SHOP BOSS(ES):
Meet Bradley and Filipe of Ole Mason Jar
Amanda Weisiger • 05/20/2016
Ole Mason Jar is a men’s clothing and lifestyle brand founded and created in North Carolina. As a quintessential Southern icon, the brand’s namesake represents the simplistic yet symbolic heritage that Ole Mason Jar strives to preserve in its sophisticated, classic style. Passionate about crafting high quality, great fitting clothing by second and third generation seamstresses in the United States, the company is dedicated to giving back. Through its “Buy a Shirt, Feed a Family” program, Ole Mason Jar donates meals to families in need for every item sold. We caught up with co-founders, Bradley Rhyne and Filipe Ho, to learn more about their story, pick their brains on the evolution of men’s fashion, and more…
Hometown:
Brad:
Gastonia, North Carolina
Filipe: Franklin, North Carolina
Style Icon(s):
Steve McQueen, Don Draper (he counts right?), and Billy Reid.
Brad:
Gastonia, North Carolina
Filipe: Franklin, North Carolina
Style Icon(s):
Steve McQueen, Don Draper (he counts right?), and Billy Reid.
How would you describe your style?
Brad: Filipe and I have slightly different everyday styles, but we both agree that fit and quality are the most important aspects. I gravitate to simple, timeless pieces for the majority of what I wear, while adding in subtle details and textures to define and complete my look.
Filipe: I am big on versatile pieces, pairing things together, and layering. I tend to wear something in a different way each time, and enjoy creating unique and different looks with only a handful of pieces.
Brad: Filipe and I have slightly different everyday styles, but we both agree that fit and quality are the most important aspects. I gravitate to simple, timeless pieces for the majority of what I wear, while adding in subtle details and textures to define and complete my look.
Filipe: I am big on versatile pieces, pairing things together, and layering. I tend to wear something in a different way each time, and enjoy creating unique and different looks with only a handful of pieces.
Item(s) from your closet you can’t live without?
Brad: Dark denim, a white oxford, and a pair of loafers, and I am good to go.
Filipe: Dark denim, black Nike Internationalists, and my Chelsea boots.
Brad: Dark denim, a white oxford, and a pair of loafers, and I am good to go.
Filipe: Dark denim, black Nike Internationalists, and my Chelsea boots.
Tell us the story behind Ole Mason Jar—who or what inspired you to start your brand?
It was an idea that came out of a passion to do something that made a difference. When we first began putting Ole Mason Jar together five years ago, we noticed there was a huge gap in locally made American brands, and we had a real problem with that. We also noticed that there seemed to be a movement for menswear. Guys were starting to care a little more about what they were wearing, and seemed to be gravitating towards things that were different than your typical national retail brands. We saw the trend start with things like craft beer and even coffee, where more and more guys care more about the craft, detail, and passion that goes into the goods they consume. We thought it was time for men’s clothing to be like that too. Ultimately, we wanted to create something that is not only a unique and quality product, but also something that tells a great story.
It was an idea that came out of a passion to do something that made a difference. When we first began putting Ole Mason Jar together five years ago, we noticed there was a huge gap in locally made American brands, and we had a real problem with that. We also noticed that there seemed to be a movement for menswear. Guys were starting to care a little more about what they were wearing, and seemed to be gravitating towards things that were different than your typical national retail brands. We saw the trend start with things like craft beer and even coffee, where more and more guys care more about the craft, detail, and passion that goes into the goods they consume. We thought it was time for men’s clothing to be like that too. Ultimately, we wanted to create something that is not only a unique and quality product, but also something that tells a great story.
Why’d you choose Charlotte for the flagship store?
Being natives of North Carolina, we absolutely love Charlotte, and see the incredible potential the city has to offer. It is a city that is transitioning into something special and has a lot of opportunity to help promote and support companies like ours as we look to grow and expand. As for our actual location (148 Brevard Court in uptown Charlotte), it was a no-brainer when we came across the amazing space. Attached to historic Latta Arcade, our store was built in 1914 and has the character and look that perfectly represents our brand.
Being natives of North Carolina, we absolutely love Charlotte, and see the incredible potential the city has to offer. It is a city that is transitioning into something special and has a lot of opportunity to help promote and support companies like ours as we look to grow and expand. As for our actual location (148 Brevard Court in uptown Charlotte), it was a no-brainer when we came across the amazing space. Attached to historic Latta Arcade, our store was built in 1914 and has the character and look that perfectly represents our brand.
Is there a piece of business advice on running a local store that has stuck with you?
There is no shortcut to success. Put in the work, make mistakes, and learn from them to keep getting better.
From shirting to ties to leather goods to made-to-measure suiting, you guys cover the menswear arena.
There is no shortcut to success. Put in the work, make mistakes, and learn from them to keep getting better.
From shirting to ties to leather goods to made-to-measure suiting, you guys cover the menswear arena.
What are some of your favorite pieces from the OMJ collection?
Honestly, it all started with the button down shirt, and we stand by our button down as being one of the best in the business. By combining amazing fabrics, a focus on fit, and excellent craftsmanship, we created a product that I never want to stop bragging about. We are also very proud of not only making them here in America, but actually making them right here in North Carolina. Our sport coats and custom suiting are also products that we really love and are proud of.
