Undressing the story behind stylish Upstate brand A Dapper Sandlapper.
Chances are, if you’ve been out and about in the Upstate and a unique, exquisitely crafted bow tie caught your eye—whether on a person or a puppy—solopreneur Nick Kulmala, owner and operator of A Dapper Sandlapper, created it.
“Before I started the business, I had zero background in running a business or sewing. I was a performing arts major at Clemson,” reflects Kulmala. Upon graduating, he decided to pursue arts administration and briefly worked at the Peace Center and the Governor’s School—all while continuing to do theater. It wasn’t until the multifaceted creative took on a typical office job that he realized working for other people didn’t work for him.
“I had this harebrained idea to start making bow ties because anytime I had to dress up—especially at Clemson—I was wearing a bow tie . . . you know, as one does in the South,” laughs Kulmala. “I was bored with department store bow ties. They’re all kind of the same. I thought: I’m creative enough. I can make this work and come up with some fun stuff.” Kulmala took a couple of sewing classes and watched YouTube videos, and the business took off from there.
“In general, all of my adult bow ties are what we call self-tie: you tie them yourself, and you can adjust the length. I do make pre-tied versions for kids and on request,” says Kulmala, who can often be spotted at Upstate events, showing curious onlookers how to tie a bowknot. “A lot of people learn how to tie a necktie before a bow tie, which is odd to me because a necktie is so much more difficult—there are very different knots. With a bow tie, it’s just one knot, and it’s one that everyone already knows how to do. It’s just like tying your shoes. Don’t be intimidated.”
A Dapper Sandlapper isn’t just for college professors, either. “These are great gifts for anyone in the medical field,” says Kulmala. “Because if you’re going to wear a tie, these are more hygienic. They don’t fall down into peoples’ faces.” They’re great for teens attending cotillion and taking etiquette classes, and most recently, the pooch portion of Kulmala’s business has exploded. “People spend money on their pets before they spend money on themselves,” admits Kulmala, “so I sell a lot of dog bow ties.”
If you love Sandlapper’s creative vibe but aren’t into bow ties, the small business has several other stylish options: playful and sharp neckties, of course, as well as big whimsical “jumbows,” which look at once charming and classical when tied around the collar of a blouse. “I just try to make fun stuff for everyone because life is too short to wear anything boring. I hope to help spice up everyone’s wardrobe, little by little,” adds Kulmala with a smile.
Style Advice from A Dapper Sandlapper
- ADD A LITTLE SPARKLE with metallic accessories.
- DON’T BE AFRAID to embrace fun colors and patterns.
- WATCH A BOWTIE TUTORIAL on YouTube—it’s easier than you think.
Custom Orders
Kulmala suggests custom ordering for:
- weddings and formal events
- sports team events
- themed parties
Photography courtesy of A Dapper Sandlapper.
