Brackish: A Charleston Success Story on a National Stage
In the heart of Charleston, something special is brewing! Brackish, a brand that beautifully captures the essence of the Lowcountry, started in a humble apartment on Rutledge Avenue back in 2007. What began as a thoughtful gift of turkey feather bow ties for groomsmen has transformed into a thriving business that’s now adorned by celebrities and fashionistas, both locally and nationally.
The Journey Begins
The initial spark can be credited to co-founder Ben Ross, who made those unique bow ties for his wedding’s groomsmen. When his buddy, Jeff Plotner, joined forces to take this creative gift idea and turn it into a brand, the duo had no idea the success that awaited them. Fast forward to today, and their creations are not only a local favorite but also find their way onto red carpets and national television.
Keeping Up with Demand
In just a few short years, Brackish has expanded significantly, and there’s more in store! After launching their women’s collection in 2019, Jeff revealed exciting growth plans during a recent chat. “From day one, we’ve been all about creating top-notch pieces and finding inspiration in nature,” he said. “While our roots remain true, we’re evolving and planning to dive into several new categories come 2025.”
Jeff couldn’t contain his excitement as he teased about the upcoming additions, which include women’s belts scheduled for release by the end of this year. And, of course, there’s talk of newly designed belts that women will just adore—coming this fall!
Star Power
What’s it like to see celebrities donning the brand? For Jeff, it’s a mix of humility and pride. “I get goosebumps each time I spot someone wearing something we created right here in Charleston. It’s incredible to see people appreciate our work, whether they’re local fans or well-known celebrities,” he mentioned. He even had a dreamy wish list: “I’d love to see Matthew McConaughey in one of our bow ties, especially our new collegiate piece inspired by The University of Texas, Austin!”
Ben chimed in, saying that every time he sees a piece out in the wild, it still sends butterflies through him. He believes in personally thanking each customer he spots, which shows just how much he and Jeff value their supporters.
Gameday and Beyond
With college football season just around the corner, you won’t want to miss the new collegiate collection. Jeff and Ben are excited to share that it includes not only Texas-inspired designs but also pieces celebrating Clemson and Gamecock fans. “We really love our local teams, and it’s a joy to craft items that reflect our community’s spirit,” Jeff said enthusiastically.
Crafted with Love
At Brackish, the attention to detail is paramount. “We pour our heart and soul into every piece,” said Ben. “All our feather products are made right here in Charleston, and we’re grateful for the talented artisans who bring our designs to life. They are truly our secret sauce!”
Local Favorites
When it comes to taking a break, Jeff and Ben have their go-to spots in Charleston. With families of their own, date nights are precious. Jeff’s favorites include Lowland and Chubby Fish, both notable for their amazing chefs and commitment to local ingredients. Ben simply radiated enthusiasm, lively naming his go-to eats: “Anywhere, really! But if I must pick, let’s go to Hanks, Fig, Halls, or Glass Onion!”
In Conclusion
Brackish embodies the spirit of Charleston—where creativity, community, and local charm converge. With exciting plans on the horizon, the future is brightly lit for this Lowcountry gem. Stay tuned for what’s next!”