Honestly, it all started with the button down shirt, and we stand by our button down as being one of the best in the business. By combining amazing fabrics, a focus on fit, and excellent craftsmanship, we created a product that I never want to stop bragging about. We are also very proud of not only making them here in America, but actually making them right here in North Carolina. Our sport coats and custom suiting are also products that we really love and are proud of.
OMJ is big on giving back. Tell us about your “Buy a Shirt, Feed a Family” endeavor.
A big part of our brand identity is that we give back. For every item we sell, we feed a family in need in an effort to truly make a difference in the world. We have been blessed with the opportunity to start and proceed with something that is a passion of ours, and so we gladly give back. Not only does this help make a difference for our partnerships, but it also helps to serve as a reminder of the importance of what truly matters. This helps to keep us grounded and constantly gives us that extra motivation when things get tough!
What is the best part about running a shop in Charlotte?
Our location is in a very lively and popular area in the heart of uptown Charlotte, and that really makes things fun on a daily basis. Additionally, the ability to collaborate and partner is huge in Charlotte. We are fortunate to have partnered with one of the best alterations experts in Charlotte, Cassandra’s Alterations, in order to be able to provide in-house alterations for both our in-stock products and custom product offerings.
A big part of our brand identity is that we give back. For every item we sell, we feed a family in need in an effort to truly make a difference in the world. We have been blessed with the opportunity to start and proceed with something that is a passion of ours, and so we gladly give back. Not only does this help make a difference for our partnerships, but it also helps to serve as a reminder of the importance of what truly matters. This helps to keep us grounded and constantly gives us that extra motivation when things get tough!
What is the best part about running a shop in Charlotte?
Our location is in a very lively and popular area in the heart of uptown Charlotte, and that really makes things fun on a daily basis. Additionally, the ability to collaborate and partner is huge in Charlotte. We are fortunate to have partnered with one of the best alterations experts in Charlotte, Cassandra’s Alterations, in order to be able to provide in-house alterations for both our in-stock products and custom product offerings.
What’s your take on men’s fashion in Charlotte? How do you see it evolving?
Men’s fashion is coming along here in Charlotte. It is a traditional banking town, and there are still a lot of basic suits and shirting, but it is absolutely evolving. As Charlotte has really expanded, so has the evolution of men’s fashion, and we are seeing a lot more bloggers, street styles, and interest popping up. Guys are now seeing the value in buying a well-made product that is going to last for a long time.
Favorite local spots in Charlotte? Restaurants, shops, watering holes?
We love coffee (probably a little too much), so we have to mention Not Just Coffee and our neighbors, Rush Espresso. Food wise, are huge fans of Futa Buta, Kid Cashew, and Workman’s Friend. Other shops we respect and admire are Paper Skyscraper, Tabor, Moxie Mercantile, Elsa Fine, The Sporting Gent (shameless plug as they also sell OMJ), and Abbeydale. As for local watering hole, we’ve got to give it to the entire Brevard Court as it’s made up of some great spots to grab a beer and watch a game or meet up for happy hour at Hooligans, Valhalla, French Quarter, Bell Fast or QCBC.
Men’s fashion is coming along here in Charlotte. It is a traditional banking town, and there are still a lot of basic suits and shirting, but it is absolutely evolving. As Charlotte has really expanded, so has the evolution of men’s fashion, and we are seeing a lot more bloggers, street styles, and interest popping up. Guys are now seeing the value in buying a well-made product that is going to last for a long time.
Favorite local spots in Charlotte? Restaurants, shops, watering holes?
We love coffee (probably a little too much), so we have to mention Not Just Coffee and our neighbors, Rush Espresso. Food wise, are huge fans of Futa Buta, Kid Cashew, and Workman’s Friend. Other shops we respect and admire are Paper Skyscraper, Tabor, Moxie Mercantile, Elsa Fine, The Sporting Gent (shameless plug as they also sell OMJ), and Abbeydale. As for local watering hole, we’ve got to give it to the entire Brevard Court as it’s made up of some great spots to grab a beer and watch a game or meet up for happy hour at Hooligans, Valhalla, French Quarter, Bell Fast or QCBC.
What do you love about House Account?
We love that it provides a platform to access local shops and boutiques across the country to easily connect with consumers and other like-minded business. There is nothing else like it, and with something like House Account, small shops like ours are able to greatly expand our audience like never before.
Photos courtesy of Jonathan Taylor.
We love that it provides a platform to access local shops and boutiques across the country to easily connect with consumers and other like-minded business. There is nothing else like it, and with something like House Account, small shops like ours are able to greatly expand our audience like never before.
Photos courtesy of Jonathan Taylor.
Ole Mason Jar
Charlotte, NC
Ole Mason Jar is a men's clothing and lifestyle brand founded and created in North Carolina. As a quintessential Southern icon, the brand's namesake represents the simplistic yet symbolic heritage that Ole Mason Jar strives to preserve in its sophisticated, classic style. Passionate about crafting high quality, great fitting clothing by second and third generation seamstresses in the United States, the company is dedicated to giving back. Through its "buy a shirt, feed a family" program, Ole Mason Jar donates meals to families in need for every item sold.