MEET THE BRAND: LAZYJACK PRESS

Our collections are filled with beautiful products from niche brands, each with their own unique story. This week, we're introducing you to Miriam Zelinsky, the woman behind our favorite cheeky men's accessories: Lazyjack Press. The company is focused on the idea of a luxurious, irreverent take on the traditional European motif tie made on the finest silk available in Italy.

Below, Miriam shares where she finds inspiration, how she spends her time outside of work, and what she'd like to give (and receive!) from Truly Gifted's collections.

 WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU LAUNCHED LAZYJACK PRESS?
I started Lazyjack Press as I was graduating from law school. I always knew I didn't want to be a lawyer so I knew I had to come up with something else. Needless to say, I don't miss practicing law or how cutthroat people were at all!

WE KNOW IT ALL STARTED WITH THE CLASSIC RED PARTY CUP DESIGN. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE YOUR LUXURIOUS, IRREVERENT ACCESSORIES? WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR THE CHEEKY MOTIFS ON YOUR DESIGNS?
I went to my five-year college reunion and all of the preppy lacrosse players and frat guys were wearing another preppy brand's ties. I used to think they were great, but then I noticed how flimsy they were and it seemed like those guys had almost outgrown the brand. It looked silly and cartoonish. That's when I decided I could do better (hence, the made in Italy on the finest silk). I felt that a Lazyjack guy may or may not have Hermès or Ferragamo in their closet, but either way, Lazyjack would be a great addition to their collection. It would be something quality that would last through the years.

As for inspiration for the motifs, I do like my cocktails, so a lot of them are thought up while sipping a martini. Or, there was this one time when I was on the "It's a Small World" ride at Disney World (after having a few cocktails) and I saw the camel in the Middle East section of the ride. It has pink eyelashes and was winking at us as we went by...and that became the Camel Toe tie! I just have a good time with it and don't take myself of the designs too seriously.

WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY LIKE FOR YOU?
No day is typical, which is what makes what I do so fun! It depends on if it's trade show season or holiday market season (because that's a whole other beast altogether). But usually, each day begins with coffee - I can't live without it. If it isn't show season, I then go through my emails and usually have a few custom projects I'm working on. I prepare everything I can from the comfort of my home printer to work on orders once I get to my office or store. I also help my mom out in our family business of property management a few days a week, in addition to my Lazyjack Press work.

At lunchtime, I try and pack one order for a store and get out any online orders. Then I either go back to my mom's office or I'm in my store answering emails and putting orders together. After work, I pack more orders before making trips to the post office and UPS. Then at the end of the day, my husband and I make ourselves cocktails (Monday is always martini night!). We'll cook dinner together before watching one of our shows - we just finished Yellowstone and are now onto You - and our kitty, MinniPops, always joins us.

I KNOW THIS IS A HARD ONE! WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR VERY FAVORITE LAZYJACK PRESS DESIGN?
This is actually an easy questions! I LOVE the Re-Rack because it's the original design and what started this amazing journey. I also love the Mullet (business in the front, party in the back) because I LIVE for people's reactions when I tell them the name and show them that the back of the tie has the red party cups. That design is totally appropriate, yet also fun, for any occasion. It still makes me chuckle!

WHAT ITEM FROM TRULY GIFTED WOULD YOU LIKE TO GIVE AS A GIFT? WHAT ITEM WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE AS A GIFT?
Everything you all do is done so nicely and elegantly. Can we talk about your gift wrapping?! But I think my favorite item is the luxury game sets if I had to pick something. I also love the cute stationery sets - those are always so great to give or receive as a gift.

HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR TIME OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Outside of work, I love to travel, cook, make and drink cocktails, try out new restaurants, go wine tasting in Napa (which is only about 45 minutes away for me) and needlepoint. I love any sort of adventure!

WHAT IS SOMETHING PEOPLE WOULD NEVER GUESS ABOUT YOU?
I'm not sure...I'm sort of an open book. Within five minutes of talking to me, you'll know I love Disney, cocktails and my cat! But here's something: when I was a kid and had to do chores like cleaning up my room, I invented Miriam's Fun Method™. Obviously, this isn't really trademarked, but it did become my life philosophy. If you have to do something un-fun, then you should do two fun things right after. So, I'd organize one section of my room then play outside or play 30 minutes of the Sims (remember that game? Chunks of my life have disappeared because I'd be so immersed). Oh, and here's a bonus fun fact: 90 Day Fiancé and all of its spin-offs are my favorite shows...followed by all of the Real Housewives shows.