Conversations with Perry Wayne

Today we’d like to introduce you to Perry Wayne. 

Hi Perry, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
My name is Perry Wayne and I am a 26, black, queer, successful underwear designer based out of Detroit, Michigan. I started designing when I attended the Art Institute of Novi in 2015. Learning more of the business side in school, I self-taught myself and started hand sewing women’s dresses. From 2017-2018, the industry of custom women’s dresses was over-saturated and became a financial issue for myself. Teaching myself how to sew underwear, I started off making custom underwear for the LGBTQIA community. As the company grew, I started to ask for donations from friends and family but unfortunately could not receive aid for my growing business. As demand started to rise for custom underwear, I had no choice but to fund the company with my personal funds from my corporate job. At the time I was a personal stylist at Nordstrom and had been funding my business with each check and 401K. Struggling to enter myself in a predominantly white industry, I faced many threats and disrespect to the brand. 2020 Wayne Underwear became not only a successful platform but an iconic designer underwear brand. Wayne Underwear currently sells in all 50 states and worldwide including Australia, Mexico, Japan, Germany, and Europe. 2021 Wayne Underwear became a 6-figure brand and will continue to thrive in the future. 

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?
Being a person of color entering a predominately white industry was not easy. I faced many threats and disrespectful comments towards myself and the brand. Also, being a person of color, gay, and trying to build an LGBT+ underwear brand no bank took me serious for taking out a loan for the business. Funding the business with personal funds aside from paying bills was extremely complicated. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I currently do most of the task for my business. Recently opening a studio in royal oak, Michigan I spend most of my time designing new styles, social media marketing, fulfilling orders, email research, influence marketing, sponsorships, ambassadorships, stock, organization, finance, and ordering new styles. Although the task can be overwhelming, I absolutely love what I do. Also, I am now the new ambassador for Noir Male (the first black adult film company) for their fourth quarter! What set me apart from other is that I try to be innovative with my collections. Most underwear brands will release a random batch of styles but Wayne Underwear represents an aesthetic of authenticity and beauty. 

What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love best about Detroit is that I have some diehard supporters from the LGBT+ community. Also, Detroit art has inspired many of my styles and ideas. The only problem is I wish more of the community would work together and better the community as one, not separate. 

Pricing:

• Underwear $25-$30
• Hoodies $30-$50

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: Wayneunderwear.com
• Instagram: @Wayneunderwear