Chris Cook, widely known as Chris Fellow, hails from Gretna, West Bank, New Orleans, where he enjoyed a fulfilling childhood despite his parents’ separation. Thanks to their strong co-parenting, Chris grew up in an environment that shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. His father, a successful bar and nightclub owner on Bourbon Street, became a key inspiration for Chris, sparking his passion for business ownership.
The Entrepreneurial Beginning
Chris’s journey into entrepreneurship began with party promotion and event management. Learning from his father’s ventures, he took his first big step in 2011 when he opened a smoothie shop on Magazine Street. This leap into full-time entrepreneurship was both exhilarating and daunting, requiring significant financial commitments and a willingness to step out of his comfort zone. Chris recalls those early days as nerve-wracking but emphasizes that discomfort is essential for personal growth and success.
Pivoting to Fashion: The Birth of Fellow
While running the smoothie shop, Chris began to reflect on the long-term sustainability of the business. His epiphany came when he had custom suits made for a friend’s wedding. Inspired by the experience, he decided to shift his focus and, in 2014, launched his custom suit brand, Fellow. The transition proved to be a pivotal moment, combining his natural flair for design with an entrepreneurial edge. Over the years, the Fellow brand became so well-recognized that many people now associate it directly with Chris’s last name.
Building the Fellow Brand
Over the last decade, Chris has designed countless custom suits, catering to an ever-growing list of loyal clients. One of his most impactful relationships has been with Larry Morrow, a fellow New Orleans entrepreneur, who has championed Chris’s work and introduced him to a broader clientele. Through word-of-mouth and powerful referrals, Fellow has become a trusted name in the custom suit business.
Memorable designs include a standout dinner jacket for an out-of-town client early in his career and seeing his suits worn at high-profile events. For Chris, moments like these reaffirm the influence and reach of his work, showcasing how his designs not only make a statement but leave a lasting impression.
The Power of Branding and Relationships
Chris attributes much of his success to the strength of his brand and the relationships he has cultivated over the years. From crafting elegant designs to building loyalty with influential clients, he has demonstrated the importance of trust and connection in business. Chris acknowledges that his bond with individuals like Larry has been instrumental in the growth of the Fellow brand.
Key Takeaways from Chris Fellow’s Journey
Chris Cook’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and vision. From promoting parties to running a smoothie shop, and ultimately creating a thriving custom suit business, his entrepreneurial journey highlights the value of embracing change and stepping into the unknown. His success serves as a testament to the power of strong relationships, branding, and the courage to reinvent oneself when necessary.
Chris Fellow’s journey is a reminder that with determination and the right support system, it’s possible to turn life’s challenges into opportunities—and make a lasting mark along the way.
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