We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brett Quigley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brett below.

Brett, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, one thing many business owners consider is donating a percentage of sales or profits to an organization or cause. We’d love to hear your thoughts and the story behind how and why you chose the cause or organization you donate to.

We have a collection specifically dedicated to donations to New Alternatives NYC. They are an organization that assists LGBTQ+ youth facing homelessness. They provide services and assistance for these young people to transition into stable adult lives.

I chose this organization because it is close to my heart. Being gay, there are challenges you face for being different. Although we’ve seen great progress in recent years, LGBTQ+ youth are up to 40% of the homeless youth population. I think it is so important for youth who are born outside of the “norm” to have a safe place to get on their feet.

Unfortunately, even government funded institutions, treatment centers and traditional shelters do not always provide a space where these young people are treated with dignity and respect.

20% of the proceeds for Sparrow Blue’s newly launched Pride items will be donated to New Alternatives in effort to assist these young people.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started sketch drawing designs when I was 12. I had a journal with designs heavily influences by the Y2K era I grew up in. I always wanted to have a clothing brand that speaks to creatives and people traditionally viewed as outcasts in society. They’ve always been my favorite people.

I am almost 7 years sober now. I promised myself on a walk from the hospital in the West Village to Grand Central – that I would get sober and do the things I’ve wanted to do in this life. Sparrow Blue was created as a promise to my younger self.

My goal with Sparrow is to express creativity in combination with my love for human connection. I focus heavily on one of a kind apparel and apparel that allows each piece to have individuality. Dye washes, bleach patterns, distressing all allows me to create this type of vision. I ultimately want people to be able to embrace their individuality with Sparrow.

My greatest accomplishment thus far was seeing my clothes on The Real Housewives. I also feel really lucky to have worked with the amazing [photographer] Jeremy Kost. Seeing my clothes on Frankie Grande, Brandi Glanville and my friends and family has been a great thing to experience.

I have been very lucky.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn rigid structures. There are really no rules to life, to business or to art. There is no handbook or one-size fits all. Everything is a gray scale.

I try to live my life as an optimist who acknowledges realism. This world is not perfect. I had to learn that I will always have battles and struggles – just like everything else. I now choose to embrace them and try to learn from them. I try to grow and evolve continuously.

I had to unlearn the desire for stagnant existence. I think that is why we are here. To grow and evolve and do better as people.

I think this mindset has allowed me to be completely free with my clothing creations. I am very open to trying different things with my brand and seeing what sticks.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

I primarily sell online through my website SparrowBlueClothing.com. It is easy to set up and easy to cast a wide net of potential clients. However, it is a lot of work to keep up with.

After a year and a half of online presence, I wanted to try wholesale. I reached out to Humanity! in San Diego and New Profanity in LA by email and in-person respectively. Wholesale is a cool experience and takes some of the hands-on work, off of your plate.

Contact Info:

• Website: Sparrowblueclothing.com
• Instagram: Sparrowblueclothing
• Other: personal instagram @brettquigley

Image Credits
Jeremy Kost John Gram