The Art of Persistence: From Door-to-Door Sales to Dressing the Elite

Success is rarely about talent alone; it’s about determination, discipline, and adaptability. Art Luen, a bespoke tailor and entrepreneur with over three decades of experience, exemplifies this idea. His journey is a testament to resilience and hard work, proving that humble beginnings can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. His journey is a testament to resilience and hard work, proving that humble beginnings can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. If you’re inspired by his story, don’t miss the chance to hear Art Lewin share it in his own words—watch the episode below now!

Humble Beginnings and Big Dreams

Art’s story starts in the 1970s when his family immigrated to the U.S. He was a young boy, learning to navigate a new country without speaking English. Growing up in a tough neighborhood, Art developed an insatiable hunger to improve his circumstances. At 13, he was introduced to a different world when a girlfriend’s affluent family exposed him to fine dining, luxury cars, and vacation homes in Palm Springs.

“One day, I’ll have this life,” he promised himself.

As a teenager, Art began chasing that dream. His first job was selling vacuum cleaners door-to-door in Pacoima, one of Los Angeles’s grittiest neighborhoods. Art saw opportunity where others might have seen only obstacles. “Once they let me in the door, they had to kick me out,” he jokes.

The Grind: Relentless Effort Pays Off

Art’s determination showed in his work ethic. Early on, he committed to making 150 cold calls daily, a daunting goal for most. For Art, it was just the math of success. “If I had to get six appointments a day, I made it happen. No excuses,” he recalls.

Art explains his philosophy through what he calls the "U-Curve." Most people start something new with enthusiasm, struggle as challenges arise, and quit before they reach the breakthrough. “You have to push through the bottom of the curve. That’s where success is waiting,” he says.

Transitioning to Tailoring

Art’s career evolved when he joined a custom clothing company in the 1980s. Combining his sales expertise with a luxury product proved a natural fit. By 1997, Art took the leap to start his own bespoke tailoring business.

The transition wasn’t without fear. “I had a mortgage and a newborn baby,” he remembers. But his commitment to discipline and time management carried him forward. “I knew how to work hard and stay focused—it was all about applying what I’d learned.”

Building a Reputation for Excellence

Today, Art’s business thrives with an impressive 94% client retention rate. His secret? Exceptional service. Every suit is tailored to perfection and comes with lifetime care, from adjustments to repairs. His clientele includes some of the most successful professionals in the country.

“When your name is on the door, you can’t cut corners,” he explains. This commitment to quality and integrity has made Art Luen a trusted name in bespoke tailoring.

Advice for the Next Generation

Art believes success is grounded in numbers and mindset. “I had a formula: 150 calls a day, 500 appointments a year, and a 50% close rate. The numbers don’t lie,” he says. But beyond the formula, he stresses the importance of hunger.

“Life is easier now than it’s ever been, but most people don’t take advantage of it,” he says. “If you want something, you have to want it so badly that nothing else matters.”

For those facing challenges, Art shares advice from Tony Robbins: “Success is about surviving the tough times. Push through the struggles, adapt, and keep going. The other side of the curve is where growth happens.”

Leaving a Legacy

Despite his accomplishments, Art remains humble. He’s passionate about mentoring others, especially young people, and sharing the lessons he’s learned. “Seeing kids inspired by my journey reminds me of where I started,” he says.

For Art, success is about more than financial gains. It’s about creating a legacy. Whether through a perfectly tailored suit or a meaningful conversation, Art’s impact reaches far beyond his business. His story is proof that persistence, discipline, and an unwavering drive can overcome any obstacle—and that success, like a bespoke suit, is crafted to fit.

Listen to the audio below or listen on Apple or Spotify Podcasts.