Imagine making 1,000 bow ties in a lifetime. Nigerian-American, Geraldo De-Souza has made 9,000!
The founder of Everyday Bowties is a natural when it comes to tying colourful strings of ribbon to create the perfect male accessory.
The story behind his incredible venture is a unique one. After his brother’s unfortunate passing, Geraldo thoughtfully decided to wear a bow tie each day, in memory of him. He soon found himself unsatisfied with those available in shops, and instead converted his normal ties into bows.
“I took apart the ties that I was wearing while I was selling insurance and made them into bow ties. The beauty was when I wore one to work the next day, somebody was willing to offer me enough money to part with it. And that’s how it started,” he said during a recent interview with CNN.
This fashion statement caught on with his colleagues, who were quick to ask to buy these ties daily.
Fast-forward years later, and his business was launched. This was in 2010, and was right after his unfortunate tumour diagnosis which made him consider priorities in life.
His mission – To style the average man who wants to wear a bow tie daily, and not just for special events.
“It doesn’t have to be (paired with) a brand new shirt, or a silky looking shirt, or a tuxedo. You could wear it with a denim jean shirt. You could wear it with just about any shirt that you so desire. That’s why I use cotton fabric. Because cotton, unlike silk, doesn’t tell you it’s time to buy a new shirt,” he adds.
We told you you’d like his story. It just goes to show that we can get the best of business ideas from everyday experiences, even the tragic moments in our lives.
