Kent Stetson — 23 Who Made a Difference in RI in 2023
GoLocalProv Lifestyle Team
Kent Stetson — 23 Who Made a Difference in RI in 2023
It was just one of his successes.
For Stetson, as he celebrates his twentieth anniversary making his creative clutches this year, how he came to land the order for 1,500 bags from the owners of the popular food chain is the story of how he has worked now for decades to establish himself as one the top names in fashion.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“Fierce and severe has had its moment in the industry. I’m more...charming,” said the self-effacing Stetson, a self-described introvert.
“This didn’t happen overnight. It has been a long time coming,” he added.
With Jersey MIke’s — and other big brands waiting in the wings — Stetson and his team in his Pawtucket production facility are maxed out on orders.
“This is the first time I haven’t had to hustle,” said Stetson. “I truly believe this is the start of a new chapter.”
Sandwich Success
According to Stetson, his whimsical designs have always been about the wearer — and word of mouth.
It was a customer who first saw his design at the Newport Flower Show, and then ordered a bag, that set him on the path to “sandwich" success.
“She lives down in Florida, and when I first sent her a bag, she called me and said it was bigger than she had hoped,” said Stetson of this particular customer. “So I said, how about I make you a smaller one then? She was shocked when I said I’d do that for her.”
“Well, she was out with her bag, and [Jersey Mike’s owner] Tatiana Cancro saw it,” said Stetson. “My customer said, ‘Do you know Kent Stetson?’”
An email introduction was made, and the rest, as they say, is history.
“My customers are truly my best ambassadors,” said Stetson.
So Stetson sent some designs to Cancro — as well as a personalized Corgi bag — and then he soon found his next stroke of luck.