A career that spans marketing, philanthropy, and a cake business all before her entry into the fashion world, Nancy Berman’s entrepreneurial spirit is palpable. We caught up with the visionary founder, CEO and creative director about the daring professional journey that led her to build luxury tie brand NANDANIE. A New York City business with exquisite collections created for women but embraced by all, NANDANIE ties are made to instil confidence, foster inclusivity, celebrate unity and empower anyone who wears them.

Tell us a bit about you, your career before NANDANIE and the road that led you to its creation.

I attended college in the vibrant city of NYC with dreams of immersing myself in the fashion industry upon graduation. However, circumstances led me back to my hometown in Michigan, as I was in a relationship with my former husband at the time. While in Michigan, I embarked on a fulfilling career in marketing and dedicated myself to various non-profit organisations.

I nurtured my creative spirit throughout the years and indulged in my passion for design and creation through different avenues. One of my ventures included running an artisanal cake business—akin to the captivating world of Cake Boss. Balancing my time between supporting my former husband’s career and raising my three wonderful children, who have blossomed into individuals aged 21, 18, and 16, I am now excited to be pursuing my lifelong dream of working in fashion.

What inspired you to launch NANDANIE? Did you have an ‘aha’ moment or experience that ignited your passion for women’s ties?

A significant turning point came when I realised there was a gap in the fashion market for luxurious and effortlessly wearable women’s ties. Determined to address this gap, I decided to step forward and fill this void in the fashion world.

We love the versatility of Nandanie neckties and how they can elevate any look. What is your favourite way to wear them?

I love adorning my ties in unconventional ways, defying expectations by pairing them with anything from a casual t-shirt and jeans ensemble to a glamorous ball gown dress.

If you had to pick one, what has been your proudest moment since launching NANDANIE?

My proudest moments since launching NANDANIE was seeing our ties grace the runways at New York Fashion Week and hearing the overwhelmingly positive responses from the models and other designers. It was amazing to listen to the models talk about feeling more confident and powerful while wearing our ties, which is exactly the mission we set out to achieve. Knowing that our brand is positively impacting people’s lives through fashion is truly humbling and something I am incredibly proud of.

What sets NANDANIE apart?

NANDANIE ties stand out for their distinctive qualities: effortless wearability, luxurious craftsmanship, and a versatile collection. Our range encompasses everything from timeless skinny ties to breathtakingly embroidered statement pieces. Unparalleled in the market, we aim to establish ourselves as the leading brand for luxury ties.

While originally designed with women in focus, our ties have captivated wearers of all genders. In our commitment to inclusivity, we’re expanding our size options to accommodate men’s necks too. We also love to collaborate with other artists and designers and currently have one-of-a-kind pieces by Hypnotiq sold on our website.

Can you tell us about the making of your neckties, like the materials you use and where you produce them?

NANDANIE ties are hand-crafted in fair trade facilities in New York City using sustainably sourced luxury materials. We use cotton, silk charmeuse, wool, tweed, and gold chain embellishments.

Do you think people have any misconceptions about ties that need to change?

There are certainly misconceptions among women when it comes to ties. Firstly, it’s important to recognise that ties are not exclusively for men. Women have been donning ties throughout history—it’s not a recent trend. But the perception that women must wear ties in the same manner as men is a fallacy. In reality, women have a multitude of options when it comes to styling a tie.

To begin with, wearing a tie does not require a button-down shirt, although it’s certainly a viable choice. You can wear them inside the collar and more loosely around the neck. They can be effortlessly paired with a t-shirt, tank top, sundress, ball gown, practically or any other garment. They serve as an accessory, offering endless possibilities for enhancing one’s outfit.

The truth is most women aren’t familiar with tying a tie—and they don’t tend to have the time in the mornings to tie one. However, with NANDANIE ties, this becomes a non-issue. NANDANIE ties all come pre-tied, and no one can tell you haven’t tied the tie yourself. Our ties provide convenience and ease, allowing women to enjoy the polished look without the hassle.

Fashion, as we know, is one of the most powerful forms of self-expression. How does wearing a tie make you feel, and what are NANDANIE ties made to represent?

NANDANIE ties ignite a sense of empowerment. Each time a woman dons a NANDANIE tie, the response is profound. It instils a remarkable feeling of being unstoppable, confident, and resolute. Psychologically, there is a transformative effect that amplifies one’s inner strength, providing an undeniable boost of self-assurance.

What was the inspiration behind your logo—two elephants with trunks intertwined?

Our logo of intertwined elephants creates a harmonious tie symbolising strength, resilience, and uniqueness. Elephants not only represent prosperity and luck, but they also show the balance of being strong and empathetic. When you wear a NANDANIE tie, it’s a conscious reminder of the empathy to show the world around us, and we hope the confidence it gives you will be even better than any luck charm.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received or something you’ve recently read, listened to, or seen that’s helped you in your work?

One of the most valuable pieces of advice I have received is to keep moving forward. Countless great ideas fail to materialise because it is all too easy to become discouraged and give up before reaching our goals. Every worthwhile endeavour encounters obstacles along the way, but it is essential to maintain an unwavering belief in oneself and ride the waves of challenges with determination. Success comes to those who continue pushing forward, undeterred by setbacks.

Outside of running NANDANIE, what’s your favourite way to unwind?

I love to dance and recently started to Ballroom dance.