We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Darius Bucknor. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Darius below.
Alright, Darius thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
My mission is to change the narrative about mens fashion and the way people view the traditional bowtie. There are no limits when it comes to style. Kids 3years to 10years old should look just as fly as adult men and women. When you put on one of my “Knots” not only will look good, but most importantly feeling good would be a sure thing.
Darius , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I started my journey into fashion honestly, when I was young boy. Growing up in the church, Sundays (especially Easter Sunday) were really the day to put on your best. I had to have a Steve Harvey 3 piece suit with some Stacy Adams shoes. Fast forward over the years, my inspiration has come from Andre 3000, Fonzworth Bentley, and of course Steve Harvey. Those 3 gentleman have had the most impact on my style. Because they all have their unique styles, I wanted mesh all 3 and create a style that would tailor to me, my personality and my brand. I then began to figure out what would be my statement piece for looks and it was the BOWTIE. I would go into stores and would have to settle for what they had, because I “just had to have a bowtie” to make my outfit complete. Til that one day I got fed up and said NO MORE. I’m saving money, time, and I’m not settling anymore, and I’m going to start making my own. My wife and daughter bought me a sewing machine for father’s day that same year, andI gave away every bowtie I ever owned. In March of 2019, I started my own company called Tha Knotty Guy, where I create handcrafted bowties that tailor to both your style and personality. There are no easy routes when you’re running your own brand. You just have to take the bumps, and adjust when you need to. When I first started my company, my bowties were strictly self tied… bad move. I didn’t realize that tieing a bowtie was a challenge, even with the step by step instructions. I quickly had to “get back in the lab” as I like to say and figure out a way to cater to each style of gentleman. So created a hybrid bowtie, where it gives each client the option to self- tie each time they wear it , or to only tie it once with the extra clip for a grab and clip feature. Not only will you look good wearing a Knot, but most importantly you will feel good.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
In 2019, the pandemic was a tough time. Because the world was shut down, it was no use at the time for a bowtie. So while I was home during that time I had to figure out how to bring in revenue using my crafting ability due to the circumstances. So when they announced that everyone had to wear masks, a light bulb went off. I started making masks that were durable, safe, and of course fashionable. I began to get even more creative once the band was lifted and businesses were starting to open back up. I created matching masks and bowtie sets that were never seen before, and still create a few til this very day.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
My reputation was solely built on my consistency, and the way I allow my personality to shine through each bowtie. Each bowtie is crafted with love and my clients feel that when it’s tied around their neck just like I feel it. Placing myself in the right room around the right individuals helped me to become comfortable within myself and my fashion.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thaknottyguy.com
- Instagram: @thaknottyguy
- Facebook: Tha Knotty Guy