Dru Bowitz, Creative Founder of Fabric Narcotics | “There are no real boundaries when it comes to growth”
Creative founder of Fabric Narcotics, one of the fastest growing Chicago-based fashion brands, talks All Star Weekend collab, managing business growth as a 1-person team, and being a creative entrepreneur.
Dru Bowitz never expected Fabric Narcotics to grow as quickly as it did. Raised in Rockford, IL, Dru moved to Chicago 6 years ago to take a shot at a creative career. After seeing Fabric Narcotics’ successful launch party sponsored by Monaco Cocktails at the old Pilsen-based AMFM Gallery (previously on 21st and Leavitt), he has witnessed the brand reach both coasts over the past few years. Now with an All Star Weekend collaboration in place and LA and NYC pop up shops in the works, Dru’s ready to see where Fabric Narcotics will go next.
Making the switch into a creative field is probably one of the most difficult steps in entrepreneurship. What was the turning point for you?
I always had the creative bug and knew a 9 to 5 job wasn’t right for me, but it wasn’t clear at first how to break into the entrepreneurial field. Growing up, I did a lot of painting and made custom pieces like canvas work for people up into my early 20s. I eventually started learning more about printing, designing, and running a business.
One day, I decided to make a t-shirt and sell it on Facebook. It sold out. That’s when I thought — This could become a real career path. From then on, the name Fabric Narcotics came about, and I ran with it. It’s been good so far. Since I’ve launched it, there’s been continual growth and good reception from the public. All I can do is be grateful and keep aiming high.
What’s the best and worst part of being a creative founder?
Being your own boss can be a double-edged sword. The best/worst part is that it’s all you. It’s your creation. You are growing things from the ground up, which means that you have complete creative control, you see how far you can go with it, and you are following your dream. On the flip side, creatives can be their own worst critic, and I’m no different. I have to remember to not drain the well and be positive about my work.
How do you handle growth and collaborations?
Whatever I feel is right for the brand, or beneficial to me or my collaborators, I do it. I think it’s important to do things organically and work with people you like. That makes it an easier free-flowing environment. My latest collaboration was on a t-shirt design with All Star Weekend, and you can check it out on my website.
It does get hard though. Right now, I’m a one person team. It’s 100% me, so there are no real boundaries when it comes to growth.
What advice do you have for creative entrepreneurs?
In any field, if you are deciding to go out on your own and take an entrepreneurial role, you can’t be afraid to take risks. I learned that the hard way. If you’re second guessing yourself or your family isn’t as supportive as you’d hoped for, you can’t let that be the deciding factor. You really have to go for it.
And finally, play to your strengths. I see a lot of people trying to take on too many things, and they end up not finding their niche. Instead of doing multiple things at once, stick to what you’re good at and excel at it.