Meet James Carter! James Carter is the owner of Empire Ltd Studio on Trade Street in Downtown Greer. Empire Ltd is an upscale men’s haberdashery and tuxedo sales and rental shop. He has been in business for ten years and has lived in Greer for six years. This store is more than a place to shop, it is a place where young men and woman learn valuable life skills. So, if you need a suit, clothing alteration or lessons in tying a bow tie, go see James. We are thankful to have him #hereinGreer!
Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My father was a tailor and my mother was a cosmetologist. I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio with my younger brother. I just celebrated my 30th wedding anniversary with my wife, Veronica, who I met in kindergarten. I have a married daughter and a two year old grandson.
Tell us about your current career. What do you love most about what you do?
I started out making bow ties. I want to get to know my customers and love seeing their immediate gratification and reaction. I am appreciated for my knowledge and experience. I sponsor a program called Empire PREP which stands for Pride, Respect, Effectiveness and Preparedness. This is a volunteer program that occurs on Saturdays. I teach young men and woman social and wardrobe etiquette, entrepreneurship and how to prepare a 30 second elevator speech about themselves. I have had 20 participants so far. After initial participation in the program, I offer an unpaid internship that teaches maintenance and clothing production/ presentation and how to greet clients. The next level is an apprenticeship which teaches independence and skills to market themselves. This program encourages them to own their knowledge and abilities and to be independent.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Jason Clark. He is the owner of the Strip Club. He is a venom and savant. He has mastered so many things about being a restaurant owner. We have a common interest in the restaurant business (James was a chef and restaurant owner prior to his current career). We share interest in Greer commerce. Jason is unselfish and wants to see other restaurants in the community succeed.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now where would it be and why?
I would travel across Europe. This is something my wife and I haven’t done yet together. We have each done it separately.
What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
The first and second Sherlock Holmes movies with Robert Downey Jr. I can watch them over and over again. I am also a huge Western fan but like Sci-Fi better. I like to watch Star Trek.
What advice would you give to people?
“Live your dream or someone else will pay you to live theirs”
What is something on you bucket list?
To drive across the country and visit all 50 states in one year.
If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Barack Obama. He is four days older than me. I would like to know what inspired him to go to law school. I grew up in an environment where I was told I could be anything I wanted to be. I would cook for him.
What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The Greer chamber, economic development committee and city all communicate. Each of the principles are on each others boards. There are no gaps in communication. They are well intertwined and work well together for community growth.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love to love and love to be loved.
Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
June- the month school gets out and the official start of the summer. I also celebrate the solstice with my daughter. Christmas – because of my grandson. September 8th – my wedding anniversary.
Who inspires you to be better?
My family because I don’t want them to see me fail or be a failure.
Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of word HOME?
Mine, wife and kingdom.
