We had the good fortune of connecting with Taylor Draper and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Taylor, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
INHERENT was actually the third startup I created, the inception of INHERENT however, was unlike anything i’ve been a part of before. I’ve always been the person that saw something they wanted to do and created it for myself and others to share in. I’ve tried and failed multiple times in the past to create a sustainable business but learned so much from each failure. What I realized eventually was that I was creating these businesses in search of my own meaning and purpose.

INHERENT was created from a very personal story. in 2017 my wife and I were at a crossroads. Should we stay together or part ways and start over. We both decided we wanted to try to make things work. In doing so that meant we would go to therapy three times a week, one session privately for each of us, and one together. At that point in my life I had no experience with therapy or positive mental health. Until that point I always viewed therapy as something that was exclusive to people with severe mental illnesses, not realizing that everyone needs someone to talk to and how healthy that is.

At this time I was a part of three businesses and I knew that If I showed up to a meeting in a suit, I would be confident, and crush those meetings. So I took that same mindset to my first therapy session. I put a suit on and went to therapy. A bout 6 months into these intensive therapy sessions and working through my own trauma, I realized the clothes I showed up to therapy in were giving me the confidence to discuss my feelings in a healthy way. The clothes allowed me to show up, be present, and work on myself.

That’s when the idea for INHERENT was sparked. If we can bring a relational approach to the men’s community and give them a safe space to discuss their feelings while providing incredibly quality tailoring and clothing to boost confidence, this is something a lot of men can benefit from.

After working with a friend of mine, Ian Lee, on INHERENT’s business model, we learned that men’s suicide rates are 3x more than women, and 75% of those suicides are men just like us, in professional or managerial positions. Society has trained men to be stoic providers and stuff their feelings down. Sayings like “man up” or “be a man” are prevalent in every man’s life. We wanted to break that cycle while reviving the relational retail model of a bespoke tailoring experience from the 20’s. We decided to go against every retail model out there and base ourselves on an experience and a safe space for men’s mental health.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have always been a creative person. From pencil art, to graphic design, to music, creativity is my life blood. It centers me.

When I design collections and clothing for INHERENT I always try to pull from styles that are timeless in menswear. My biggest inspiration is the 1920’s-1950’s. Taking elements from tailoring, actors of the time, and bringing these styles back into everyday wear.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In Colorado Springs there’s a lot to do.

For dinner we’d go to Ephemera
For drinks we’d go to Brooklyn’s on Boulder St.
For hiking we’d go to Gold camp road

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Lynn Draper – My Wife I can’t express my love and gratitude enough for my wife Lynn. She’s been there for me through all of my endeavors and supported me every step of the way.

Ian Lee – Co-Founder
Helped me solidify our unique business model

Billy Ness – Initial Investor
Believed in me and gave us the startup capital to create INHERENT

Denis Baddeley – Chief Marketing Officer
Joined us simply on the belief of the brand much earlier than we could afford his pedigree.

Andrew Perkett – President of our non-profit
Left his job to create our 501C3 non-profit and created the structure to help men in our community

Mojean Aria – Actor/Director
Our incredible brand ambassador. He’s supported us and been an incredible partner.

Steve Nguyen – Second Chances Entertainment
Helped us find the capital we needed to make INHERENT a household name

Myrdith McCormacck – Brand Relations
Always believes in me and has helped make major steps forward for our brand in New York

Aaron Ewton – Atlas Hospitality Group
Always has our back financially and has been an amazing friend

The INHERENT Team: Emilio Padilla, Marshall Baker, Ana Williams
The best team I could ask for, I wouldn’t be here without you all.

The INHERENT Community
Thank you to everyone who attends our mental health events and supports our brand. INHERENT was created for you!

And so many more, thank you to our clients, our friends, and everyone who supports our brand and purpose.

Website: thisisinherent.com

Instagram: thisisinherent

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/64622248

Twitter: thisisinherent

Facebook: facebook.com/thisisinherent

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@inherent9356

Image Credits
Burke Atkerson Tyler Haugh

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