From being in the fashion industry for a while now, I have seen many designers. There are SO many reasons why one could want to own and run a fashion company. If you are one of these passionate people, you too know it’s not a cakewalk. When it comes to the denim industry, the level of difficulty gets even higher. If you’re going to jump into this industry, you BETTER LOVE IT! This is exactly how Marcus Hall feels about his denim company, Marc Nelson Denim. He is restoring the glory of an old Levi’s Factory to produce his denim in the US and create local jobs. We recently caught up with Marcus to get the full scoop on his denim line and the story.
Please describe your position at your company
Owner/founder/designer of the company which was started in 2011.
How long have you known you wanted to be a designer?
When I was young, many members of my family and several friends worked at the now defunct Levi’s plant in my hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee. I saw how the plant created a sense of community and how it instilled a sense of pride in the lives of people I cared about. I’ve always been passionate about fashion and wanted to do something in the fashion industry for as long as I can remember.
Why are you passionate about what you do?
My grandfather inspired me to start the company because he was a sharp dresser and said that you should never leave the house unless you looked like a million bucks. I believe that fashion has the power to change people’s lives for good and I am passionate about creating a product that our customers can look great in and feel great while wearing.
How did you overcome your own doubts and the doubts of other people?
As an entrepreneur, especially in a creative field, there are always going to be doubts. You just have to keep your eye on the goal and move forward each day. My family and my connection with them as well as my community is what gives me strength to overcome any obstacle. 
What were some bumps you hit to get where you’re at now?
When I was working to try and produce jeans in LA, there were some bumps with breaking into that market. Growing up in the south, I always expect the best in people and that wasn’t always the case. But I learned some lessons and I think it made me stronger for it. And ultimately, I made the decision to come back to the south to base my business so everything happens for a reason in the end. 
What is one thing you did wrong in the past that you can share with people?
Trying to do too many things at once is a pitfall that many entrepreneurs fall into. We’ve got so many irons in the fire and we can end up doing lots of things and none of them very well. It’s important to master each task you set your hand to and don’t take on so much that you end up dropping the ball. Focus on the small victories which will create the bigger ones.
What is a way you got your name out there?
Word of mouth in my local community and also just working hard. We put a lot of work into our social media because we see that as a way to truly connect with our fans and customers. We’re authentic and at the end of the day, our customers appreciate that. We rely on them to help us spread the word and they do!
Is there anything that almost stopped you from doing this?
You know, it was such a strong passion of mine…I don’t think anything could have stopped me. I believe Marc Nelson Denim was meant to be and that helped me keep going even when things were challenging.
Is there anyone in your profession that you admire and/or model yourself after?
Ralph Lauren comes to mind. His style is classic, yet it has evolved through the years. His brand might not be the newest thing on the market, but it’s always growing and evolving. That’s what I want for Marc Nelson Denim…staying power!
How do you continue to perfect your craft?
I am always learning and always looking for new people to collaborate with. I don’t know if anything is ever truly perfect, but it’s the pursuit that keeps us on our toes.
How do you envision the future of your product/services?
When I first started Marc Nelson Denim, it was just a men’s line. Then I added women’s. We’ve added new pieces and have new ideas for the next season and so on. I envision the brand growing and getting a bigger fan-base but also staying true to the principles and basic concept I started out with: a great product with flawless craftsmanship and impeccable style.
What’s some advice you can share for anyone who wants to pursue what you are doing?
If you really believe in your business or your product, you will stop at nothing. Maybe you get a set-back in the form of a no from a retailer who doesn’t want to stock your product. Instead of getting all down about it, look for the opportunity to learn and improve. Every day is a new day and a new chance to get a little closer to fulfilling your dreams.
We like your website. How much of your business is driven by online buyers?
It’s so important to have an online presence these days. Our website serves as a way for us to educate and inform our customers and it also provides a way to sell our products. We just did a brand image overhaul and we’re so excited for customers to check out our newly designed site and our new logo and branding.
Where can people go to find out more about your line?
Definitely via social media channels like , , and . You can find links to all our accounts on our website at marcnelsondenim.com. We also have a weekly email that we send out each Friday called “The Weekend Musts.” It showcases all the must-do things for that weekend…from must wear, to must eat, must see, and must do. Folks can sign up on our Facebook page to receive the emails.
Our skinny jean is a button fly, slim fitting
Straight jean is tailored just right for easy and refined style
Thanks Marcus!
“Live life with passion!”
-7 Days Theory
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