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

Hi Jason, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

For our wedding in 1999, my wife and I had our clothing made from Victorian patterns. I already owned a modern tuxedo and we wanted something that felt more like ‘us’ than standard wedding attire. There were several sample waistcoats our seamstress made for us to pick from and I started wearing those to events and fan conventions. I developed a reputation for being a sharp dresser and was often asked for advice. I was invited to present some panels on vintage neckwear and historical men’s fashions at a local convention in 2013. I procured some sample accessories for the presentation and got a small table as a vendor to sell the extras. Everyone loved what I had on offer (even if there wasn’t anything specifically they wanted to purchase). Most of the conventions and events had vendors selling Women’s jewelry and accessories, but there was never anything for the gentlemen. So I started Blackbird Finery and haven’t looked back.

Jason, 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?

Blackbird Finery sells antique & vintage traditional gentlemen’s accessories. This includes items like cuff links, tie bars/clips/slides, pocket watches, watch chains & fobs, mechanical pencils, fraternal dues receipt holders, and other miscellaneous everyday carry items from the past. We assist those wishing to add a bit of panache to their every day wear or for those wanting appropriate accessories for their historical outfits or cosplay. We do our best to research items that we find to provide proper context for them and to offer examples of how and where they were used in the past. Our booth is often referred to as a ‘museum’ and I describe myself as a curator rather than salesman. There really isn’t anyone else doing what we do right now.

I’ve given in-person talks on antique accessories, neckwear history, etiquette, being “Dapper on a Dime”, and demonstrated how to make 100 year old soda fountain formulas from Arizona to Connecticut as well as live streamed to an international audience. Currently I am the programming director for an alternative history convention in Atlanta called CONpossible running the weekend of Feb 16-18 2024 (conpossible.org)

I also offer consulting services. I acted as a ‘Groom’s Valet’ for a friend’s wedding, assisting everyone in the wedding party with their attire (tying ties, adding accessories, and making sure they looked their best). Some of our items have been loaned out for photoshoots and filmed projects.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My customers seem to enjoy learning about the history of the items we have. So the personal touch of engaging them in conversations and hearing their stories has always been successful for me. The consistency of doing yearly events has helped raise our profile. I’ve had customers mention how much the look forward to perusing our wares as we have such unique and interesting items. Engaging with audiences during presentations has also led to sales and repeat customers. So it seems that my personality and approach has helped us build a solid reputation.

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

A few years ago I was looking through a copy of “Office Appliances” from 1922 on Archive.org just to see what types of products were being used in offices back then. I saw an ad for Miller Brand ‘No. 583 New “Duralumin” Handle Eraser’. It was a long handled knife with an oddly shaped blade used to ‘erase’ mistakes made with an ink pen. You would let the ink dry, then scrape off the top layer of the paper, then write in your correction. I thought the shape was interesting and found one on Ebay. I put it on the table next to the button hooks and pocket knives. When showing people various items, I would ask what they thought it was. The usual answer is letter opener and I like seeing the surprised looks when I reveal the true purpose of the items.

I had just finished a sale for a gentlemen when he spotted the eraser on the table and asked “What is that?” After I explained the eraser, he told me that his father had owned one and they never knew what it was for. He bought it on the spot. I now have to keep an eye out for them as I keep selling out. Calligraphers purchased my last few, so I
am on the hunt again.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blackbirdfinery.com/about
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbirdfinery/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackbirdFinery/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrmerrill/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlackbirdFinery