For aspiring designers, Mark Anthony Scott stresses the power of consistency
Published:Friday | October 25, 2024 | 12:08 AM
“I started my business on my verandah at home,” recalls Designer Mark Anthony Scott. Reflecting on his humble beginnings that were deeply planted in the rich soil of Trelawny, Scott’s early days have shaped his now-thriving career with his Mark Anthony Collections celebrated in boardrooms and boutiques across the island.
Raised in the New Cargen district of the western parish, with his close-knit family of grandparents, aunts, and uncles, Scott’s journey in fashion was anything but straightforward. He had his heart set on electrical engineering, but fate – and his grandmother, Ernita Wallace – had other plans; she subtly encouraged him to explore fashion. When the electrical engineering classes at Muschett High School reached capacity, her gentle nudge guided him toward a new path, laying the foundation for Mark Anthony Collections.
“Grandma was so sure that this was my path – she wanted me to continue the family legacy in tailoring,” Scott recalls. What began as a high school tailoring class soon evolved into formal certification at the HEART/NSTA Trust, and looking back – “she was right”, he admits with a smile.
Relocating to Kingston to apprentice under his uncle Neville Wallace, a master tailor who started the family sewing legacy, Scott learnt the rules and tricks of the trade. However, driven to explore new horizons, he temporarily stepped away from fashion to venture into media production. Little did he know, this detour would eventually fuel his return to fashion with a renewed passion and a sharper vision for his brand’s future.
TRUE CALLING
It wasn’t until years later that Scott’s true calling came into focus. In need of a custom shirt for a special occasion, he thought, “Why not make this myself?” Becoming so immersed in the design process, he then realised that his fervour for the craft could bring about financial rewards, and what began as one custom shirt became the genesis of his brand.
The journey, however, was far from easy. Scott reflects on the challenging early days, working tirelessly from Sunday to Sunday while facing constant uncertainty about how to pay bills and staff. At first, he operated from home with just two employees. As the business grew, so did its demands. Moving into a commercial space and hiring more staff marked a turning point. He remained creative, developing new products and taking risks, which helped the business push through the tough times. By 2015, Mark Anthony officially opened his brick-and-mortar location, a milestone he considers the most significant in his career.
Since its inception, Mark Anthony Collections has expanded from a simple shirt collection to a full range of bespoke men’s suits and a stunning gender-neutral collection of backpacks, duffles, wallets, and passport holders in high-end leather designs and an array of colours. The brand is now a respected name in Jamaica’s fashion industry, with collaborations with corporate brands such as Red Stripe, Johnnie Walker, and Heineken Jamaica.
Most recently, in August 2024, Mark Anthony partnered with Heineken Jamaica as part of their Heineken Credentials Campaign, offering an eight-week premium experience for one lucky winner each week to select pieces from the Mark Anthony Collections valued at $30,000. “This partnership allows me to showcase the synergy between my high-quality designs and Heineken’s premium identity,” he says.
Scott’s advice for aspiring designers and small business owners is clear, “You have to be consistent to succeed in this business. Make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons.”