Moziah “Mo” Bridges, a teenage fashion entrepreneur, has captured the hearts and imaginations of many with his vibrant and innovative approach to men’s accessories. His journey began in Memphis, Tennessee, when at the tender age of nine, he decided to address a gap he observed in the market: the lack of exciting, stylish bow ties for children. Discontent with the options available in stores, Mo took it upon himself to create his own, giving birth to Mo’s Bows in 2011.
With his grandmother, a former seamstress, teaching him the fundamentals of sewing, Moziah began crafting bow ties at home. His mother and grandmother played pivotal roles in these early stages, not just in production, but in running the business. What started as a family endeavor soon transformed into a burgeoning enterprise.
Mo’s Bows gained traction quickly, thanks in part to Moziah’s relentless drive to market his products. His efforts paid off, catching the attention of local boutiques and national media outlets like The Steve Harvey Morning Show and Oprah Magazine. However, his appearance on ABC’s Shark Tank in 2014 was a game-changer. Instead of seeking financial investment, Moziah received a unique offer from Daymond John, one of the show’s “sharks.” John proposed to mentor him for free, a decision that has since opened numerous doors for Moziah and his brand.
Under Daymond John’s mentorship, Mo’s Bows expanded its presence in high-end retail stores such as Cole Haan, Bloomingdale’s, and Neiman Marcus. Moreover, the brand secured a licensing deal with the NBA, allowing Moziah to incorporate team logos into his designs — a significant milestone for the young designer. This partnership not only boosted sales but also solidified Mo’s Bows’ reputation in the sports fashion industry.
Moziah’s talents and entrepreneurial spirit have not gone unnoticed. He has been featured on major television networks including The Today Show, Good Morning America, and CBS This Morning. His contributions to fashion were recognized when he was inducted into the Tennessee State Museum Costume and Textile Institute in 2014. He also served as a fashion correspondent for the 2015 NBA Draft and earned spots on Time’s list of “30 Most Influential Teens” and Fortune’s “18 under 18.”
Beyond business, Moziah is committed to giving back to his community. In 2012, he founded the Go Mo! Summer Camp Scholarship Fund, which has since enabled over fifty children from Memphis to attend summer camp. His philanthropic efforts underscore his belief in providing opportunities for others, mirroring the support he received on his journey.
As he continues to grow, Moziah is expanding his design repertoire, participating in events like the 2024 Memphis Fashion Week Fashion Show. In his book, “Mo’s Bows: A Young Person’s Guide to Startup Success,” he shares his insights and the BOWS of Business: Believe in yourself, take the Opportunity to give back, Work hard/study hard, and have Support from friends and family.
Moziah Bridges exemplifies the power of youthful ambition, creativity, and community support. His story serves as an inspiration to young entrepreneurs everywhere, proving that with passion and perseverance, even the loftiest dreams are within reach. Moziah’s success story is a beacon for young entrepreneurs, showing that age is no barrier to creating and running a thriving business.
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