Today we’d like to introduce you to Sir Darius Brown.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
Sir Darius Brown has a heart of gold. He is a powerhouse teen social entrepreneur, speaker, shelter pet advocate, philanthropist, a recipient of the Global Child Prodigy Award, and the Founder & CEO of Beaux & Paws, where he designs and creates handmade stylish bow ties.
Sir Darius was diagnosed with speech comprehension and fine motor skills delay at age two. However, he never let his challenges get in his way or stop him from accomplishing his goals. At eight, his fine motor skills improved after assisting his older sister with cutting fabric and learning how to use a sewing machine. During this time is when he discovered his passion for making bow ties.
In 2017, Sir Darius was moved by the devastation of Hurricane Harvey and Irma and wanted to do his part to help. Learning that some rescue dogs were being transferred from the devastation in Texas and Puerto Rico to the ASPCA in NYC, Sir Darius thought of a unique way to use his passion to create bow ties to help displaced dogs look dapperly adorable. This helps to increase their chances of being noticed and getting adopted faster into forever homes.
During his visit to the adoption center, Sir Darius learned that hundreds of dogs are euthanized daily at some shelters due to overcrowding. He was devastated to learn this horrific reality. As a dog lover, this started Sir Darius’ PAW-SOME Mission to help save shelter pets’ lives by donating his handmade bow ties to animal shelters nationwide, volunteering and participating in adoption events, and spotlighting shelter pets on his social media. As Sir Darius traveled to different shelters around the country, he realized many are underfunded, understaffed, and need a lot of support caring for the adoptable pets until they find homes forever. He knew he had to do something to help. In 2022, Sir Darius created and began donating “Wag Bags,” personal bags for dogs and cats in shelters filled with essential items that are much needed, such as food, treats, bowls, toys, collars, leashes, waste bags, and more.
Sir Darius has used his platform to help raise over $300,000 to support animal shelters, sponsor adoption fees, donate to the Make-A-Wish Foundation to sponsor a Puppy Wish, create Wag Bags, and give thousands of bow ties to shelters and adoption centers across the USA and the United Kingdom. The PAW-SOME Mission has helped countless shelter pets find loving fur-ever families and homes.
Millions worldwide have been inspired by Sir Darius’ story and commitment to shelter pets. Sir Darius has received several prestigious awards and accolades, including:
- The Global Child Prodigy Award
- The Presidential Volunteer Service Award
- The Diana Award
- Daily Points of Light Award
- PETA Hero-to-Animals Award
- The Shining World Compassion Award
- GoFund Me, Kid Hero
- Chewy Hero of the Month Award
- Young Leadership Award
- Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship
- NJ State Honoree for Prudential Spirit of Community Award
Most notably, Sir Darius received a personal letter from former President Obama commending him on his commitment to community service.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely could have been a smoother road. There have been many ups and down along the way. Often, I get a lot of bow tie requests from shelters and bow tie orders from many of my supporters around the world. It can get overwhelming at times because I am a student, but I have learned how to pace myself and have put a plan in place for organization and time management, which greatly helps. Since the demand for my bow ties has significantly increased, I’m looking to partner with a company to help produce my designs.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My bow ties are available for purchase on my website at sirdariusbrown.com. For every bow tie purchased, one is donated to an animal shelter. I’ve written a book called PROJECT PAWSOME: Saving Shelter Pets One Bow Tie at a Time. The book goes into detail about my story and mission. It also includes heartfelt stories of adopted pets, highlights some shelters I have worked with, and teaches others how they can also get involved in helping shelter pets.
The book is available on Amazon at the following link:
https://www.amazon.com/Project-PAWsome-Saving-Shelter-Tomorrow/dp/1684620708/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1TYD3F4F8JHK1&keywords=sir+darius+brown&qid=1679620657&sprefix=sir+darius+brown+%2Caps%2C205&sr=8-1
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I have learned over the years that no matter how old or young you are, believe in yourself and don’t waste time thinking about your idea. Just do it. No idea is too small or too big. You only know the impact once you get out there. Set your trends, and never listen to the naysayers.
Pricing:
- $25 per bow tie (For every one purchased one is donated to a shelter)
Contact Info:
- Website: sirdariusbrown.com
- Instagram: @sirdariusbrown
- Facebook: Beaux and Paws by Sir Darius Brown (https://www.facebook.com/beauxandpaws/)
- Twitter: @sirdariusbrown
- Other: https://www.gofundme.com/f/y9mgb8-sir-darius039s-pawsome-mission and my book which is available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Project-PAWsome-Saving-Shelter-Tomorrow/dp/1684620708/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1TYD3F4F8JHK1&keywords=sir+darius+brown&qid=1679620657&sprefix=sir+darius+brown+%2Caps%2C205&sr=8-1
