He quit law school to sell neckties. Everyone thought he was crazy. 15 years later, his brand has served more than 400,000 customers, supplied major Hollywood productions and even found its way into the White House.And it all started with $500.In this episode of The Executive Espresso Podcast, host Verge Das Neves sits down with Fameez Haroon, cofounder of OTAA, to uncover the extraordinary story behind one of Australia's most distinctive menswear brands.From working 13 hour night shifts while studying law to building a global business with his brother, Fameez shares the risks, mistakes, surprising decisions and moments of doubt that shaped his entrepreneurial journey.And they did it without raising a cent of outside investment.But this isn't your typical business success story.There are $50,000 advertising gambles, neckties appearing in Hollywood blockbusters, controversial opinions about corporate fashion and some genuinely hilarious stories about building a business that refuses to take itself too seriously.Are neckties really dead? Fameez certainly doesn't think so.In a conversation that moves between entrepreneurship, leadership, fashion and family, we explore what it takes to build something from nothing, make decisions with your own money on the line and stay true to your identity when everyone else thinks you're making a mistake.And when I asked Fameez what he would tell his 19 year old self, his answer was unexpectedly moving:"It's all going to be all right."Grab a coffee. This is a good one. IN THIS EPISODE- Why two brothers started a necktie business with just $500.- Walking away from law school to pursue an uncertain future.- Building a successful business without outside investment.- How OTAA products ended up in Hollywood productions including Indiana Jones, Tulsa King and Better Call Saul.- Why Fameez spent $50,000 producing an unconventional advertising campaign.- Surviving an approximately 80% collapse in sales during COVID.- Why entrepreneurship is a lot like playing poker.- The advantages and challenges of going into business with family.- Hiring mistakes, company culture and why the traditional CV might be losing relevance.- Why Fameez believes neckties still matter in business.- What 15 years of entrepreneurship teaches you about patience, risk and leadership.ABOUT OUR GUEST: FAMEEZ HAROONFameez Haroon is the cofounder of OTAA, an Australian menswear business established in 2011 with his brother, Shaheen Haroon.What began with $500 and a frustrating experience buying a necktie has grown into a globally recognised brand known for its quality, distinctive designs and irreverent marketing.With more than 400,000 customers and products appearing in major film and television productions, OTAA has challenged traditional thinking about luxury menswear, online retail and brand building.Explore OTAConnect with Fameez on LinkedIn:OUR PROUD PARTNERSThe Executive Espresso Podcast is made possible through the support of our partners.ESPRESSO DISPLAYSAustralian designed portable monitors that help professionals work from virtually anywhereBOYD & MOORE EXECUTIVE SEARCHConnecting exceptional leaders with organisations across Australia and the Asia Pacific region SEVEN MILES COFFEE ROASTERSProud coffee partner of The Executive Espresso Podcast. Exceptional coffee crafted with care, curiosity and a genuine passion for the perfect brew THE TAILORS LOUNGEPremium custom tailoring and beautifully made suits, combining timeless style, craftsmanship and a personalised experience in Richmond, Melbourne.JOIN THE CONVERSATIONWe want to hear from you.Are neckties dead, or are they making a comeback?If you enjoyed this conversation, please LIKE the video, SUBSCRIBE to the channel and SHARE it with someone building a business or considering a bold career move.Thanks for watching and supporting The Executive Espresso Podcast.
