Early last year, news spread around the town of a young man from Trenton who lost his job due to the Covid-19 pandemic and launched a new business as he was approaching his 21st birthday at the time of its grand opening.
Before we were forced into lockdown, Harris was like most people his age. He had graduated Notre Dame High School years prior, was an active member in the community, notably taking part in the Mill Hill’s Next Generation Community Leaders project, and enjoyed playing soccer during his downtime. Harris was known for his own signature swag, spending several years working in retail at a men’s suit store.
It was there that Harris regained his love of formal attire. “There, my manager was my biggest style influence. He was the best dressed [person] I had seen in quite some time. It was like a competition between me and him when I came to work. I had to be tight enough for him to approve,” said Harris, recalling the lighthearted competition between him and his former employer. But this was not his first introduction into the world of fashion and style. Harris began sporting suits in his early childhood years, mostly when attending church where his parents would lay out his Sunday best. Harris comes from a fashionable family and is credited with being a resident-style expert. It was a natural fit to enlist his family to help him with his retail venture, BeSuited.
“I’m a big family guy, everyone that works with me is part of my family. They’re the biggest help for me and I couldn’t do this without them,” he added. During business hours, you can walk through the doors of the menswear boutique and be greeted by Harris, his mother Lisa Wilson, or their close family friend, Rodney Washington. Prior to BeSuited making a home across the street from Mercer County Community College, the space had been occupied by Byers Men’s Shop since 1924, where Rodney had worked for the last 20 years. This was a bonus for Harris as he modernized the business operations and continued to service Byers’ clientele. In the months leading up to their closing, Harris made note of their outdated items and was eager to provide a refreshing new shopping concept. What he was able to do at 127 North Broad Street was take his own style, which was sophisticated, timeless, and creative, and develop an aesthetic that mirrored that. He not only renovated a storefront but designed a multifunctional space that fulfills his styling and image consulting offerings while accommodating moderately sized book signings, fashion shows, as well as video and photoshoots. BeSuited also offers a group shopping experience where guests have private access to the store. Refreshments are served while patrons are serviced by Harris and another consultant for the duration of their exclusive booking. “I can definitely say I am getting support from the community,” said Harris about the local response since opening. “Whether it’s for a local party or an upcoming wedding, people know where to find me based on the location, since the previous Byers Men’s shop was here.”
Shoppers can find off-the-rack suits starting at $350 and tailored pieces for $1,100 that can take up to four weeks to make. For more information contact BeSuited.com.
