Tommy Mallet Biography
Tommy Mallet is a British entrepreneur and television personality. He gained prominence in 2014 as a cast member of the reality TV show “The Only Way Is Essex” (TOWIE). In 2015, leveraging his passion for footwear, Tommy founded Mallet London, a contemporary British label known for its premium footwear that combines sleek designs with an urban aesthetic.
Despite facing challenges such as dyslexia and ADHD, Tommy’s entrepreneurial spirit led Mallet London to significant success, with the brand’s products being stocked in over 150 stores worldwide. In 2021, he was recognized on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list for his achievements in retail and e-commerce.Â
Recently, Tommy faced financial challenges, including legal disputes with former business partners, which led him to sell his assets to cover expenses. Despite these setbacks, he remains optimistic and has launched a new footwear brand, CTRNE, featuring citrine crystals embedded in the soles, symbolizing his resilience and commitment to innovation.
Tommy Mallet Age
Tommy Mallet was born on May 28, 1992, making him 32 years old as of 2024.
Tommy Mallet’s Real Name
Tommy Mallet’s real name is Tommy Fordham.
Tommy Mallet Hometown
Tommy Mallet hails from Islington, London, England
Tommy Mallet Height
Tommy Mallet’s height is approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180.5 cm).
Tommy Mallet Nationality
Tommy Mallet is British by nationality.
Tommy Mallet Early Life
Tommy Mallet was born on May 28, 1992, in Islington, London, England. He spent the early years of his life in North London before his family relocated to Essex when he was 15. Growing up, Tommy faced significant challenges, including struggles with dyslexia and ADHD, which made his academic journey particularly difficult. These conditions often left him feeling misunderstood and out of place in traditional educational settings.
Tommy Mallet Family Background
Tommy comes from a working-class background. His family instilled in him a strong work ethic and resilience, traits that later shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. Despite their financial limitations, his family was supportive, encouraging him to pursue his passions and overcome the challenges posed by his learning disabilities. While he hasn’t disclosed much about his parents or siblings publicly, his close-knit upbringing has been a key influence on his life and success.
Tommy Mallet Educational Background
Tommy’s academic journey was hindered by his dyslexia, which made traditional schooling a struggle. As a result, he left school without formal qualifications. However, he did not let this define him or limit his ambitions. Tommy later credited his struggles with education as the driving force behind his entrepreneurial pursuits, proving that success is possible outside conventional academic paths.
Tommy Mallet Net Worth
As of 2023, Tommy Mallet’s net worth was estimated to be around £1.5 million, primarily due to the success of his footwear brand, Mallet London. However, in 2024, Tommy faced substantial financial challenges, including a significant tax bill and legal disputes with former business partners. These issues led him to sell many of his assets, including his £1 million Essex mansion, effectively reducing his net worth.
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Tommy Mallet Career
Tommy Mallet has carved a notable path in the entertainment and fashion industries. From his early days on reality television to establishing a successful footwear brand, Tommy’s career reflects his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to his craft.
Rise to Fame on “The Only Way Is Essex” (2014)
In 2014, Tommy joined the cast of the BAFTA Award-winning reality TV show “The Only Way Is Essex” (TOWIE). His charismatic personality and authentic portrayal of life in Essex quickly endeared him to audiences, making him a standout figure on the show. During his tenure on TOWIE, Tommy’s relationship with fellow cast member Georgia Kousoulou became a central storyline, further increasing his popularity.
Entrepreneurial Ventures: Founding Mallet London (2015)
Leveraging his growing public profile, Tommy ventured into entrepreneurship by co-founding Mallet London in 2015. The brand, known for its premium footwear that blends sleek designs with urban aesthetics, quickly gained traction in the fashion industry. By 2017, Mallet London had expanded its presence to retailers across Europe, fulfilling Tommy’s vision of global expansion.
Expansion into Apparel and International Markets (2018-2020)
Building on the success of its footwear line, Mallet London expanded into apparel in 2019, offering a range of clothing that complemented its shoe designs. The brand’s products were stocked in major UK retailers such as Selfridges, Harrods, Tessuti, Flannels, and Harvey Nichols. In 2020, despite challenges posed by Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, Mallet London opened distribution centers in Europe and the US to ensure global accessibility.
Recognition and Accolades (2021)
Tommy’s entrepreneurial achievements were recognized when he was featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2021, highlighting his impact in the retail and e-commerce sectors.
Continued Innovation and Brand Development (2023-2024)
Demonstrating his commitment to innovation, Tommy launched a new footwear brand, CTRNE, in 2023. This brand features citrine crystals embedded in the soles, symbolizing positivity and manifestation. Â The launch of CTRNE reflects Tommy’s resilience and dedication to evolving within the fashion industry.
Tommy Mallet Controversies and Legal Battles
Tommy Mallet has faced several controversies and legal battles, particularly concerning his business ventures:
Dispute with Mallet London
In 2015, Tommy co-founded the footwear brand Mallet London, which achieved significant success. However, in October 2023, he departed from the company, citing a “toxic relationship” with his business partner, Evren Ozka. Following his departure, Tommy launched a new footwear brand, CTRNE, featuring citrine crystals embedded in the soles.
This move led to legal disputes with his former partner. Evren Ozka claimed that Tommy attempted to shut down Mallet London, which would have resulted in job losses. Legal actions ensued, with Evren and his company winning the litigation, demonstrating that Tommy’s financial claims were unfounded.
Financial Challenges
The legal battles significantly impacted Tommy’s finances. He revealed that his bank balance had plummeted from £4 million to just £5,000 due to the disputes and associated legal costs. Despite these setbacks, Tommy remains optimistic about his future and continues to work on rebuilding his business ventures.
Tommy Mallet Wife and Children
Tommy Mallet is married to fellow television personality Georgia Kousoulou. The couple began their relationship in 2014 after meeting on the reality TV show “The Only Way Is Essex” (TOWIE). They got engaged in February 2022, with Tommy proposing in a romantic beachside setting adorned with red roses and candles. They tied the knot in a ceremony at Islington Town Hall in London.Â
Together, Tommy and Georgia have two children. Their first child, a son named Brody, was born in May 2021. Â In November 2024, they welcomed their second child, a daughter named Gigi Fordham. The couple has shared their journey into parenthood with the public through their spin-off TV show, “Georgia & Tommy: Baby Steps,” which documents their experiences raising their children.
FAQs
Who is Tommy Mallet?
Tommy Mallet is a British entrepreneur and television personality, best known for his role on the reality TV show “The Only Way Is Essex” (TOWIE) and as the founder of the footwear brand Mallet London. Â
What is Mallet London?
Mallet London is a British footwear and apparel brand founded by Tommy Mallet in 2015, known for its sleek designs and urban aesthetic.
Is Tommy Mallet married?
Yes, Tommy Mallet is married to fellow TOWIE star Georgia Kousoulou.
Does Tommy Mallet have children?
Yes, Tommy and Georgia have two children: a son named Brody, born in May 2021, and a daughter named Gigi Fordham, born in November 2024.
Why did Tommy Mallet leave Mallet London?
In October 2023, Tommy Mallet depLondon, citing a “toxic relationship” with his business partner, Evren Ozka.
Has Tommy Mallet faced any legal issues?
Yes, Tommy has been involved in legal disputes with his former business partner, Evren Ozka, following his departure from Mallet London.