Teen entrepreneur has dapper all tied up in a bow
While other teens are wearing T-shirts, jeans and backpacks, Brice Everhart is sporting a sports coat, natty tie and a briefcase.
The 13-year-old seventh grader at Harmony School of Discovery Houston dresses like a CEO, and it appears he’s headed to become one with his fashion company, Vallaire’s for Men, which he started at age 8. He offers a collection of bow ties, lapel pins and pocket squares that he custom designs.
“Having my own business makes me feel empowered. My friends find me on the Internet and think I have lots of money,” he said.
Brice’s bow ties sell for $15, lapel pins for $15 and pocket squares for $20. Though he does brisk business at networking events, he’s hoping Vallaire’s for Men will become a household name and expand into cologne, socks and signature lapel pins.
Vallaire’s for Men was inspired by his sister, Brooke Vallaire, 23, a women’s fashion designer who launched her own collection at age 15. She’s an art teacher and continues to design women’s wear. But it was Brice’s single mother, Shareca Vallaire, who fueled the entrepreneurial fire. When she became ill and could no longer run the child care center she owned, Brice decided he wanted to help the family financially.
“I didn’t want to see my mom struggle, so I saw it as my responsibility to do something and not sit around and watch,” Brice said.
His first bow ties were made of fabric remnants from his sister’s fashion designs. Over the years, he’s expanded to include pocket squares and lapel pins in ruffles, roses and sunflowers, among other designs.
His first big sale was at an oil and gas business expo at the Hilton Americas-Houston hotel. Brice sold out of his briefcase full of accessories, making more than $700 in three hours. Today his roster of clients includes Mayor Sylvester Turner and Bishop T.D. Jakes, the Dallas megachurch leader. Brice says he had to dodge security to meet Jakes personally and sell him a few pieces from his collection at the Woman Thou Art Loosed conference in 2017 in Dallas.
Vallaire’s for Men is available at the Popup Shop in the Galleria next to Nordstrom. The shop features products from local businesses, including a section for teen entrepreneurs. Brice has been selling at the shop since it opened on Black Friday last year. Next month, the teen section will relocate to Memorial City Mall.
“I do work a lot, but I try to balance it out. When the Popup Shop first started, I worked every Saturday. Now, I can hang out with my friends. But a lot of times with the (networking) events, I honestly don’t know what I’m booked for until my mom tells me to go, and I go.”
When it comes to his business style, Brice says he has always dressed up. He’s been carrying a briefcase since age 2.
“People notice you more, and you get more attention when you dress to impress. You might impress the person who will help you fulfill your dreams or passion. You can miss a lot of opportunities by not dressing presentably,” he said.
Brice is also focused on his studies and is looking forward to attending college to earn multiple degrees.
“My first degree will be in business,” he said. “My second degree will be in acting, and my third degree will be in psychology. I want a doctorate because I want to be called ‘Dr. Everhart.’ ”
It has a nice ring to it, he said.