Subject
Perfect Bow Tie Complement
Description
Five years ago, I started my business, Beaux & Paws, making bow ties, which are in my personal opinion – the perfect complement to any formal outfit. When I launched the business, I knew I wanted to do more than just sell a product. I wanted to make a difference.
My idea sparked when I saw all of the displaced pets following Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Harvey. Some of these animals were understandably not looking their best given what they’d been through. And while we know we shouldn’t, many of us judge books by their covers. I’ve always gotten compliments on how I present myself — my signature bow tie and dapper look is even how I got the nickname “Sir Darius.” That’s when I had the thought: what if, by wearing my bow ties, these dogs could find their “furever” homes faster? After all, who can resist a puppy in a bow tie!?
I started by donating some bow ties to the ASPCA in New York City. Soon, I decided to follow the buy-one-give-one model popularized by brands like Toms and Warby Parker. For every pet bow tie I sold, I donated one to a local Newark animal shelter or organization. Five years later, and through Beaux & Paws, we’ve accomplished more than I could have ever dreamed of. We’ve helped raise more than $300,000 to support animal shelters, sponsor adoption fees, donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation to sponsor a Puppy Wish, all while donating thousands of bow ties to shelters and adoption centers across the world. I even received a personal letter of encouragement from former President Barack Obama — a truly life changing moment for me.
Creator
Darius Brown
Source
https://afrotech.com/op-ed-darius-brown/
Publisher
AFROTECH
File
