I‘m usually in front of the camera. However, I also love to help create with my friends. In CREATING CONTENT, I’m sharing my experience as I get behind the lens and try my hand in photography!  Meet Nicole R. Brown, founder of men’s neckwear company Ruth Nathan’s; based in Harlem!

INTERVIEW WITH Nicole R. Brown

Diego: Tell us your name and what do you do!

Nicole: My name is Nicole R. Brown – I’m a woman on the cutting edge of “gentlemanly” things and the Chief Creator at Ruth Nathan’s. We are the only mens neckwear company in Harlem that makes its own in-house limited edition prints for the Urban Peacock – for the creative soul, if you will.

I’m all about being an Urban Peacock! So is this your first business? 

I have always had the entrepreneurial spirit; I founded “The Windy Sitters” babysitting club in 7th grade and have always had a thing for creativity and uniqueness. Fashion has also been “my thing” since I was a child, however it wasn’t until college that I decided to pursue menswear.

Where did you grow up?

Shortly after graduation I moved from my hometown of Chicago (South Side!) to New York City to become a designer. The move was an eye-opener. After working in different capacities at women’s and children’s clothing companies, it became clear that the best way for me to have a career in menswear was to make my own way. So I quit a lucrative job, stepped out on faith and took a business plan class to pursue my vision.

It’s all about taking risks. So how did Ruth Nathan come into the picture?

Ruth Nathan’s was birthed in 2015. I currently live in Harlem so I hope my new neighborhood is ready to be blessed and impressed by the Ruth Nathan’s brand!

So what’s Ruth Nathan? Or, who is Ruth Nathan? 

The Ruth Nathan’s brand has proud roots stemming from Greenville, Mississippi. Ruth and Nathan Wilson are my maternal grandparents. My Grandpa Nathan was a tailor, so the brand pays homage to him, and the care in which he created his fashions in the deep south. Furthermore, I didn’t just wake up one morning and decide to make ties. I have flown to Bangkok, Savannah, Port of Spain and many other cities worldwide, searching for inspiration for unparalleled colors and prints that will bring wanted and well-earned attention to my customers. I love being able to turn someone’s day around by providing compelling wardrobe options!

What lead you to your current passion?

I have a passionate draw towards all things gentlemanly, swanky, and dandy. My odd fascination with a well-dressed man propels my passion for my brand: Ruth Nathan’s. It kind of makes me the “odd man out” in a world of mostly male menswear designers, but I like that about myself. It’s just great to see a man in an outfit that is well curated which makes him strut around with pride – like a peacock- an Urban Peacock specifically. Changing how you look is one thing, but changing how you feel is what Ruth Nathan’s does best.

What inspires you?

Having travelled around the world I was inspired by the ports I visited, and interestingly, by the shipping containers at those ports. They arrived, just as I had, taking a journey of the unknown, not really expecting anything on the journey, not really knowing the final destination, just being – a kind of Wanderlust.

What are you working on?

Surprisingly, I was fascinated by the colors these shipping containers displayed. They were bold, they had movement, and they spoke to my spirit as if they had an untold story. An unknown journey was hiding deep within them. Thus, the story of the “Ports” collection of ties: Port of Hamburg, Los Angeles, Prince, Savannah and Spain. Overall, most of my design ideas come from my curious eye while traveling.

Where do you want to see your passion take you?

My Grandpa Nathan always gave back, especially with his time as a long standing Boy Scout Troop Leader. I would like for the fruits of my labor at Ruth Nathan’s to provide charitable works for others, as well. We have already been donating a portion of annual sales to several nonprofits including, Konbit Mizik, Khan Academy and the Bow Tie Foundation. The more sales we generate, the greater the impact we can have for social good. Who knows, maybe one day we can partner with LeBron James and the I Promise School and give bow tie lessons.

Tell me about your style!

I would call my look “sexy-gramma-chic”. It’s whimsical with plenty of colors and textures. It’s sexy with a little something showing in every look. But then also classy with collars and cuffs – very hard to describe and predictably unpredictable. Think of a Janelle Monae and Erykah Badu hybrid.

Where do you see Harlem going in the next 10 years?

Harlem continues to be on the cutting edge of modern and chic, while holding on to its historic allure. It is definitely getting more expensive. Dapper Dan is back. Red Rooster has a strong presence. The Whole Foods just sealed the deal in the community, which has its pros and cons, if you will. The niche of consumers who have more money for food also have more disposable income in general, which is good for business. But also some of the original Harlemites won’t get to enjoy the fruits of their labor as they get priced out of housing. The future of Harlem is promising and exciting, but is equally troubling to some degree.

Any projects of yours coming up I should check out?

We will be vendors at the upcoming Bearded Lovers Fest in Brooklyn around Thanksgiving. That was a blast last year. Cuts, cigars, adult beverages and our bow ties all in the same place. My word! In the meantime, please check our website and social media for pop up locations, news, and additions to our collections!

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Thanks for reading and y’all stay dandy. -Diego
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