I recently met with Nic Teague, President and Creative Director of SUMABERIAN, a new fashion house that focuses on suits for women. Nic is a triple threat of brains, beauty and artistic swagger.

Give me the elevator pitch for SUMABERIAN?
SUMABERIAN is an experience that lasts a lifetime. We handcraft garments that are unique to your personal style and perfect for the occasion. Our suits, vests, tuxedos, and button down shirts are customizable as every client chooses from our fabric library, select linings, and unique buttons. SUMABERIAN is dedicated to providing all with a tailormade experience and garments created using the best materials and technology to ensure longevity.

What inspired you to launch SUMABRIAN and what was the biggest challenge that you had to overcome to get it off the ground?
From a young age, I’ve always been passionate about the arts, specifically music and fashion. After watching Daymond John on Shark Tank in elementary school and learning the word “mogul”, I told my mother, Nikki, that I wanted to be a business and fashion mogul. My mother taught me how to sew with a needle and thread then I eventually learned how to use a sewing machine. I started cutting and making clothes such as denim jackets out of pairs of jeans. Suits have always been my favorite out fit and as I got older, I noticed the limited suit options for women and the options didn’t fit women well. So, I decided to start a fashion house with garments made for all that gives everyone the freedom to customize from start to finish. 
The biggest challenge for me was learning how to properly measure each body and make alterations. Every individual is unique and I wanted to learn how to measure all accurately and efficiently, while learning how to identify where, if any, alterations should be made.

What is the process like to buy a suit, start to finish?
SUMABERIAN'S process starts with you; you are our top priority. First and foremost, we learn more about you: your personal style, favorite colors, and the garment of your choice. 
Once we become acquainted, we will sketch a design that we believe would look amazing on you. 
After we create a final sketch, we will schedule a fitting to get your measurements (the number of measurements depends on your garment choice). The essence of your garment is created at your fitting as we strive to achieve a “walk out” fit, meaning little to no alterations will be needed. 
Now it’s time for SUMABERIAN to handcraft your garment using the measurements and our process will range from four to six weeks, with exceptions. 
Your dream has now become a reality after four to six weeks and will personally deliver your garments if you are within our service area (15 mile radius of Minneapolis, MN) or we will arrange a special delivery if you are outside our service area. 
SUMABERIAN makes you our top priority before, during, and after our process.

In what ways can we as a community show up for Black businesses?
We, as a community, can support Black businesses by purchasing their goods and commissioning their services. Financial support has the power to help scale a Black business and propel it to new heights. If you are unable to monetarily support a Black business, you can promote, share, and talk about Black businesses on your platforms and in your circles. Word of mouth marketing is just as powerful, if not more than powerful, than digital marketing.

Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur?
Yes, I’ve always been a businesswoman. I started my first business when I was nine years old. I created and sold clackers after seeing the toy on Drake and Josh. A few months after I dissolving that business, I focused on improving my business skills, with the help of my father, Marcus, when I started Nicole’s Dessert Palace, where I baked and sold cookies. My curiosity for entrepreneurship continued on high school when I was involved in Junior Achievement, an 18-week business program for high school students. Every year I was in the finance department and served as the VP of Finance.

Do you have any marketing or funding advice for other black women looking to start their own business?
Research as much as possible and become a master at your craft. This is applicable to marketing and funding. There are countless, many are free, resources online that can help with product development which will help with finding proper marketing and funding resources including courses, certificate programs, and business grants.

What is your biggest tip for positive outcomes in networking?
Focus on developing authentic relationships. While networking should be mutually beneficial, you want to get to know the person you are networking and ensure that your values align.

Who do you look up to in the world of business and entrepreneurship?
I’ve always looked up to Oprah Winfrey and Daymond John. They both have remarkable grit, a global vision, and the innate will to make an impact in their respective industries.

How do you like to unwind?
I love unwinding with music. I play the double bass and cello, and I produce and write music.

Favorite TV show at the moment?
Abbott Elementary! I love the work that Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams and the Abbott Elementary team are doing. I look forward to watching in on Wednesday nights.

What is your biggest goal for 2023?
Win a WNBA Championship. Go Lynx!

How can people find you?
SUMABERIAN can be found at sumaberian.com, @sumaberian on all social media platforms, and SUMABERIAN on LinkedIn.