An Inspired Chat with Marquise Burns of Charlotte NC

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Marquise Burns. Check out our conversation below.

Marquise, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
One of my proudest recent moments happened back home in Dayton, Ohio at an event called Rose & Blanc. I ran into someone who remembered me all the way back in 2014, back when I was just talking about my dream of making hats. At the time, it was just a vision I would share with people here and there, no brand name, no business yet — just the seed of an idea.

To have that same person see me now, running Burns Brims and creating one-of-a-kind hats that people all over the world are wearing, was surreal. It made me laugh because I thought back to those early conversations — me just talking about what I wanted to do — and now I could pull out my phone and show him the hats, the brand, the growth, and the journey. That moment was full-circle and a reminder that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Marquise Burns, founder and designer of Burns Brims, a custom hat brand built on craftsmanship, culture, and storytelling. I’m an avid world traveler, and everywhere I go I pull inspiration from the people, fabrics, and traditions I encounter. That global influence shows up in my hats — each piece is designed as wearable art, whether it’s a felt cowboy hat with suede accents, a hand-painted straw brim, or a fedora that looks like it time-traveled.

What makes Burns Brims unique is that no two hats are ever the same. Every detail — from burns and tears to feathers, jewels, and hand-painted finishes — is intentional and personal. For me, hats aren’t just accessories; they’re statements, heirlooms, and extensions of identity.

Right now, I’m expanding Burns Brims by experimenting with new collections, sourcing materials globally, and connecting with people who appreciate individuality and artistry. My long-term vision is to grow Burns Brims into a brand people recognize not just for hats, but for the culture and lifestyle it represents.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world tried to shape me into who it thought I had to be, I was just a kid from Dayton, Ohio, full of creativity, curiosity, and big dreams. Growing up, I learned resilience early — through family struggles, the lessons of my neighborhood elders, and the challenges that tested me before I even had a chance to figure out who I was.

At my core, I was always an artist and a storyteller. Whether it was football teaching me discipline, or simply watching the way style could change how someone felt about themselves, I knew I wanted to create. That part of me never left — even when life tried to push me into different molds.

Today, through Burns Brims, I feel like I’ve circled back to that original version of myself — unapologetic, creative, and free. The world told me who I should be, but my hats represent who I truly am and give others the freedom to do the same.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me humility, patience, and resilience — lessons success could never give me. Success feels good, but it doesn’t always challenge you to grow. Pain, on the other hand, forces you to look at yourself, strip away pride, and find strength you didn’t know you had.

Suffering taught me how to survive when there was nothing to celebrate, how to find creativity in the middle of chaos, and how to value people and moments over material things. It showed me that scars carry wisdom and that pressure can produce something greater than comfort ever could.

Success might validate you, but suffering transforms you. And that transformation is what I pour into Burns Brims — hats that carry the marks, burns, and imperfections of real life, yet still stand out as bold, beautiful, and one-of-a-kind.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say what really matters to me is loyalty, family, and legacy. I’m big on keeping my circle tight and making sure the people I love know I’ve got their back. They’d also tell you I care deeply about creativity and expression — whether it’s through hats, writing, or just how I move in life, I want everything I touch to have meaning.

They’d say I value growth — not just for myself but for everyone around me. If I win, I want my people to win too. And they know I care about leaving something behind that speaks louder than words — a brand, a story, a body of work that shows the power of resilience, authenticity, and culture.

At the end of the day, my friends know I’m not chasing clout; I’m chasing impact.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If immortality were real, what would you build?
If immortality were real, I’d build legacy after legacy — not just hats, but entire cultural movements. Burns Brims would evolve into more than a brand; it would be a living archive of creativity, storytelling, and identity, passed down through generations.

I’d create spaces where art, fashion, and history collide — museums, workshops, schools — so people could learn, express themselves, and find power in their own stories. I’d make sure every community I touched had access to tools, knowledge, and opportunities to build something lasting.

Because if time had no limits, I wouldn’t just want to exist forever — I’d want to make sure my work, my people, and my culture do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Burnsbrims.com
• Instagram: @burnsbrims
• Facebook: Marquise Burns