by Megan Venable

Meet Marcus Hall. He’s a true Renaissance man. He worked 13 years as a professional barber, owned and managed a restaurant on Gay Street (Hero’s Deli in the Cook Building) and successfully renovated and sold multiple houses for profit.

He also knows his way around a few pairs of jeans.

Hall’s Marc Nelson Denim is a testament to the close relationship he enjoys with his family. He used the moniker “Nelson” for his store in tribute to the name of his great-grandfather and grandfather. Additionally, the building sits close to where his grandparents used to live in East Knoxville. He endeavors to live up to his grandfather’s ideal of looking his best at all times: L.C. Nelson wore a suit every day to his job as a janitor.

Hall’s mother put a needle in his hands when he was 12 years old and taught him how to sew. “In the 1970s and ’80s it was not cool for a guy to sew,” Hall laughs, “but I learned out of necessity.”

Hall has pushed his brand from the beginning, sometimes dealing with frustration and disappointment. Once, after a discouraging day in New York City, he decided he’d had enough and walked into the nearest bar for a stiff drink. A bartender took one look at Hall and recognized him from the fashion section of the New York Times where Hall’s whiskey denim was featured. 

“Hey, you’re that denim guy,” he said. “I really love your work.” Hall’s inspiration was immediately renewed. Halls expertise extends beyond denim. He is also renowned for crafting custom blazers, suits and curating a comprehensive men’s lifestyle brand.

Marc Nelson Jeans was not an overnight success. The current celebrity status his brand enjoys was hard-earned, not to mention being a rise from almost-ashes. Hall served 14 months in prison for illegal gambling and used the time to take a hard look at his lifestyle choices. Mission accomplished. Like the phoenix, Hall has met all challenges and is soaring.

He also has a Marc Nelson Denim store in Lakeland, Florida. He says this was yet another “thank you Jesus moment” because a large pocket of his clients is located there.

When asked if he wanted to open more stores in more areas, Hall joked, “I would if I could find four more Randys to run them,” referring to his store manager. “Maybe one day in Nashville. For now, this is it.”

His priority these days is being a good dad and available to his two daughters, seven and 22 years old. He also envisions Marc Nelson as an outlet that’s more than making clothes. “I enjoy fabrics and making people look good. I want them to be the best them they can be.”