Life & Work with Derrick Tre

Today we’d like to introduce you to Derrick Tre.

Hi Derrick, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Hey y’all, I’m Derrick Tre. I’m 27 years old and I’m from Middletown, OH, currently residing in Charlotte, NC. Growing up, I was influenced by my grandmother. She’s a seamstress, and she and I are super close. I’ve always watched her create pieces for her clients, growing up. I was influenced by my grandmother. She’s a seamstress, and she and I are super close. I’ve always watched her create pieces for her clients, growing up. I watched a lot of project runways as and sketch designs on my sketch pad. She’s even made custom pieces for me, of course. I watched a lot of project runway and sketched designs in my sketch pad for my own fashion line.

The passion has followed me my entire life, so I decided to pursue it. I went to Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte and graduated with my bachelor’s in Fashion Merchandising & Retail Marketing in 2017. The following year I took interest in talent management and recruitment; I saw a flyer on Instagram from a new BLACK OWNED agency opening in uptown Charlotte.

I applied for the Booking Agent position, got the call for an interview, and the next day I went in and got hired the same day. I also launched my business for styling services in the same year, 2018. The rest was history.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Absolutely not, lol. I definitely have learned/learning lessons along this journey. I was a recent college grad, and trying to land a job straight out of college was very challenging.

I didn’t know anything, where to start, or how to do it. I just shot my shot and did it. I wasn’t very confident in myself when I started my business, due to the fact I didn’t know anything. I always lowballed myself and didn’t follow through with things because I wasn’t confident.

Thank God for the agency, most of my grooming came from the CEO taking me under her wing and investing in me. I learned a lot of lessons along the way and still learning. With each experience, I learn something new each time.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I offer styling services, creative direction, talent management and recruitment, event planning and hosting, brand ambassador, and influencer. I’m very well known in Charlotte and have built a rapport in the city. I’ve been in magazines, blogs, and music videos.

My alma mater recognized me and did an article about me in the university’s magazine/blog. You know every time I get frustrated and want to give up, a blessing comes along my way and reminds me to not give up on myself and I am where I’m supposed to be. I am grateful and I thank God for everything that he’s done/doing for me.

I’m very hands-on and personable with my clientele. My goal is to always give a memorable experience and leave my clients confident. I struggled with confidence growing up, and I learned to love myself and the skin I’m in. So I strive to teach my clients to be confident in what they’re wearing and within themselves, it all starts from within.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
Charlotte is a growing city.

A lot has changed since I moved here in 2013. The creative industry has grown so much, so there are many opportunities to network and connect with other like-minded people. Charlotte is a slower pace than the bigger cities, so it’s not known for fashion.

So that’s been a challenge establishing myself as a stylist here because it’s not known for that.

Contact Info:

• Email: derrick@derricktre.com
• Instagram: @derricktre_

Image Credits
@shotbybliss and @findashk