We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Nicole, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve always been an artistic soul. It only made sense to make use of my passions and create something wonderful to share with others. Proverbs 18:16 states that your gift will make room for you and bring you in front of great people. So I knew that no matter how I chose to pursue designing, it would do well.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What truly sets me apart from other bow tie designers is that I create the prints for my fabric from scratch. Each print is a reflection of my experiences and inspirations gathered from my travels—from the vibrant streets of Port of Spain, Trinidad, to the innovative exhibits at Toronto’s Science Museum. These places, and many more, have influenced my designs, making each bow tie not just an accessory but a story waiting to be worn.
I’m especially proud and excited about my recent nomination for Best Cigar Accessory at the Atlanta Cigar Week Awards. It’s such an honor to have my artistry and hard work recognized among so many outstanding Atlanta-based brands. If this goes live before August 10th, I’d love your support! You can vote once per day until voting ends on August 10th. Here’s the link to vote: https://atlantacigarweek.com/pages/awards-voting-1. Your support means the world to me!
Getting to where I am today hasn’t been a smooth ride—it’s been a journey of trial and error, with more errors than I’d like to admit. But I’ve never regretted trying. Every mistake was a lesson, and those lessons have been invaluable. My start in Quality Assurance taught me what good quality truly means. Just because something looks good doesn’t mean it’s made well, so I’ve learned always to double-check, to be diligent. That diligence, I believe, is what’s brought me this far.
Building a brand requires a lot of learning, especially when it comes to knowing when to outsource so you can focus on the creative side of things. But with that comes the need for patience and peace, especially when things don’t go as planned. It’s all part of the journey, and every step, even the tough ones, has shaped who I am and what my brand stands for.
I want the world to know that Ruth Nathan’s isn’t just about creating beautiful bow ties—it’s about crafting pieces that carry stories, that are made with intention, and that reflect a journey of passion, resilience, and creativity. I’m grateful for every experience that’s brought me here, and I’m excited to keep growing, learning, and sharing my art with all of you.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When my best friend comes to visit Atlanta, I make sure they experience all the city’s charm and vibrancy. Here’s what our week might look like:
Day 1: Outdoor Adventures
We’d start with some fresh air and nature. My top recommendation is a hike up Stone Mountain for the adventurous souls—it’s a bit of a climb, but the view at the top is absolutely worth it. If we’re in the mood for something a bit more relaxed and shaded, we’d head to Reynolds Nature Preserve, where the trails are peaceful, and the scenery is stunning.
Day 2: Exploring Ponce City Market
Ponce City Market is an absolute must. It’s like a little world of its own with so much to do, see, and taste. We’d start with a round of mini golf, then dive into some of the amazing vegan fare they have to offer. Of course, I can’t resist checking out the local artisan shops, especially the ones featuring Black-owned brands. And since we’re right there, we’d pop over to City Winery for a fantastic concert to end the day on a high note.
Day 3: Immersing in Music and Culture
I’m a huge music lover, so I’d definitely introduce my friend to Atlanta’s vibrant music scene. I recently discovered a love for the opera, so if Americolor Opera is putting on a production, we’d be there in a heartbeat. The performances are always so captivating. And no visit would be complete without attending a service at my church, Our Lady of Lourdes. The sense of community there is incredible, and it’s well-known for its welcoming atmosphere.
Day 4: Historic Sites and Local Eats
We’d spend a day soaking in some history. A visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is always moving and inspiring. Afterward, we’d grab lunch at a local favorite—probably Busy Bee Café for some classic Southern comfort food. In the evening, we’d explore the BeltLine, stopping by some of the coolest murals and street art along the way.
Day 5: Art and Shopping
Atlanta has a thriving arts scene, so we’d dedicate a day to exploring it. First, we’d check out the High Museum of Art, followed by a trip to some local galleries. In the afternoon, we’d swing by Little Five Points for some eclectic shopping—everything from vintage stores to quirky boutiques. Dinner would be at a trendy spot in Inman Park, maybe Barcelona Wine Bar for some tapas.
Day 6: A Day for Relaxation
After so much exploring, we’d take a day to unwind. A visit to a local spa, like Jeju Sauna, would be perfect for some pampering. Later, we’d have a leisurely lunch at a café, followed by an easygoing evening, maybe catching a movie at the Plaza Theatre, a historic cinema with a lot of character.
Day 7: Farewell Brunch and a Final Stroll
On the last day, we’d have a farewell brunch at one of my favorite spots, like Sun in My Belly, where the food is delicious, and the atmosphere is warm and cozy. We’d finish off with a stroll through Piedmont Park, taking in the skyline views and maybe catching a festival or event if one’s happening.
Atlanta has so much to offer, and this itinerary is just a glimpse of the vibrant, diverse experiences that make this city so special. I love showing it off to my friends, and I’m always excited to discover even more hidden gems along the way!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to thank my parents, Linda and Willie Brown, and my entire family for supporting me. They have nurtured and encouraged me through all my artistic endeavors. My first creative business was in grade school selling friendship bracelets and lanyards at the church flea market. My friends and I were just excited to have something for our own and create fun things.
Website: https://ruthnathans.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthnathans/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolerbrown22/
Twitter: https://x.com/ruthnathans
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicoleatruthnathans
Youtube: https://bit.ly/RuthNathansYouTube
Image Credits
Paper Monday. Reese Bland. Dianne Harper.