I started this business with one phrase in my mind. "One happier person makes a difference in the world." I was an unhappy person in a career where I was trying to “save the world” but flailing. I also live by a philosophy exemplified in the children's book Miss Rumphius, "Make the world a more beautiful place just because you are in it." I gave myself permission to give it a go making a living as an artist, exploring how to be happy and create beauty. Through that exploration, I found joy in creating bow ties. Both in the physical making, and the customers who turned out to be top notch, fun, fancy people. I have enjoyed growing this business, where I continue to design and make bow ties and suspenders that really show off the amazing people who wear them. I am based in Eugene, Oregon where my fancy dog, Milo, and I live and work. Milo is a corgi/shepherd mixed up magical dog that brings me joy everyday. He frequently pops up on my website and instagram because he is a stellar dog model.

How do you approach weddings? 

As a business that creates gentleman's accessories, we inherently have a groom focus which is not a common item in the custom, handmade fashion/wedding industry. In exploring wedding accessories for men, we have noticed a lack in gender inclusive 'menswear' and strive to be different. There is no reason a bow tie or pair of suspenders is a gendered item — they fit all bodies with little to no modifications. So of course, they are for everyone who wants to wear them. In a modern wedding, the focus is becoming (at least should be in our opinion) less bride-centric and more relationship-centric. We believe BOTH people getting married want to feel special and look their absolute best! While a really nice suit is special, the accessories are where you can add personal touches and they make excellent gifts and keepsakes. We get excited to create custom accessories for weddings that help people feel comfortable and special.

What are some traits of your ideal clients?

Our ideal client first identifies as Fun. And then Fancy, or at least trying to get Fancy. Bow ties and suspenders are a fun, light-hearted way to dress up. We are a woman owned, feminist business that focuses on gender inclusivity in our products. Our clients can fit anywhere on the gender spectrum, and the main reason they come to us is to design a fancy menswear outfit. We can assist in designing the full outfit if you need fashion advice, or match colors, or order custom fabric and create special accessories.

What are three of your favorite things? 

Milo, my dog. He is perhaps my most favorite thing at this moment. I'm in love.

My family. I'm sorry I put my dog first, but I did. My family, nuclear and extended, are incredibly inspiring, fun, supportive, and loving.

Color and Pattern, Design. I get really jazzed about many different kinds of fabric designs and my mind goes wild. I have to hold back. I get millions of ideas, can be over-inspired and need to take a nap.

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