By Staff
Fatherhood arrived for Jordan Sullen like a sunrise—powerful, humbling, and life-changing. Known for his presence both in his community and as the founder of Hatrimony, Jordan carries a deep understanding of identity, intention, and love. But becoming a father shifted that understanding into new territory, one filled with discovery, devotion, and the kind of strength only vulnerability can reveal. In this candid conversation, Jordan opens up about the transformative experience of becoming a dad, how it’s shaped his purpose, and the legacy he’s committed to building for his daughter and generations to come.
Can you describe the moment you first became a father and what emotions you experienced?
Damn, man… I can’t believe it’s been three weeks already. Wow! We recently celebrated my wife’s first Mother’s Day, and that’s when it hit me that this is really my life now. It took me back to the hospital, weeks prior, where I was there for her in every way I could. Through her pain, I had to tap into my creative gifts to distract her from what lay ahead. There were times when I felt completely clueless, but I always knew I could lean on my creativity to lighten the mood.As I found my way, she found courage, and then our baby girl arrived. After nearly 40 hours of labor, I realized that, while cheering my wife on, I was also witnessing something I never thought I’d be able to experience fully. Not only did I watch it, but I captured the whole thing on video… by accident, haha.
I was overcome with emotion, mainly because I knew I had been a key part in helping my wife cross that finish line. Just last night, she told me she’s not sure if she could’ve done it without me… and mom. It’s hard to put into words what those words did for me, beyond just being a father. It reassured me that nothing that has happened up until now has been in vain.
What do you find most fulfilling about being a father?
I’ve always prided myself on being intentional about respecting women and honoring them in ways that, at times, weren’t always appreciated where I come from. But I never let that stop me from being the man I want to be—one who values and respects women, including my daughter. Though I’m not always the most patient, my daughter has demanded patience from me in a way that feels almost obligatory. I’ve come to realize that this is a new opportunity for me to reinvent myself in offering grace, kindness, and patience to others.She’s helping me evolve in that space with each passing second. Newborns always need something, and as parents, we’re called to deliver on those needs. But the world also constantly demands something from us. We get to choose how we respond to that. She’s reminded me to be intentional with where I invest my time, energy, and patience.
How do you show love and affection to your children, and how did you learn that language of love?
Growing up in New Orleans, we didn’t always have an abundance of resources, but in our household, we always had love. I never witnessed my parents resent one another, even through the trials and tribulations. They had the courage to show affection and greet each other with love, and that was a life lesson for me and my brother. Even when I didn’t know the right words to say to a woman, I always knew how to love her beyond words.
My parents taught me that money could never buy true love—especially not unconditional love. They showed me the importance of being intentional with your actions for those you care about, even when there’s nothing in return for you.I often remind my mother how her ability to love became the standard for how I’ve loved others. My brother may be her twin, but I’m grateful that a large part of her lives within me. Even when the finances were low, the morale in our home was always high—because of love. To this day, we make sure to remind each other how much we love one another, whether in person or over the phone.
Can you share a time when you felt especially proud as a father?
Becoming a father has been a journey that continues to uplift my spirit every day. While I knew there would be challenges ahead, it’s the unpredictability of those long nights and short days that brings me joy. My wife and I have learned so much from each other—whether it’s how to prepare bottles or understanding the physical challenges of breastfeeding.Fatherhood has taught me to be a student again, balancing responsibility with the wonder of caring for a new life. I find quiet pride in the small victories each day as I learn something new about being a father. There’s no manual, no one-size-fits-all approach, just patience, understanding, and a willingness to be vulnerable. I embrace the new territory and with it, the proud moments that come along the way.
How do you balance work, purpose, and fatherhood in a way that keeps your family grounded?
Although it may seem easy to some, I’ll be the first to admit that it comes with its own set of challenges. Like life itself, some days are smoother than others, but I always strive to make time for myself while ensuring everything is good on the home front. It’s difficult to move with intention and purpose outside the house when things aren’t in order on the inside.
I work to maintain consistency across my family, fitness, entrepreneurship, and a little leisure. A big plus for me is that I married someone I genuinely enjoy spending time with, no matter where or when. I know when to go solo and when to make a grand entrance with the queen by my side—both carry their own weight and impact.
