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

Hi Derrick, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I love fashion and I enjoy putting looks together. I found my confidence through fashion, so I wanted to help others discover their confidence and give them the feeling of how I feel when I dress up.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Well, I recently relocated to the DMV area, I’m really excited about what God has in store for me here. It can be scary moving from a place of comfort; although this isn’t my first time moving from one territory to another, it was nerve wrecking because I haven’t moved in a long time, I don’t know many people here, starting over, but I’m proud because I took that leap of faith and this is something that I’ve been manifesting for years so I’m happy that it finally happened.

I was a university student, I graduated in 2017 from Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, NC. It wasn’t easy, I did have challenges. I stepped out on faith and continuously prayed, asking God to order my steps along the way.

I learned that anything worth wanting is worth working for. My grandmother used to tell me that all the time, you don’t fully understand something until it actually happens to you. I learned that everything happens at the the right time, on God’s time. It may not happen when you want it to, but it’s going to happen at the right time.

I am Derrick Tre, also known as Styled by HIM, I am a Fashion Stylist based out of Charlotte, NC – now relocated to the DMV area.

Fashion has always been my passion since I was young. I’ve always wanted to do something Fashion related whether it had been designing or working for a brand, but styling fell into my lap. I was styling through college, but really started getting into it once I graduated. I landed a job as a Booking Agent at a local agency in Charlotte, Intro Talent (now Titan Talent Group) and from there my styling career grew. The CEO, Alicia Zeigler, took me under her wing and mentored me, taught me the business of fashion. I was networking, doing fashion shows, booking and scouting talent while I worked for the agency.

I was also collaborating with other creatives in Charlotte. Connecting with local boutiques and designers, working in nightlife, that’s how I got my name around Charlotte. I recently managed a boutique at the luxury mall in Charlotte, “Captivate” which gave me the insight on how to run a boutique.

I always pride myself on providing more than just a service to clientele. Through conversation I try to find shared interest, to make the client feel more comfortable with me. My goal is to make sure my client is happy and confident in what they’re wearing, I love hearing “I would’ve never thought to put these items together. Once you get around me, you’re always going to want to be around me. It’s only one Derrick Tré.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I haven’t been in the DMV area long, so I haven’t been to many places. However, based off my experience so far here, I would take my best friend and I to Focus Social Club on H St, They have bottomless brunch and mimosas, the food is really good!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Well first and foremost, God. Without him, none of this would have even been possible.

Secondly, my grandmother. She’s a major influence in my life and part of the reason why I started. She’s a seamstress and also a designer as well, so I grew up around fashion.

Alicia Zeigler – a year after I graduated from university, I applied to be a Booking Agent at her talent agency, Intro Charlotte. She took me under her wing and taught me the business of fashion. I was booking talent, working behind the scenes of fashion shows, and also networked with other talents while I was working there. I’m so grateful for her because she took a chance on me and saw something in me that I didn’t see at the time.

Charity Luvs – I had the opportunity of managing a boutique in Charlotte, NC “Captivate”. It gave me the good, the bad and the ugly of running a store. She applied a lot pressure on me; I didn’t understand at the time but later I realized she was hard on me because she believed in me and wanted me to be great, she knew I was capable.

The support of my family, friends and extended community I’m always thankful for. My journey isn’t over, I appreciate everyone sticking by my side through my highs and my lows.

Website: www.derricktre.com

Instagram: derricktre_

Twitter: derricktre_

Facebook: Derrick Tre

Image Credits
Photos by: @thereal_teflonbehindthelens

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