Bow Ties For Dogs: Newark Boy's Booming Business Warms Hearts

NEWARK, NJ — If you want to wax poetic about it, making bow ties is Darius Brown’s way of fighting cruelty in a world that doesn’t always have the resources – or willpower - to help the less fortunate. But if you ask him directly, the 11-year-old Newark entrepreneur’s motivation is simple: he loves dogs.

Brown, who operates under the business moniker of “Sir Darius,” is the founder of Beaux and Paws, a company that makes bow ties for canine companions (see photos/video below). He donates many of them to animal shelters throughout New Jersey and New York in an effort to give them something snazzy to wear for adoption photos.

The technique works, he told Patch.

“When I see the shelter pups or rescue pups in my bowties I feel really good about them getting adopted faster,” Brown proudly said. “A few times they got adopted while I was there and they went to their forever home with my bow tie on.”

It’s an effort so inspiring that former U.S. President Barack Obama recently sent the 11-year-old a letter from in recognition of his community service.

“From founding Beaux and Paws to lifting up the lives of those around you, it’s clear you are doing your part to look out for your fellow citizens,” Obama wrote. “Know that I’m rooting for you in all you do, and I wish you the very best.”

Brown, a student at North Star Academy Charter School, lives with his mother, Joy Brown, and sister, Dazhai Shearz, who both help him manage Beaux and Paws. His sister, a hair and makeup artist, was the one who first got him hooked on bow ties when he was eight, recruiting him to help cut fabric. But soon, he was cranking out even better ties than his sister. And that’s when he realized that it could be his way of making a positive impact on the world.

Here’s how it all got started, Brown said:

“I started making bow ties for dogs during Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma. I saw all the devastation it caused and I wanted to do something to help but I didn't know what to do. A week or so later, I saw on Facebook that some dogs were being transported from Texas to the ASPCA in New York. I didn't have any money to donate because my mom just had a major surgery and was out of work for over a month, so I thought it would be a good idea for me to make bow ties for the dogs. I thought if they would wear the bow ties during adoption days, when people came to the shelter it would make them look more fun and fashionable and they could get adopted faster.”

But like many feel-good stories, there’s also an element of sadness to the origin of Beaux and Paws.

“I found out that some animal shelters will euthanize dogs and cats if they stay in a shelter too long, and that hurt me so bad,” Brown said. “I love dogs and I don't think that is right at all. Dogs need love too and should not be treated in a cruel way like that, so I decided to make as many bow ties as I can and donate them to as many shelters as I can to help all dogs and cats that are up for adoption.”

• See related article: Essex County Animal Shelters Had Most Dog Euthanasias In NJ (Again)

As part of his quest to help innocent dogs and cats, Brown is also learning some invaluable lessons about how to run a successful business.

“My sister used to help me before, but now my mom and my sister both help me because I get a lot of orders and requests for donations,” he said.

Although Brown doesn’t have a business website yet, he’s saving up to make it happen in the near future. For now, people can purchase one of his bow ties by emailing him at info@sirdariusbrown.com or calling his business line at 862-245-1188 to discuss available designs or request photos of his current stock. Payments can be made through PayPal, he said.

Want to help out with donations? Brown said that he’s always in need of materials such as cotton fabrics, interfacing, glue sticks, glue guns and thread. He also needs a new sewing machine because his old one broke.

But a little thing like a busted sewing machine doesn’t stand much of a chance of stopping the budding businessman for long. Even if he’s reduced to using needle and thread, Brown is going to continue to do what he does best: use compassion to build a better world.

“Hopefully me making the bow ties can continue to help all the dogs and cats stand out more and they can find a forever home,” Brown said.

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page here.

Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site here. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photos used with permission, Darius Brown