Sports have played a crucial role in my journey from boyhood to manhood, so I make it a point to give back to the next generation of young people who are putting in the work, trusting the process, and striving for success. I stay connected to the programs that helped shape me, ensuring that a piece of me continues to influence future generations of student-athletes.Though my time is limited these days, I make room for the things and people that have shaped me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without those key parts of my journey. At the end of the day, we make time for the things and the people we love—my family, my customers, my friends. And I remind myself that I chose them for a reason, or perhaps, they chose me.
How do you approach discipline, and what values do you hope to instill in your children?
I’ve always believed that what God has for you is truly for you. Repeating this to myself has helped me fully grasp the weight of destiny and what comes with it. By understanding what’s destined for me, I’ve created the space to let my daughter’s journey unfold, giving me the opportunity to better understand her unique interests.
My parents never pressured me to become anything, and their trust in me to make my own decisions allowed me to develop self-discipline from a young age. With that discipline, I knew I was the only one who could stand in the way of what was already destined for me.Of course, I’ve made mistakes over the years, but discipline has always been the thing that’s brought me back. Organized sports played a huge role in shaping the discipline I carry with me today. If I’m remembered for nothing else, I’d be content knowing I was a great teammate. You can never give orders if you haven’t abided by them yourself. People listen to what I say because they know I speak from experience. You can’t earn respect unless you’ve lived it—especially in the crazy world we live in.
What does “being present” look like for you as a father?
Simply put, showing up for the ones I love has always been a point of pride for me. Excuses have never been my approach, and I refuse to let them find their way into this chapter of my life. Growing up, I witnessed enough fathers offering excuses when what was truly needed was love.That experience taught me that empty cups can’t pour into others. Fatherhood has reignited a fire within me that’s been burning for years. I’ve waited my entire life for this moment, and being present has been the most rewarding part of this journey so far. Even in moments when I haven’t known exactly what to say, I’ve learned that sometimes, simply being there—emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually—is enough. It’s crazy to think, but somehow, I’ve learned along the way, even without being taught.
Are there any myths or stereotypes about Black fatherhood that you’re working to dismantle through how you show up?
There are several cycles I’ve already broken simply by being here, creating a two-parent home for my daughter from day one. Some kids have been robbed of that opportunity due to circumstances beyond their control. In my generation, there’s often an expectation that families fall apart once a baby comes into the picture, and sadly, this rings true in too many cases. But that won’t be my story.I want to set a standard for what it means to love a woman properly, so my daughter can experience it firsthand and know what to look for when the time comes for her to find someone equally yoked. I hold myself in the highest regard, and I’m honored to create a reality where she sees me in the same light. Even through the mistakes I know she’ll witness, I pray they show her what she deserves in life, and in love, when the right time comes.
Raising a daughter challenges certain boundaries of masculinity in ways I hadn’t anticipated, but I look forward to seeing how that unfolds. While I can’t teach her how to be a woman, I can show her how a woman should be courted and cherished.
How do you support and uplift other Black fathers in your community?
Sometimes, something as simple as checking in on one of my guys can be a moment of uplift. We often get caught up in the flow of text messages and DMs, so I make it a point to connect with my brothers over a call, making sure they’re really okay and not just faking it.
My career has been a blessing in that sense, providing me with countless opportunities to be a catalyst for uplifting moments at my shop. I find joy in telling the next brother that a certain style looks great on him, in a way that respects his manhood and keeps it intact.It’s humbling to hear so many Black men share how Hatrimony has helped them get back on track when they were starting to lose themselves or their confidence. For many, the hats have made a difference in their marriages, bringing a new sense of self-assurance and excellence into their personal lives. There’s something sovereign about the work I do. That’s why it’s hard not to see these hats as crowns for those who are fortunate enough to wear them. I’m just grateful that God chose me to be the crown bearer.
What’s one thing you hope your children remember most about their childhood with you?
I just want my daughter to know that her Daddy was one of the most consistent men she’ll ever know. I want her to remember that he was someone who spoke things into existence, not just for himself, but for those around him. He kept his word and fulfilled the promises he made, not only to her but to Mommy too. Even when he fell short, he made sure it never showed. He never allowed his past struggles to define him as he moved through life.
To me, Dad was everything a man should be. He always saw the best in others, even when they couldn’t see it in themselves. God-willing, when my time comes to join my Heavenly Father, I hope the same can be said of me — and more.I hope that people remember how much grace I extended to others, even when they didn’t deserve it. And when it’s time for my funeral, tell everyone to wear nice hats — nothing cheap, please. Hatrimony, preferably. That’s all.
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