Today we’d like to introduce you to Bryn Bray.
Hi Bryn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Eighteen Forty Two started because I couldn’t find game day accessories that reflected my personal style. Everything on the market felt loud or disposable, and I wanted something more elevated, timeless, and meaningful. I began designing my own pieces using a 3D printer, creating accessories inspired by beloved mascots and traditions that people could wear long after the game was over.
The brand is named after the 1842 Archives War in Austin, honoring Angelina Eberly, whose courage and determination embody the spirit I wanted the brand to represent. From the beginning, my goal has been to create accessories that tell a story and celebrate heritage with quiet confidence.
Today, Eighteen Forty Two has grown from those first handmade designs into a luxury accessories brand offering silk, chiffon, cashmere, and jewelry inspired by universities, sporting traditions, and iconic destinations. We’re proud to partner with boutiques and retailers across the country, but our mission remains the same: creating beautifully crafted pieces that help people celebrate where they come from in a sophisticated, lasting way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not. Like most small businesses, there have been plenty of unexpected challenges along the way. Rising tariffs and the increasing price of gold have significantly impacted production costs, forcing me to continually adapt while maintaining the quality of the products.
One of my biggest setbacks came when my seamstress unexpectedly stepped away for nearly a year after the tragic loss of her brother. At the time, she was my only source for sewing my scarves, so production essentially came to a halt while I searched for a new manufacturing solution.
I’ve also dealt with factory issues, from quality control to communication challenges, which taught me the importance of building strong relationships and always having backup plans.
On a personal level, one of my biggest hurdles was overcoming my own shyness. Walking into boutiques to introduce myself and ask buyers to carry my products was incredibly intimidating at first. But with every conversation, I became more confident, and today some of those same stores are valued retail partners. Looking back, those challenges made me a stronger entrepreneur and reminded me that resilience is just as important as having a great product.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I wear a lot of hats. I’m the founder, designer, and creative director, but I also manage product development, sourcing, manufacturing, sales, and retailer relationships. On any given day I could be reviewing samples with a factory, meeting with boutique owners, designing a new collection, or packing orders.
I’m most proud of building Eighteen Forty Two from the ground up. Every decision, from the first sketches to the final packaging, has been incredibly hands-on. Seeing the brand grow from an idea into a business carried by respected retailers has been incredibly rewarding.
What sets me apart is my attention to detail and willingness to learn every part of the business. I didn’t come from a fashion background, so I’ve had to teach myself everything from product development and manufacturing to wholesale sales and marketing. I think that curiosity and persistence have become one of my greatest strengths.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I think it’s a combination of determination and resilience. Determination has always pushed me to keep pursuing my goals, even when the odds felt stacked against me. Resilience has helped me adapt when things didn’t go as planned. Every challenge has taught me something, whether it was finding new manufacturing partners, navigating rising costs, or stepping outside my comfort zone to pitch retailers. Those experiences have made me a better entrepreneur, and they’ve reinforced that success isn’t about having a perfect path. It’s about continuing to move forward, learning, and improving along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eighteenfortytwo.com/
- Instagram: the1842collection
