Use code JAMESLAWLEY10 to get 10% off ties, shirts, accessories and more at https://otaa.com/
Fameez Haroon is one of the founding brothers of Otaa – a men’s accessories brand from Melbourne, Australia.
Despite having no prior experience in the clothing industry, Fameez and his brother have grown the company into one of the most popular tie brands in e-commerce.
Their designs have been worn by not only Hollywood actors, but also Robert F. Kennedy and Fox News anchor Jesse Watters.
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Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: OTAA, discount code & who is Fameez Haroon
00:39 – The rebellious origin story: a bad shop experience that started OTAA
04:58 – Outsiders in fashion: first principles, no pedigree & anti-snobbery
08:09 – Year one realities: overdue bills, no traffic & playing the long game
15:03 – “How to tie a tie”: YouTube tutorials & early Instagram growth
21:18 – Jesse Watters, Fox News & the real power of traditional media
23:05 – Hollywood, politicians & how OTAA ends up on screen
29:34 – Do ties still matter? Dressing well, Covid & the return of formalwear
37:06 – Designing Bond-level style with data, movies & accessible luxury
41:30 – Style rules vs creativity, AI and why real people still matter
59:20 – Knock-offs, customer intimacy & scaling a founder-led global brand
1:05:55 – Fameez’s daily routine, law school dropout story & final advice