Conversations with Cole Potter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cole Potter

Hi Cole, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always been interested in fashion and what’s trending, after moving to Nashville in 2021 that interest grew tremendously and brought me to creating my own clothing brand in 2023. The first idea came in January of 2023 and from there I spent several months reading, learning, calling and meeting with as many people in the industry as possible to try and learn what went into creating a clothing brand: screen printing, embroidery, manufacturing, strategy, shopify, trademarks etc. By September of 2023 I was able to put together a small team and Hutson officially launched. Now we have 4 collections under our belt, an extremely supportive community and plenty of drive. Our most recent collection came out in person Sep 21 at Blind Barber, Sep 28 at Flamingo and online Sep 23 officially at our website: hutson.shop

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all, I had no experience in fashion, manufacturing or anything similar. I come from a background in tech and public relations. The hardest part was overcoming my own fears of going on this completely new path. Anyone that is an artist, musician designer, etc. has to be vulnerable and put out their work into the world hoping that it will be well received. Just overcoming the fear of trying something new and caring too much what people thought was tough but I’ve thankfully come to a place mentally where I am so happy doing something I love and it just so happens other people like it too. I don’t believe any artist or creative is fully giving you their true self until they don’t care what others think or how it is received but content enough with knowing they enjoy doing it and it is a reflection of themself and their own experiences.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the founder and creative director for Hutson, a Nashville based clothing brand. I’d say I specialize in bringing a creative vision to life. I am inspired by so many things: music, movies, just walking around outside – inspiration can be taken from anything; it just depends on your process and how your mind works best. Having this platform of Hutson to create has brought me so much joy and fulfillment I didn’t know I was missing and that feeling is how I know this is what I should be doing right now.

As a brand I’d say we specialize in building community and telling a story through content/clothing. This is done through collaborative events and making those that support us feel cherished. I am most proud of what we have done within our first year. My favorite compliment is hearing someone say “I see your hats everywhere”. That just brings a smile to my face and proves to me and my team that the work we put in is paying off and our growth is showing.

I think how we stand out is our attention to detail in marketing campaigns and the story we try to tell. we don’t want to be a regular brand that has the basic spring, summer, fall collection. Our collections are solely based upon what is inspiring to us and what we want to create.

For Example: we just wrapped up the release of our newest collection: “Showtime” which released in person Sep 21 + Sep 28 at pop-ups (Blind Barber and Flamingo) and online Sep 23 at our website: hutson.shop. This collection is inspired by the star power and glamor the 80s Lakers brought to Los Angeles and the NBA. The music, the fashion, the stars – all of it encompasses our “Showtime” collection. That’s how we stand out.. taking something oddly inspiring to us and turning it into a full collection.

Additionally, we practice quality over quantity. We do not restock any items, so that those who buy our products and wear Hutson know that they have a one of a kind piece from us. Our collections sell out within several days of release, if you are one of the few that purchases from us and supports us we give back by ensuring you that item will not be restocked and you are officially a part of the Hutson community.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Born and raised in Tennessee, I’m from a small town in southern middle TN called Tullahoma.

Growing up and I wanted to be a director in Hollywood and make movies, that was always my dream but I never imagined I would be making clothes or anything similar.

I have plans to grow Hutson into a well-known brand nationally and put Nashville, TN on the map for other creatives in fashion and streetwear.

Pricing:

• Hats – $50
• Tees – $60

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hutson.shop/
• Instagram: @colepotter5