'What ties us together': Tallahassee man uses professional attire to connect with kids
Edward Ravenel Jr. has always known the importance of professional attire in the workplace. He now is passionate about passing his awareness to young men in Leon County through his nonprofit organization, called “What Ties Us Together.”
Growing up in Decatur, Georgia, Ravenel looked up to his dad, Edward Ravenel Sr., who would wear business suits and ties to his job with the Internal Revenue Service. It was through his father that he learned about promoting a professional and confident appearance.
“He worked for the IRS for 35-plus years, so he was always in a suit and tie, and I think that’s something I caught on to as a kid," said the 30-year-old Ravenel, who goes by Eddie.
In high school, the younger Ravenel was always intrigued by sciences and the study of pharmaceuticals, later enrolling at Florida A&M University in 2012, where he graduated with a degree in biology in 2017.
But when he was outside of lecture halls and science labs on campus, Ravenel continued his passion for fashion by helping students enrolled in the School of Business and Industry and the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication learn the skill of tying ties.
That led to sewing and design over petri dishes and lab work.
“People always say, ‘Are you doing anything with your biology degree?’ ” Ravenel told the Tallahassee Democrat. “My answer is always, ‘No, I’m not.’ I believe that right before the pandemic I found what I’m truly passionate in.”
In January, Ravenel – who’s also a traveling DJ and alterations expert – quit his job as a gate agent with American Airlines at Tallahassee International Airport and launched the nonprofit on his birthday, Jan. 31.
His goal: Making 400 ties by hand — and giving them away
Ravenel has set a goal of handcrafting 400 ties and donating them to boys in middle and high schools. His nonprofit aims to teach them how to tie and wear the accessory and get them to appreciate dressing for success.
Ravenel said every tie has a different stitch or fabric, such as silk or wool, in a variety of colors. He even offers university-themed ties featuring, for instance, orange and green for FAMU and garnet and gold for Florida State.
His original goal was to make 300 ties, but he added, “God told me I needed to increase to 400.” So far, he has made 331 ties with hopes of hitting 400 by the end of November.
“I will be choosing different schools within the community to give the ties to young men,” Ravenel said. “I want to teach them the importance of dressing up in a professional setting. Before they even get to college, I think that’s something that needs to be done.”
Ravenel said he envisions What Ties Us Together becoming an two-day mentoring summit, where he will bring influential men to speak to boys. He eventually wants to develop after-school sessions and "present every attendee with a suit and tie to have."
He’s already on his way.
Ravenel has gotten permission to visit Nims Middle School and FAMU’s Developmental Research School to host hour-long seminars. He said he is waiting for confirmation from Raa Middle School, the Florida State University Schools and Godby High School.
“I want to engage them in a fun way,” Ravenel said. “We’ll have tie tying competitions (with) prizes, and I will be sponsoring free sewing classes for the young men that want to learn how to sew.”
Finding a mentor with a shared vision at SewNoles
Ravenel now is working full time in a space at SewNoles Fabrics and Lessons on Capital Circle Southeast. There, he not only does alteration work for business owner Martha Heath, but he also has his own tailoring business, Edward Scissorhands & Company, which he started last year.
During a visit at the shop, Ravenel showed his workspace, which includes a cutting table, sewing machines and different fabrics spread out everywhere.
He wore an Atlanta Braves sweatsuit, atypical of him, considering he usually wears a tie wherever he goes. Ravenel's Facebook photos, dating back to when he first entered FAMU, shows his long-lasting passion for the accessory.
Heath, a Florida State University graduate, said when she taught Ravenel how to sew three years ago, he was one of her most passionate and attentive students. She said she is proud of how far he has come with What Ties Us Together.
Ravenel said next year he wants to increase his goal to 600 ties, expanding every year afterward.
“One of the things that make Eddie’s initiative unique is that most young men probably don’t have a tie, have never worn a tie, and the chance to finally get to have one of their own and wear it, will make them feel very special,” Heath told the Democrat.
'This is extremely needed in our community'
Yennifer Castillo, who teaches at FAMU’s Developmental Research School, said the parental support she receives in the classroom is mainly from mothers, so she admires that Ravenel wants to be a role model.
“I believe that this is extremely needed in our community,” said Castillo. “A lot of my students, unfortunately, do not get the support they need from their fathers. So I believe Eddie ... will set a good example for our male students.”
Darling Cerna, a frequent client, vouches for Ravenel’s tailoring skills.
“I had him tailor one of my pants for me and loved the outcome when I received them. Eddie is my primary tailor and I only go to him when I need any of my garments tailored,” she said.
If you want to donate to Ravenel, go to his GoFundMe page. To book him for alterations, visit his website, Edward Scissorhands & Company.
Democrat writer Mikiyah Everett can be reached at Meverett@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee man uses ties to teach kids the importance of looking good
