Made South is a marketplace featuring the finest artisans and makers in the south on September 12th at Harlinsdale Farm. Vendors from all over the south will be represented at the Made South event. We talked with local artisan, Aubrey Hord about her creative endeavor– BROTIES. Find out what a BROTIE is and how BROTIES got started. Don’t delay in purchasing your tickets to Made South. Check their Facebook page for the latest updates.
Where did you attend college?
I graduated from Rhodes College in Memphis, TN where I received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Currently, I am working towards my Masters of Education in Child Studies Program at Vanderbilt University.
How did BROTIES get started?
BROTIES originally got started the summer before my sophomore year in college. My boyfriend asked me if I thought I could make him a bow tie and after lots of trial and error, I finally got the technique down to a science. Once I had done one, I was hooked and started making him bow ties in every conceivable pattern, color, and texture. You could say, I went a little overboard. When we returned to school that Fall and my friends realized I could make them custom, one-of-a-kind bow ties that were affordable, BROTIES was born. BROTIES was a way for me to help my peers get bow ties at a price that a college student could afford and provide myself with a creative outlet all while helping to contribute to the cost of college.
How did you decide on the name BROTIES?
The name BROTIES is a combination of the two elements that made up the business in the beginning: fraternity men and bow ties, of course. In college, I primarily was making bow ties for gentlemen attending tailgates and fraternity/sorority formals. So in a way the name was a lucky bit of happenstance. Beyond just the physical elements, the name BROTIES says a bit about the bow ties themselves. It’s a clever name that doesn’t take itself too seriously, which to me is reflective of the bow tie.
What makes BROTIES different that other bow ties?
BROTIES are different from other bow ties in that they fully customizable. Often, I work with grooms to help them create the perfect, unique bow ties and pocket squares for their wedding. You describe your vision, and I will help to make it possible. Beyond this, all of our bow ties have buttons across the back of the band that makes the bow tie fully adjustable and don’t allow for any slippage as with the traditional sliders. Furthermore, you can also have the inner band of the bow tie embroidered with your initials or with a secret message from a loved one.
Where can we purchase BROTIES and what’s next?
Currently, BROTIES are available year round at www.brotiesneckwear.com with local pick up available. You can also find us at the inaugural Made South Market September 11-12th and Pilgrimage Festival September 26th-27th.
As for what is next for me, I will be spending the next few weeks building as much inventory as possible before school starts back again. Also during this time off, I am going to be testing out some new ideas and working to get those designs just right before I release them.
Learn more about BROTIES on their Facebook page.
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