Photo by Ryan Strong

By Shea & Raan Parton, Matt Baldwin

We first met Matt Baldwin soon after he launched Standard Style, a clothing boutique in Kansas City. Since opening up the store in 2003, Matt has expanded with a second location in 2006, launching Baldwin Denim in 2009, opening Baldwin’s Men’s Shop in 2011, and finally, establishing a new Standard Style shop in 2011. Clearly, Matt is a busy man and a successful entrepreneur, but what we appreciate most about him is his work ethic, attention to detail, commitment to his family, and his friendship to us.

Matt was born in Wichita, Kansas in 1977, but has lived in New Hampshire, Colorado, and California, before deciding to settle down with his family in Kansas City. He completed a degree at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles in 2001, which launched his career in the apparel industry. We believe Matt has found success in this industry because he has always run his business with trusting & personal approach. He's also very passionate about life, people, & products - and always tries to incorporate this passion into his daily interactions with clients, employees, and family. Finally, Matt’s discipline and work ethic is second to none. A typical day in his life includes: boxing in the morning, breakfast with his three kids, early morning meetings with key staff, product design, selling on the shop floor, producing marketing content for the brands, using social media, charity meetings, and spending more time with family before heading to bed and doing it all over again.

Over the years since we have known Matt, we have enjoyed a unique partnership, helping one another grow our respective businesses, but doing so in a way that is complementary, rather than competitive. When we opened Apolis: Common Galley last year, Matt gave us pointers on how to maximize the retail side of our business. Likewise, we have helped connect Matt to domestic manufacturing resources to build his brand. More than exchanging professional tips and encouragement, we have come to know and respect Matt’s exceptional work/life balance. Matt is committed to his wife Emily and their three children, Henley, Rogan, and Rivington. We’ve even spent some relaxing time hosting Matt and Emily in Santa Barbara - to finally introduce them to our family.

We continue to recognize our brand being built around friendships. We often speak of our friends across the globe, but Matt and Emily Baldwin are a testament to rich friendships here in the States. We look forward to many more years working with Matt and are proud to call him a friend and perfect partner to create the Apolis + Baldwin Market Bag.

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