Chicago Business Owner Overcomes Hurdles

Fort Smith
Photo by John L. Alexander

CHICAGO–Jewelry designer and boutique owner Fort Smith faced negativity from those around him early in life, but he didn’t let the lack of faith from others keep him down for long.
Today, Fort Smith Boutique, 1007 E. 43rd St., a designer and clothing shop, has been in existence since 1986. He sells and designs capes, Swarovski crystal purses, custom jewelry, dresses, coats and even the embellishment on his hats.
FortSmith3
Photo by John L. Alexander

He’s working on some big plans that will soon make the South Side of Chicago the fashion hub of the city. The project will put several Black designers under one roof because it’s often challenging for small business owners to find affordable retail space that gives them the exposure they need to thrive. He said it’s crucial that African Americans support one another because other groups have no problem supporting their own. With Christmas only a week away, this is another opportunity for Blacks to really support Black owned businesses.
Originally, Smith just ran a retail store, but a conversation with a jewelry vendor was the beginning of a new journey.
“The man who supplied me jewelry told me to buy the broken necklaces, he said I’ll show you how to make lots of money from putting them back together,” Smith said.
Once he realized how easy it was, he became more interested in creating original designs. Smith began with beads to keep it simple. He took a chance and put some on display in the store. To his surprise, people bought them. That accomplishment led him to take it to the next level, selling his jewelry in other stores.
“The first person I went to said to me, why do you think anybody would want to buy this when they can make it themselves at home,” he said.
These words and lack of faith came from a woman Smith said he respected. He was so discouraged that he stopped trying to sell his pieces.
“I left them in the case and they sat there for months because the person that I respected told me in essence that they weren’t good enough,” Smith said.
His confidence didn’t return until a woman came into his shop one day and found a pair of earrings he had designed. It was the only piece in the open and she inquired about more.
After telling her a few times that there was no more, he finally admitted that he had some original pieces locked in a case. She insisted on seeing them, despite Smith telling her she wouldn’t like them.
“She said well let me see them and she ended up spending more than $600 out of that case that day,” he said.
That day is when his career in design really took off. And to date, Smith has created jewelry for singer and Tony Award-winning actress Jennifer Holliday, Patti LaBelle, the iconic Ebony Fashion Show and other well known events and people.
FortSmith4
Photo by John L. Alexander

Smith has traveled to places as far as Singapore just to learn more about semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls and beading techniques. He has no formal education in this area. Everything just came natural.
And it’s that talent that keeps getting him recognized. He was recently flown to New York City where he was asked to provide jewelry and accessories for models in the National AIDS Day Fashion Show. And for Small Business Saturday, Valerie Jarrett, President Barack Obama’s Senior Adviser made a stop at the boutique.
Smith’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to research the business, read about those in your desired field and go with your gut.

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