We had the good fortune of connecting with Ian Callender and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ian, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Just the ability to create my own lane, especially when doing things unorthodox. It adds a layer of authenticity & imagination unseen.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think being a creative back in the day was fairly easy because I wore my creativity on my feet daily. It was easy to be identified by the sneakers i’d wear. From then I often knew that the best way to build the brand is to go left when they say go right. Suite Nation really took off in the late 2000’s Wine & Spirits Era. It’s when Dinner Parties were funded in full and the brands spared no expense. 20 years later we were able to transition brand dollars into fully functioning businesses that still recycled experiential marketing elements annually. We have truly reinvented Brand Marketing & Event Activation through non-traditional means.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Hmmm. Gotta find some Wings & Mumbo. Maybe pull up Yum’s on 14th to get that fix. Definitely need to slide through Park at 14th for a vibe or three, food included. Bronze is another dope restaurant spot to shimmy a few taste buds. Being in DC we are a Museum town so a spot at the Anacostia Community Museum in Southeast, DC is a must.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d be remised if I didn’t shoutout my Guyanese parents for raising their First Generation Washingtonian. I also often dedicate my work to a couple of my late mentors who both passed during critical career transitions; Gary Richards (G Rich) & Monte Wan (Biz Markie).

Website: http://suitenation.com

Instagram: ianeyecan

Linkedin: ianeyecan

Twitter: ianeyecan

Facebook: ianeyecan

Image Credits
Laura Hayes

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