Bowtie Boss (Noun)

A term used to describe a remarkable and strong individual who is killing it in their field, finally getting the recognition they deserve - all whilst effortlessly rocking a bowtie. It’s time to start celebrating and turning the spotlight on people who tirelessly strive and thrive to make it in the jungle that is small enterprise. Allowing those who’ve put in the hours behind the scenes to make their dreams a reality - stepping into the spotlight and allowing us to just marvel at the achievements they’re obliterating every single day.

image by Jenna Wallace Photography for Henne Jewelers

Get in Formation.

It figures that our first certified bowtie boss is our very own Nisha Blackwell , a woman who has proven that style and substance never need to at war with one another. In the ever-growing tide of fast fashion, Nisha has nurtured the perfect remedy in an eco-conscious and truly couture way.In just 5 absolute whirlwind years, Nisha has cultivated Knotzland into a globally successful Black-owned brand through the pure sweat and grind of her efforts. She has grown from a one-woman band to a network of machinists and designers - that all put their heart and soul into every single item.

A Truly Pittsburgh Affair.

Sustainability and community have always been at the core of the company’s ethos, building a truly altruistic and socially responsible small business. It is these kinds of values that are more important than ever. Every single year the US sends 21 billion pounds of textiles to landfills. The continuing ecological impacts of this will have lasting devasting ramifications if we don’t consciously decide to seek alternatives. Nisha understood this and sought to revolutionise the life cycle of discarded furniture into unique pieces of wearable art.

The Fire Inside.

Above all, it is through the process of reclaiming and repurposing that Nisha has been able to provide previously unthinkable opportunities for the women who work alongside her. Creating a flexible and meaningful work from home opportunity for so many women in Pittsburgh, growing the autonomy that traditional routes of manufacturing would have laughed all the way out of the boardroom. That is one of the most beautiful inspirational things about Nisha and her vision, that regardless of her own successes she’s there ready to elevate and encourage everyone in her stratosphere.

Unwavering determination.

Like any entrepreneur, there are moments in everyone’s career where the seeds of uncertainty may try to nestle inside the plans of the business. The endless reels of questions of whether this is the right path for Nisha should be traveling with Knotzland, but like a true Boss, Nisha never felt like quitting. With the determination of every success story before her, she has the strength of character to know that this was a passion that deserved to be seen through to its incredible fruition.

Effervescent Fashionista.

It’s all about the confidence, Knotzland clientele base will always be unapologetically stylish and bold. The inimitable designs coupled with the ethical resourcing of the pieces mean they’re an unrivaled statement that calls upon the wearer to embrace their truest self. Using fashion as a vehicle for expressing their personality and their message, this has been at the forefront of Nisha’s collections and will always continue to be.

Kinky Bowties.

When asked who she would love to see in a Knotzland Bowtie the accolade fell to the incomparable Billy Porter, Pittsburgh’s own Broadway icon, who truly embodies what Nisha envisages for the company. A passionate advocate who has never been afraid to take risks and stepping into the foreground to be noticed for all the gifts bestowed upon him. Individual and impeccably dressed, it’s without a doubt that Billy is definitely on our hit list for the future of Knotzland.

image by Jenna Wallace Photography for Henne Jewelers (necklace and earrings Henne Jewelry Estate Collection)

Magic in the Mundane.

As a signing-off note, Nisha reveals that it’s when running errands that she feels the most outrageous wearing one of her signature designs. Not only does she relish the opportunity to challenge and subvert the perceptions of gender norms by being a female wearing a bowtie, but it’s also an interesting conversation starter. Sometimes you’ve got to do something a little out of the box. Be sure to follow both Nisha and Knotzland online so you never miss the boss moves we're making! @knotzland @nat.u.ralIf you're ready to discover your signature bowtie, shop the full collection here .

Bowtie Boss: Nisha Blackwell