We had the good fortune of connecting with Cedric King and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Cedric, what do you attribute your success to?
When I started Paris Polo Crew it was with the drive to focus on the needs of others and building a brand that brought together timeless Parisian and classic Americana styles with a love for everyone of my customers. I saw some of the largest brands in the world like Ralph Lauren with its beautiful colors and fashions and wanted to build a family business focused on a brand with great fashions and amazing advertisements similar to the greats from Paris to New York. I grew up in a small town and I always found myself focusing on the needs of others and loving the businesses that I would frequent at home because service always came first. I respected the business owners because they were involved with the community and presented me with opportunities for expanding my skills. I always wanted to bring the same improvements for my community and a brand that offered that same level of quality. I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world to study fashion and it opened my eyes to many ways of life. I’ve explored many cultural lifestyles and I found myself embracing the opportunities that presented themselves while I was traveling and enjoying the world. My time as a world traveler has helped me to understand where my brand fits in a worldwide marketplace and how much my brand can impact the world of fashion, culture and style. I had a chance to study abroad at Paradiso School of Design in La Maddalea, Italy and that time presented me with the skills I needed to successfully create this business as well as showcase an enhanced level of detail in its everyday operations. I spent some time in the U.S. Navy before my fashion career began and this reinforced that attention to detail. I was lucky to have studied in Italy to learn more about the advanced craftsmanship, design, fashions and textiles. The lifestyle there has shaped my journey into business, the love of family, food, culture and more helped me further my love of fashion. I feel like having children has also been a major part of my success. My children have taught me the power of an unconditional level of love, they teach me that love and humility is something that I need to use as principles in my business. Everyone that I have a chance to work with is somebody that I must treat with respect, I love the process of creating new fashions and I love my business. It’s this love that I bring everyday into my operations that contributes to my success. Because I have explored the fashion industry from many different sides with a open mind as a – – designer, consultant, author, factory owner in five countries – Bangladesh, Bahrain, Singapore, Peru and India ; it has created a ease of coordinating my operations throughout the world. I’m going to continue to expand my mindset through travel and education . And that is precisely what will keep my brand Paris Polo Crew moving forward into the future as well!
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Because I have explored the fashion industry from many different sides with a open mind as a – – designer, consultant, author, factory owner in five countries – Bangladesh, Bahrain, Singapore, Peru and India ; it has created a ease of coordinating my operations throughout the world. I’m going to continue to expand my mindset through travel and education . And that is precisely what will keep my brand Paris Polo Crew moving forward into the future as well!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Atlanta has different vibes depending on what you are into. My plans would include both new and old Atlanta that tells my story about living in the Atlanta area. Drinks at the rooftop of the Clermont Hotel ( I have a few others but gotta keep them tight lipped, lol), Varuna Napoli for a slice of pizza pie, Pricci for authentic Italian food. Bikes on the Beltline to see the city at ground level. Road trip to Serenbe for different vibes. Hit a few of my favorite antique / vintage shops Magic City for a change of pace and grab some wings Stop by Stankonia so they can get some real Atl music vibes. Breakfast at Barney’s for brunch Westside cultural arts to check out an exhibit. Grab some tacos at El Rey Del Taco Hit up The Shops of Buckhead.Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Andre “3000” Benjiman , Instagram @andre3000 Jason Geter , Instagram @jasongeter @heavysoundlabs Kyra King , Instagram @sleepingbeautizzzbonnets Charles “champ” Walker , Instagram @tattedcroc Tyreal Lewis , Instagram @thergroupinc @tyreallewis Rodney King, Instagram @kang_alang Janelle Langford, Instagram @janellelangford @karenjaihome Kimya Rainge , Instagram @kimya413 Kara Chin , Instagram @chinchillyonstyle @a19brand
Instagram: @cedricsking @the_fashion_hustle
Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/cedric-king-23639b173
Image Credits
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