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

Hi CLIFTON, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I focused everything around my top priority and that’s being a father first. I have nothing if I don’t have the love from my children. I had my daughter as a teenager so times were different because I was just entering the work world and it was very demanding on my time. So every weekend my daughter and I would go on daddy daughter dates. Now that she’s 23 we still go on dates but they’re more cooler now. We recently took a trip to London just her and I and it was amazing. Now with my son I’m taking him to daycare and picking him up from daycare and going to the park everyday. He’s 4 so I feel like these are the time you become their super hero. I feel that my business is definitely 3rd priority to my family but without working for myself and creating my own schedule none of this would be possible. I try my best to make sure the family see me when they wake up and when we go to sleep.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My path was very different because my journey wasn’t just me alone. I had my daughter to think about at the time so every obstacle I had to crossed it with her on my back. Meaning I always had to work a job because I had to provide for her. All my jobs was a stepping stone that got me closer to my dream. My first stepping stone was Nordstrom. I worked in Men’s Clothing for years and Nordstrom taught me everything I know about customer service and quality garments. Now I’m selling my collection in Nordstrom and on their website.

My second stepping stone was fedex. I needed a change from retail and became a truck driver for 11 years. During this time I started missing my passion for clothing. That’s when my business partner and I started a men’s accessory line and I started putting our brand stickers on all my fedex packages to promote it. My route was so beautiful and gorgeous homes so I knew I wanted those people as my clients and I knew they were Nordstrom customers anyway since I was delivering alot of their orders. Eventually I started getting orders on my website from people on my route. They had no idea the fedex guy was the designer behind the tie or pocket squares they just ordered. We had a great run until Covid hit and my partner and decided to go our separate ways. It was during that time I wanted to give it another shot since I was already sewing and creating face masks everyday. That’s when I start Clifton Wilson and instantly I was able to get back into Nordstrom and stores again. The lessons I learned along the way is to follow your dreams no matter the obstacles that are in front of you. I truly believe my journey is a full circle. The suits I used to sell in Nordstrom as an sales associate I’m now helping to create accessories for them, Samuelson and Heritage Gold. My career has been a full circle.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a fan of Art and I also love doing absolutely nothing at times so I would go to Torrance CA. I love the vibe of sitting in the grass while someone is playing a guitar or something. Probably visit the Torrance Art Museum. Del Almo fashion center has a lot of cool places for food. I love the Nordstrom restaurant there as well. Every since I was young I became a huge fan of museums so that would be my go to. More history in there than on the streets.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It’s so many people I could shoutout in my journey. My biggest shout out will have to go to my fiance. When we met I was a fedex driver. I was there for about 10 years and always had a dream about leaving to pursue my business full-time. When I finally took that leap of faith I felled so hard on my face. She was always there to help pick me up. I didn’t have much but she never cared so without her love and encouragement my journey probably would have ended a very long time ago.

Website: www.Cliftonwilson.net

Instagram: CLIFTONWILSON_OFFICIAL

Linkedin: Clifton Wilson

Facebook: Clifton Wilson

Image Credits
Dimetri Williams Clifton Wilson

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