of luck and thanks for participating!
1. What are you working on?
At the moment, we’re designing and getting samples made for our Spring/Summer 2015 collection. We’re really excited now that we’ve got a couple seasons under our belt and we’re firing on all cylinders with our different vendors. I think we’re going to have some pretty cool stuff! Other than that, we’re about to introduce our handmade accessories, so I’ve been playing with a bunch of different fabrics to put together our first collection of ties, bow ties, and pocket squares.
2. Where do you find inspiration?
I love to find inspiration in everyday people’s lives and experiences. Everyone has something they’re passionate about, whether it’s their job, hobby, or family – and I love hearing the intricacies of these passions and how it drives their lives. This overflows into my overall design philosophy – where I believe heavily in simplicity, function, and attention to detail.
3. As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Completely random, but I wanted to be an archeologist. I guess I watched Jurassic Park too many times.
4. What are you reading at this moment?
I wish I had something more fun to say, but I’m currently reading up on Canada-USA import/export regulations so we can start selling our products in Canada. I think this is a pretty good example that when you’re running a small business, you have to accept you’ll be working on things that aren’t necessarily fun, but still needs to get done.
5. How would you describe your job?
That’s actually a very tough question. I think this is probably the same for all start-ups, but since we’re such a young company my “job” changes hour by hour. At any given time, I could be working on designing a new line, sewing some accessories, posting to social media, contacting sales leads, or working on the accounting.
6. What does your work day look like?
Well it always starts off with a cup of coffee. But after that I tend to start with all of the recurring tasks that just need to get done every day. This includes things like responding to emails, posting social media, and contacting marketing, PR, or sales leads. In the afternoon, I try to spend most of the day at the workbench or behind our sewing machines – working on designing, prototyping, or making product.
7. What’s your favorite post-work destination?
Any place with cold beers and great cheap food.
8. If you could give some advice to your teenage self, what would it be?
This is pretty specific – but I would tell my teenage self that not knowing how to do something is a horrible reason not to start. I remember thinking when I was in school still that it was too late for me to learn an instrument, too late for me to learn to code, and too late for me to try to develop my creative side. In reality – if I had just started then, I’d already be a 15 year veteran in whatever I set out to do.
A lot of adults, I think, get caught in this paralysis. They’re interested in something, but they use their inexperience as an excuse not to start. But with a little dedication, patience, and consistency, you can excel in anything.
I’m glad I eventually wised up. 5 years ago, if you told me I’d be designing clothing, knew how to sew, and was hand making neck ties I’d think you were crazy. The most important part for me was just to start.