Isaac Elliott

The New Year is upon us and a fresh start has begun. Over the past few years, many people have exhibited individuality through the fabrication of their unique style. The brothers of Isaac Elliott have done just that by inspiring us to embrace individualism and emulate intellectualism. As we press towards creating new trends, we are constantly facing criticism in regards to how we dress and represent ourselves. By creating and wearing bow ties, Isaac Elliott broadcasts an aggressive lack of concern for what other people think.

“You can never be overdressed or overeducated.”

Isaac Elliott is the brainchild of brothers Kevin, Paul and Joe Brisco. While sitting around the breakfast table one Christmas morning, the eldest envisioned excellence. Sparked by the youngest brother’s resourceful Christmas gift for the middle sibling, the intent behind Isaac Elliott was born. A company fostered by the innovation of a traditional men's accessory – The Bow Tie.

The brand name is comprised of the youngest and eldest brother's middle names, Kevin Isaac Brisco and Joseph Elliott Brisco. Not with any intention to leave out the middle brother, Paul Rollins Brisco. The Isaac Elliott name just had a better ring than Isaac Rollins Elliott.

The inspiration of the company comes from the love and knowledge for men’s fashion and design between all three brothers. Along side of that comes the mere fact that all three brothers have a terrible time transitioning into the corporate world and dealing with micro managed, boring jobs. And for that, we salute you!

 "We just want be free to do what we love and making a living doing it"

HeatSpine

    Heatspine may not cure your grandparent’s aching back, but it’s sure to send chills down your spine. Although there are many ways to describe Heatspine, we, The Yacht Club, understand Heatspine to be the photographic crumb trail from the life of Stephanie Thomas. Based out of Nashville, TN, Stephanie has truly found her passion to be in fine art, event, and portrait photography.

    Upon purchasing her first camera, at the age of 15 for an art class, she had never even considered any significant thought about photography in her entire life up until that point. Yet, since that moment and up until now, you can see her carrying a camera on her at all times. Unfailingly cemented to her side for 7 years, her camera has truly become a fixture of her person that one day showed up, and never left. 

    Stephanie’s transformation into a photographer has been an unceasing journey of learning and creating her own personal language. However, there are no words involved, only light. Stephanie spends her days in constant observance of what she sees, waiting for that fleeting moment of raw, unrefined beauty that shows itself to her. When she sees it, she captures those moments through her camera lens. With the press of a button, she immortalizes tiny moments of time that would otherwise be gone and forgotten. 

    Her romantic view of photography makes her relationship to her passion one of ambivalence. Her personal desire to express what she sees doesn't leave much room for conventionalism. She has no time for rules and regulations that most consider concrete truth. To Stephanie, the art of photography is strictly about setting forth her very own testimony of beauty with a single image, with one goal in mind… the possibility of inspiration. And for that, we salute you!

Honest Day's Work

If we want to see "Change" in this world, we must learn to accept our differences and work together towards a better tomorrow.

I moved to Nashville last September, and this city has NOT ceased to amaze me. There is such an entrepreneurial spirit amongst the people; so powerful it has inspired the homeless to rebuild their foundations.

Every morning on my walks to work, a Santa-like gentleman selling The Contributor always joyfully greeted me at the corner of 4^th and Commerce. He wasn’t the only one. On my way to lunch, there was an energetic, middle-aged man in a bright Hawaiian-style shirt selling the same paper. Their contagious smile and peaceful wave reminded me to be happy no matter what the circumstance. Their positivity in the midst of their circumstances made me curious as to what they were selling.

On my drive home, I saw a man carrying a canvas newspaper bag with “The Contributor” printed clearly on the side. I pulled over to offer him a ride; with a sigh of relief and a face filled with joy, he graciously accepted my offer.

Where are you going?

I live in a halfway house near Nolensville, if you don’t mind.

Certainly, so where are you coming from?

I was walking to the bus stop from working near West End Avenue selling The Contributor. I can’t thank you enough for the ride, my feet hurt from walking and standing all day.

How long do you work selling paper?

I’ve been selling papers for 7 months. Everyday that I am able to work, from as early as 6 am to as late as 9pm.

I’m curious, what is The Contributor?

Simply put, it is a homeless newspaper. It’s more to me; it has really changed my life for the better. I went from sleeping on the streets to making an honest living. We have meetings that teach us how to mange our money, enrich our life, and grow our business. I can’t believe it; I own my own business.

I’m also an entrepreneur, is there any advice you may have for me?

Keep being you. It may not sound like much, but it means a lot that people like you still exist. I don’t know you at all, but I know you’re kind enough to offer a “homeless man” a ride. In the midst of being homeless, we are discriminated against as if we are a lesser person than anyone else. I’m working too.

I was empowered by his story, so I did more research on The Contributor. I found that not only have they received national recognition, but also other cities like Denver and Seattle are doing the same. In Nashville, the vendors receive 15 free copies at first, pay 25 cents for each one after that and sell them for a dollar. Incentives, such as attending vendor meetings, result in more free copies, says Tasha French, the volunteer director, graphic designer and founder of the project almost two years ago. 

Hardworking vendors bring in several hundred dollars a month as sales with tips average about $2 a paper. This is proof that you need no more than a dollar and a dream to achieve Success.

Meet more of the homeless vendors of The Contributor.