PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) Bowtie Tuesday is not only in Hampton Roads. Its now in Richmond. And its more than a fashion statement. A Newport News man, now teaching in Richmond, uses bowties to share history and teach life lessons.<\/p>\n
WAVY News 10s Don Roberts (our bowtie man) introduces us to Keylon Mayo, aka Mr. Klean Kut. <\/p>\n
Don Roberts started wearing bowties on Tuesdays back in 2017 just as a way of challenging himselfto do something different, to keep on growing. And, also, to catch the eye of kids.<\/p>\n
These days, Mayo, a high school teacher and football coach in the Richmond area, not only wears bowties; he makes them. He estimates hes given away hundreds of bowties to students.<\/p>\n
Mayo is encouraging his students to sport a bowtie and embrace a lesson that comes with it.<\/p>\n
Bowtie Tuesday started at Mayos previous school.<\/p>\n
Kids started noticing it and saying, Well can I wear a bowtie?' Mayo said.<\/p>\n
It gives a fancier, unique vibe, said Kelvin Gilliam, a senior at Highland Springs High School in Henrico, where Mayo teaches economics and coaches football.<\/p>\n
Mayo is teaching history while sharing a fashion lesson.<\/p>\n
Garrett A. Morgan, of course, [is] known for making the first gas mask. George Washington Carver,[a noted agricultural scientist], a lot of our historical, prominent figures [who] have made a significant impact on our lives, you know, have worn a bowtie.<\/p>\n
Other students wanted in on the bowtie buzz, too. <\/p>\n
I was going out buying them, said Mayo. Man, Im spending 50 and 60 dollars every time. <\/p>\n
And, then, about four-and-a-half years ago, he realized he had to do something different. He bought a sewing machine and began making his own bowties.<\/p>\n
Mayo estimates hes given away hundreds. But he also sells them and other fashion accessories through his business, Mr. Klean Kut.<\/p>\n
His website features more of his story as well as dozens of pictures of students, sports starsand other celebrities wearing his bowties.<\/p>\n
When encouraging a teen to wear a tie, whether its traditional, or a bow, Mayo says what anAfrican American male wears can make a profound difference when meeting someone.<\/p>\n
Its all about the first impression you never know who you may encounter, Mayo said.<\/p>\n
Learn more about Mr. Klean Kut at these links:<\/p>\n
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Follow this link:<\/p>\n
Virginia teacher uses bowties to share history and teach life lessons - WAVY.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) Bowtie Tuesday is not only in Hampton Roads. Continue reading