At just 9 years old when most kids are busy simply being kids, Moziah Bridges was already thinking about ties. With a sharp sense of style and confidence beyond his years, he says that he used to walk into McDonald’s dressed in a three-piece suit.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Mo started making bow ties at a young age. Already discerning and clear about his own sense of style, he knew that something was missing when he could not find pieces that reflected his personality. Using the sewing skills that his grandmother taught him, he decided to make his designs at home. It wasn’t before long he was taking Facebook orders from friends and family. Once he realized that other people liked his designs, it was only natural that he then formed his own company. So, in 2011, at just 9 years old, he launched Mo’s Bows.
When he made his appearance on ABC’s Shark Tank in 2014, his business skyrocketed. Although he did not secure an investment, he gained something arguably more valuable - mentorship from fashion guru Daymond John. From there, things moved quickly. His brand expanded onto the shelves of luxury retailers like Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s, and he was named to TIME Magazine’s Most Influential Teens List of 2015.
Shortly after, Mo served as a fashion correspondent for the NBA draft, styling draft picks with hand-made bow ties and, in 2017, he signed a seven-figure licensing deal with the NBA to mass produce his bow ties with NBA logos.
“My goal has always been to make Mo’s Bows a household name for kids’ entrepreneurship and men’s accessories.” - Moziah Bridges, Forbes
He has been featured in Vogue, recognized by Oprah, and even invited to participate at the first White House Demo Day in 2015. But Mo’s story goes beyond just business. He has consistently made a point to give back. He previously donated $1,600 to send 10 children from his hometown of Memphis to Glenview Summer Camp. And, in 2012, he launched the GoMo Scholarship Fund, where 100% of proceeds from select designs support his philanthropic efforts.
But bow ties were just the beginning. Mo’s Bows also has since expanded into producing fashionable and timeless pocket squares, with neckties on the horizon.
What stands out most about Mo is not just how early he started or how far he has gotten, but how clear his sense of direction has always been. He saw something that was missing and didn't wait around for it to appear. Instead, he took the opportunity to fill the gap himself. In doing so, he not only built something that reflects who he is, but shows what can happen when you trust your instincts and follow them all the way through. Sometimes, what you’re looking for doesn't exist until you create it and once you do, you realize that you weren't the only one searching for it.
