Michael Nguyen: Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur

Michael Nguyen is the Owner and Operator of Garrison Bespoke, a Toronto-based tailor shop that works with men to define their styles by curating and designing custom wardrobes. What advice does he have for other young professionals? Find out in today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur profile…

Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell.
I own and operate Canada’s premier bespoke tailor shop, Garrison Bespoke, where we work with men to define their styles by curating and designing custom wardrobes – from suits and shirts to coats and shoes. We travel the globe’s fashion hubs and bring an international style perspective back to Toronto where we adapt it to our clients’ lifestyles.

Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
When I was a kid I went to a family event wearing a white tuxedo and a red bow tie and I felt like I could strike up a conversation with anyone. Garrison Bespoke is dedicated to capturing that feeling of success for each client with top quality fabrics, expert service and modern styling.

Garrison Bespoke is designed to feel like a third home. We know our clients’ names, their drinks, and what makes them tick as men. We make sure each client’s wardrobe is as unique as he is.

Sourcing fabric from the world’s best mills makes our garments feel like butter, look luxurious, and stay crisp during travel or business. Modern styling is about getting clients noticed in a way that celebrates their success. It’s not about being trendy or chasing fads.

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What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part of my day is helping a client find his style. We have a method to understand each client’s lifestyle and how clothing fits in to make it better – whether at work, at the altar or on the golf course. When one of our guys has that moment where it all just clicks and the suit becomes a second skin, it’s incredible.

The most challenging part is managing our growth as new opportunities come our way. It’s important to stay focused and maintain the vision but it’s also important to keep an open mind to changes as the business evolves.

Where do you see your business going in 5 years?
I see Garrison Bespoke services becoming available across Canada.

What does success look like to you?
Like a perfectly-tailored three-piece suit.

What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Being at a dinner in Florence at Pitti Uomo with 25 current and past menswear icons hosted by Scott Shuman of the Sartorialist was a great milestone. I am currently working on the styling and wardrobe for the cast of the hit show Suits, and I think that will soon become a career highlight too.

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Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Relationships are the most important thing in business and in life.

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Princess Margaret Hospital’s cancer division is a charity near to my heart as many of my family and friends have been affected by this horrible disease.

What is Notable to you?
People who care about the details in everything they do.

Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
Blackberry and iPhone.

How do you keep active, energetic, and vibrant?
Our Garrison Bespoke cycling team of 60+ riders keeps me active – we practice on a weekly basis!