Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Faison.
Richard, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
So I started bartending at a Kosher bar in crown heights, Brooklyn, NY in 2019. After working there for a bit, I started doing private parties for the owners and that got me closer to some of the patrons that would come by. It was a mostly Hasidic Jewish neighborhood so that’s what most of our clients were. One in particular “Lov” would come in a try out new drinks I made every week. We eventually became friends and I would invite him over to my house parties.
He mentioned how great it was that him being Hasidic and me being black that we could still hang out and be friends since it was such a rare thing in NYC. At one of my parties, he said “You always have great style and nice hats, I work with a guy who needs someone to make hats with him. Would you be down?” I immediately said yes and the next day, I ended up meeting my mentor who taught me how to make Shtrimels (Hasidic Jewish fur hats). Then from there I worked with them and mastered my craft till one day they offered to help me start my own company. And here I am today!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think it’s had its ups and downs. Mostly because at first the job was so taxing on my hands, I had to use stress balls every day and almost quit. After that, it was pretty smooth and fun learning this new beautiful art. Then I quit because I wanted a raise and not to work 75 hrs a week.
Then my mentor called me back a few weeks later and asked that I come back and he would give me more money and less time. That worked for a while but eventually, the hours started piling up again. I would say starting my own company has genuinely been amazing. Of course, not every month has been great but I’m working my way towards my set goals every day.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a milliner and I specialize in hat making. What separates me from everyone is I’m the only black man (known) in the world to make Shtrimels for the Hasidic community. Now, I specialize in making rabbit and beaver felt fedoras and bucket hats, but I also make straw hats as well.
I’m most proud of sticking to a craft and working hard at it, hat making has truly changed my life.
Now I’m trying to build a company and legacy that I can pass on to many generations.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Unfortunately, I’ve never been! Need to change that soon.
Contact Info:
- Website: oliverlewishats.com
- Instagram: @oliverlewishats @richoliverlewis
Image Credits
Jon Knox and Vanessa Zwiselman
