The fashion industry is a constantly evolving space where newness is always in demand. With changing consumer needs technological advancements, and sustainability concerns, the industry demands leaders who can thrive on challenges. One such leader who has carved his niche in the fashion world is Houman Salem.
As an entrepreneur and fashion business consultant, Houman is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ARGYLE Haus. His journey in the fashion industry began after his experience in management consulting, working with various technology, consumer products, and entertainment companies. He spotted an opportunity to offer small clothing businesses all-in-one wrap-around services such as fashion design, material sourcing, apparel development, and cut and sew manufacturing, along with small batch production.
In a conversation with Houman, we delved deep into his journey and how ARGYLE Haus has added substantial value at the ground level. His insights as a fashion business expert and an inspiring leader are invaluable, and we are excited to share them with our global audience. We are confident that his experiences will not only amaze our readers but also provide a boost to their entrepreneurial streak.
The Making of a Fashion Industry Leader
Houman Salem’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Armed with a BA in History from California State University Northridge in 1994, he began his career in the music industry. He held several positions with renowned companies like EM-Capitol Records, Sony Music Group, and the Universal Music Group. However, his time in the music industry was relatively short, and he felt the need to explore more and broaden his horizons. So he decided to pursue an MBA from Pepperdine University in 2001.
After earning his MBA, he started his own small business consulting firm. One of his clients was Forplay, Inc., a Hollywood, California-based designer and manufacturer of women’s lifestyle fashion and intimate apparel. After a three-month consulting assignment, the owners of the company were so impressed with his work that they elected him as their CEO in 2004. This was the beginning of Houman’s illustrious career in the fashion industry.
Houman’s expertise in management consulting continued to grow, and he worked with a variety of technology, consumer products, and entertainment companies from 2008 to 2010. However, his passion for the fashion industry remained strong, and he founded ARGYLE Haus to cater to the specific needs of small clothing businesses.
ARGYLE Haus: The Solution to High MOQ in Fashion Manufacturing
In 2014, Houman founded ARGYLE Haus as a factory for small-batch apparel production in Los Angeles, California. His motivation for starting ARGYLE Haus stemmed from his own experience in the fashion industry. As an entrepreneur and fashion business consultant, he was looking for a factory to manufacture his own clothing line. However, the high minimum order quantities of factories in LA were not suitable for a small startup. This challenge presented an opportunity for Houman to start a business that provides a much-needed service to small clothing businesses. Thus, ARGYLE Haus of Apparel was born.
Today, ARGYLE Haus of Apparel is a leading fashion design house and apparel manufacturing company in the United States. The company offers a full range of services, from fashion design and material sourcing to apparel development and cut-and-sew manufacturing. It boasts a team of industry-leading business experts, technical designers, pattern makers, and master seamstresses with extensive experience in the fashion, apparel, and manufacturing industries. Its services cater to established designers, growth-stage companies, and national brands, making them an ideal choice for clients seeking the highest quality output to satisfy their valued consumers.
ARGYLE Haus of Apparel has a clear vision – to be the American engine that powers global fashion and apparel brands. Their mission is to provide the highest quality fashion design, apparel development, and clothing manufacturing services to companies and brands that demand the best for their valued consumers.
One-Stop-Shop for Fashion Brands
Houman’s company, ARGYLE Haus of Apparel, has a clear competitive advantage over its rivals. They are fully vertically integrated, which means that they provide all the necessary services from start to finish, saving their clients time and money. They offer fashion design, apparel development, product manufacturing, and digital marketing services, including website launch and content creation, and also introduce their clients to resources such as retail buyers nationwide.
This integration and streamlined approach offer a one-stop-shop for startups and mid-size apparel brands, eliminating the need to find numerous resources to get the job done. The result is that ARGYLE Haus of Apparel can provide a higher quality of service at a lower cost, making them the clear choice for companies that demand excellence and efficiency.
Redefining what it means to be a Modern CEO
As the leader of ARGYLE Haus, Houman has several roles and responsibilities that contribute to the success of the organization. In the early days of the company, he was involved in almost every aspect of the operation. He took on various roles, including sales, marketing, finance, website and SEO management, and government relations. Over time, as the business grew, he built departments and teams to oversee critical functions, allowing him to focus on overall business strategy and growth.
“All those departments have my DNA and my methodologies infused into them,” says Houman. As a flexible and adaptable leader, he understands that change is constant, both in the external and internal environments of a business. As a result, he grants his staff lots of freedom to make necessary changes and is open to new ideas and methodologies. His leadership style is marked by his ability to trust his team and the department heads he has hired. “Sometimes your department heads may know a lot more than you ever did about a particular function, and you have trust in the people you hire,” believes Houman.
Thriving on Newness
As the CEO of ARGYLE Haus of Apparel, Houman believes that challenges are just a part of the journey, and he has a unique approach to overcoming them. Instead of letting them slow him down; he embraces them and looks towards the future with a determined mindset. He believes that challenges are opportunities to grow and push boundaries.
The fashion industry is constantly evolving, and newness is the name of the game. This motivates Houman and his team to work harder and seek out new challenges. He believes that hiring people with the same mindset helps the team thrive on new challenges together. They encounter challenges in the form of new products they are designing and developing for clients, new business units, and opportunities they create for themselves.
For instance, last year, Houman and his team launched a new digital division to help clients launch their e-commerce sites. This move set them apart from their competitors and created a new revenue stream for the company.
Vision for a Sustainable and Ethical Fashion Future
Houman finds inspiration in the enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit of startups he works with. The industry has undergone significant transformation in recent years, with sustainability and ethical fashion taking center stage. Consumers are increasingly interested in the environmental impact and labor practices of the brands they support.
As a result, fashion brands are adopting sustainable practices and eco-friendly materials. The industry has also seen a rise in athleisure and streetwear trends, emphasizing comfort and practicality.
Houman keeps an eye on the industry and is inspired by those who prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. He is always on the lookout for new trends and emerging designers who are pushing the boundaries of fashion.
Houman’s Future Outlook
Houman has ambitious plans for the future, with a strong focus on expanding his business and offering innovative new services to his clients. He is committed to staying ahead of the curve and providing cutting-edge solutions to help his clients succeed in an ever-changing market.
In addition to his business pursuits, Houman is also passionate about sharing his expertise with others. He has recently been active in public speaking engagements, where he has been able to educate and inspire audiences with his insights into the fashion industry and his innovative approach to business.
Looking forward, Houman is considering launching a podcast to reach an even broader audience and share his knowledge and expertise with an even wider range of people. He is excited about the possibilities that the future holds and is eager to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of fashion and business.
Quotes
“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and don’t be afraid of failure.”
“If you fall down and don’t get back up, then you fail completely, but if you fall down and get back up and try again, then you’ve learned and are now well-educated.”
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