Meet Laron Daniels (1st photo) & Brandon Chestnut (2nd photo), the co-owners of Self-Made Couture in Downtown Seattle.
Founders and spouses Brandon & Sydney Chestnut established the company in 2015. In 2023, Laron opened their Seattle storefront as a participant in the Seattle Restored activation.
When you choose Self-Made Couture, you get to work directly with their skilled styling experts, either through virtual consultations or in-person meetings. Together, you’ll design your dream outfit, ensuring every element is carefully and expertly tailored to your preferences. Head to their website to book a consultation today!
Get to know more about Laron, Brandon, Sydney, and Self-Made Couture in this week’s Business Spotlight Q&A.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What’s your favorite part about the community your business is in & why?
It would have to be the fact that we’re in the heart of Downtown Seattle. We’re in the core of Seattle and Self-Made Couture gets to embody that every day. We love the spirit of downtown, the enthusiasm of downtown, and the post-covid ambition amongst Seattle businesses & entrepreneurs.
When tourists and outsiders travel to Seattle, most of them come downtown and explore the city. Seeing that our location is right by Pike Place Market, we are one of the many businesses that people get to see. We’re thrilled and honored to be a prime representation of the Seattle business culture.
Why is it important to you and your business that people #SpendLikeItMatters?
Because small businesses make up 95% of all businesses in Seattle. Not spending with small businesses would severely be limiting the overall growth and potential of the city. Exiling 95% of businesses isn’t ideal for economic success. Furthermore, not spending with small businesses limits buyers options and diversity. I can promise you that there’s a small business out there you would absolutely LOVE, you just haven’t given yourself an opportunity to enjoy it yet. Lastly, spending money with small businesses allows the dollars in the city to circulate. Investing or spending with businesses will then give small businesses the capital to build their brand and platform to invest back into the community. Most small businesses have something promising to offer to the community and strongly aspire to gift their talents to the community. The problem is they lack the funds to fully make this happen. By spending with small businesses you could indirectly be improving your community through the efforts and actions made by that very small business within the community.
As a business owner, what’s the strangest or craziest idea you’ve ever tried?
That we can dress everyone in Seattle in a bespoke, affordable luxury Self-Made couture garments. I know everyone loves to feel good, and one of the best ways to do that is by dressing well. I also know how euphoric it feels wearing a Self-Made suit. As a dreamer, I fantasize about putting all Seattleites in their very own, 1 of 1 custom tailors suit.
What’s something your customers may not know about you or your business?
We make suits, tuxedos, shirts, overcoats, blazers, pants, etc. for not just men. We have amazing products for women and kids as well.
What are some of your favorite local businesses and why?
I love Kolors Studio and Lexscope Productions because they’re bringing a completely new experience to Seattle in the media world. Seattle has a brilliant artistic side we just need more outlets for people to express and flourish. Kolors and Lexscope are giving artists a platform to do so, whether it’s musicians, models, actors, painters, and the list goes on. I want to give them credit for doing this.
Anything else you’d like us to know about you and your business?
Self-Made Couture is an international business. We also have locations in Cleveland & Portland as well.