Here at Sir Magazine, we have a keen eye for identifying figures at the forefront of their respective industries. That’s why we’ve embarked on a series of insightful conversations with industry leaders, delving deeper into their interests and perspectives. Below, we put Houston fashion icon Lawrence McQueen in the hot seat.

Tell us about yourself and your fashion journey.

Long story short? First, I give Honor and Praise to the Almighty who has guided my steps in the style space now and as I continue on this journey, along with my mother and father with their support in the beginning. Thank you, Jesus!!! I always had a God-given talent for what I do, and I am 80% self-taught.  Started going to thrift stores, buying ties, and vintage clothing here in Houston, and selling to college students at UofH and TSU.  I was known as “The Tie Guy”  because that was my specialty then, and to this day at my store on Alameda, customers said they wanted newer items, so I started going to trade show markets in New York, Canada, Dallas, and Las Vegas to start the next phase of McQueens. Starting selling out of my home in the 3rd Ward, and as I outgrew that, I transitioned into my brick and mortar store back in November of 2000.

What are some key milestones in your career/life related to your business?

Milestones in my life would be taking care of an array of NFL stars and basketball greats like Moses Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Michael Jordan with the Bulls, who was introduced to me by his cousin Jarrett, another long-time customer of mine to this day.  Also, because I love any and everything in textiles, I also started Cozy Home (2015), a Home Accent decor store specializing in Mid-Century modern and interior design, at the corner of Almeda/Wheeler right next door to my current space.

What are your thoughts on the current state of men’s fashion?

I believe the current state of the industry is overall okay, but very sketchy due to all the tariffs, customs, and duties charged for bringing items into the US.  The landscape has changed and prices have risen in my space 20 to 30% which — as a small business — we can’t absorb. So prices go up accordingly, which with the consumer, causes a pull back on their spending as they are watching their dollars even more now.  Also, tax codes are changing, which causes a lot of pivots in your day-to-day compliance and how you stay current with the man.  Overall, I am still an optimist in the face of this temporary adverse landscape.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing your industry today?

The biggest challenges are inventory management, turnover,  getting new customers, customer retention, and being consistent with social media as a medium to show people you are out there and still out there. And staying ahead of the curve as it pertains to AI and the big influence on how things are done now. Constant evolvement! And education to remain relevant,  but change is good, and I’m in.  No challenges, no progress!!

Can you share a memorable experience related to being a successful small business owner for 25 years?

My most memorable experiences are helping High Schoolers whose families may not have the means to get them to prom, so McQueens steps in and sponsors men and women at Yates and the surrounding area high schools. Seeing their smiles and the smiles of their parents and helping them build self-esteem through their appearance is priceless.  Also, the mentoring of college kids through another platform called “Martin & McQueen”  where we teach Etiquette and Dress Etiquette, and what to wear when you show up for interviews, what to do at the dinner table, dress education on lapels, shoes, collar styles, etc.

What is the biggest success or failure you’ve experienced during that time?

A Black Business being in business for 25 years!!!  Whoot Whoot!

What advice do you give to young people interested in pursuing a professional career?

Advice I give young people is to become a good listener and learn how to speak, listen, think, and then speak after you have absorbed what you heard, and not always try to get your point across by listening or empathizing from the other person’s perspective.  And “integrity” means if you say you’re going to do something, get it done, and if you have an issue along the way, communicate to that person that you’re having a problem and you will need more time. They appreciate that in the long run, as opposed to letting something fester.  I know we fall short sometimes, as we all are human, but “grace” abounds a lot of times with communication.

What do you hope readers will take away from this interview?

Put God first, be a blessing to and help others and your blessings will come according to His will and Word! Amen

What does success look like to you?

Success to me looks like not being self-absorbed, and if I can help someone else be successful through my actions and words, that’s what I’m going to do.  Success is helping others achieve their goals in life!   One of the Mantras is that we are not on this planet just for self!   Help Someone!

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