Bleu Bowtique, a men’s clothier in Detroit, started from humble beginnings. Ne’Gyle Beaman’s passion for fashion gave him the idea to make custom bow ties, which he started selling at local craft fairs. But when it was time to scale his business, he couldn’t find funding for the equipment he needed. His business was in the early stages of growth, and he didn’t need a large business loan.
After connecting with Lake Trust and finding a team of supporters, Ne’Gyle was able to secure a small business microloan. With a powerful new sewing and embroidery machine, he was able to offer monogramming and create even more custom designs. Soon, his business outgrew the coworking space he was working out of, and he was able to find a brick-and-mortar storefront.
Recently, with Lake Trust’s support, Ne’Glye was once again able to secure funding in the form of a $10,000 FHLB Elevate Grant. This grant will help him hire a new employee to support his growing business.
“Follow your heart,”” Ne’Gyle says. “If you have a vision, put everything in place and go for it. No one is going to see the world as you do, and it’s important to remember that.”
There’s power in a dream. And sometimes these dreams can be wrapped in a bow tie.
Read Ne’Glye’s story at laketrust.org or view his story on Instagram.
This story was submitted by Abbie Dyer, Content Specialist III, Lake Trust Credit Union.
