Archive for Apparel/Accessories

Kevin Plank

undefinedYou might not know who Kevin Plank is, but at a place like Grove City College, his business is literally all around you. Kevin Plank is the creator of Under Armour. Picture this: you’re in the mid-’90s, and you’re a college football player frustrated with how sweaty and uncomfortable your workout gear is. While most of us weren’t even born yet, Plank was on a mission to revolutionize sportswear that we all know and love today. That probably makes you feel old.

Plank came up with Under Armour as the special teams captain of the University of Maryland football team, and for him, his drive is all about innovation. He didn’t just want to create a successful brand; he wanted to completely change the game. His determination to make high-performance, moisture-wicking athletic gear fueled Under Armour’s rise to the top. And as I’m sure you’ve guessed, it worked. Plank’s drive is a reminder that passion and a desire to make things better can be your biggest assets.

Plank’s idea is both simple and genius. Plank saw a gap in the market for gear that would help athletes perform at their best, and be (relatively) comfortable while doing it. Enter Under Armour with its moisture-wicking fabric and compression technology. It’s not just sportswear; it’s a true game-changer for athletes, and that’s what sets Plank’s idea apart. In terms of entrepreneurial traits, Plank’s got determination written all over him. Starting a business is tough, especially when you’re going up against industry giants like Nike and adidas. But Plank didn’t back down; he pushed through initial financial struggles and production setbacks. That kind of resilience is something any athlete can relate to.Who designed Under Armour's logo? - Quora

But we see now Plank isn’t focused only on sportswear; he’s all about adapting and staying ahead. His partnerships with athletes and ventures into digital fitness tech show that being an entrepreneur means keeping an eye on trends and thinking outside the box. We see this with the Under Armour MapMyFitness apps that track a wide variety of activities, from running to pickleball.

Learning from Plank isn’t just about business; it’s a life lesson. The importance of pushing boundaries, facing challenges head-on, and fostering a culture of innovation are principles that resonate with me, as myself and my peers navigate a world that sometimes feels as uncertain as our post-grad plans. As we close out the semester with last-minute assignments, late-night study sessions in preparation for finals, and dreams of the future, Kevin Plank’s story is a reminder that success isn’t just about a degree or a job. It’s about daring to dream, being relentless in your pursuits, and, most importantly, staying true to your vision. Some of us could probably take a page from Kevin Plank’s playbook as we navigate the exciting, unpredictable journey that is life. 🙂

Post #5 Converse

The Converse Rubber Shoe Company was founded in February 1908 by Marquis Mills Converse in Malden, Massachusetts. The company specialized in producing rubber-soled shoes, targeting the growing demand for athletic shoes. Marquis Converse’s vision was to create durable, comfortable shoes that could withstand sports and everyday wear.

 

In 1917, Converse introduced the All-Star, the first-ever basketball shoe. This was a  game-changing design. The Shoe featured a high top and a non-skid sole, providing basketball players with excellent grip and ankle support. Little did Converse know that this shoe would become one of the most iconic designs in the history of athletic footwear.

In 1921, basketball player Chuck Taylor joined the Converse team. Taylor was not only an advocate for the All-Star but also made significant contributions to its design, leading to the shoe being renamed the “Chuck Taylor All-Star” in 1932.

 

Over the upcoming years, Converse became more than just a sports shoe. The Chuck Taylor All-Star found its way into mainstream fashion and became a favorite among musicians, artists, and the youth. It made many appearances in movies, on album covers, and in the rock world, solidifying Converse as a pop culture symbol.

 

In the latter part of the 20th century, Converse faced financial challenges, leading to changes in ownership. Despite this, the brand continued to thrive and expanded its reach globally. Collaborations with various designers, musicians, and artists further propelled Converse into streetwear, ensuring its relevance across generations.

 

In 2003, Nike acquired Converse. This acquisition brought fresh energy and resources, allowing Converse to continue evolving while staying true to its roots. The Chuck Taylor All-Star remains a symbol of authenticity and individuality, a testament to the enduring appeal of Converse. 

 

Converse, as a brand, has displayed excellent entrepreneurial traits throughout the years, and I can imagine the brand continuing to grow and expand in the future.

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Robert Felder

Modern Fashion: Robert Felder of Bearbottom On The 5 Things You Need To Lead a Successful Fashion Brand Today | by Authority Magazine Editorial Staff | Authority Magazine | MediumWhere most of us think of entrepreneurship as this world where we constantly come up with first-world ideas, one person went to a third-world place for innovation. Robert Felder’s story embodies not just innovation but also empathy. His journey began in high school with a transformative trip to South Asia, where he saw that while Bangladesh being a major apparel manufacturer, its people lacked basic clothing, and this deeply affected him. When he came home to the humid Florida winter, he couldn’t find any shorts he liked. These experiences became the driving force behind the company he founded right out of high school, Bearbottom.

Felder’s vision for Bearbottom extended far beyond profits. He aimed to bridge the gap between abundance and need. “The fact that they were producing millions of garments right there and the kids just outside didn’t have any clothing on just stuck in my mind,” he said. With this resolve, he ensured ethical working conditions for his partners and initiated a unique approach: communities that helped produce Bearbottom’s garments also benefited from them.Robert Felder unloading boxes of clothes inside container truck

When asked what he thought the five most important things you needed to lead a successful brand were, Felder responded with curiosity, a strong team, long-term thinking, a detail-oriented mindest, and hard work. Curiosity is essential for a brand to grow and improve, a strong team is needed to support your business goals, and that team needs to be thinking five, ten, even twenty years into the future in order to build a strong brand. Felder also believes in the saying “the sum is only as good as its parts” and says that focusing on details is critical when it comes to growing success. He finally understands that working hard is the key to being successful and believes that is what separates the great from the good.

Bearbottom has become a symbol of socially responsible entrepreneurship. Felder’s dedication to uplifting communities, combined with genuine partnerships, sets a powerful example. His story illustrates that business success isn’t just about financial gains—it’s about creating positive change. Robert Felder and Bearbottom remind us that entrepreneurship, when driven by empathy and vision, can transform lives and inspire a better, more compassionate world.

Aaron Walters & Altar’d State

Aaron Walters, who previously worked at Walgreens, Walmart, Macy’s and Hybrid’s apparel, didn’t want to just move up on the merchandise ladder. He wanted to leave a lasting legacy by using the talents that God blessed him with. So he launched Altar’d State in 2009, a faith based apparel store for women. He sums up the mission statement of the store, saying, “We are faith-based. It doesn’t matter what your background is, where you are from, or what your beliefs are. But we do run our business on some simple principles — treat others how you want to be treated and give much help to others. We put love into our business.” 

The name Altar’d State points to the altar of God, and is also a play on the word “altered.” Walters now manages 250 to 300 stores as of 2019, and the store popularity continues to grow. Customers are attracted to the store’s faith based values and messages, as well as the beautiful layout of the store, which is unique to each store location. Stores are decorated in a way that sets them apart from other stores, with elements such as furniture, chandeliers, colorful rugs, hanging plants, and antique tables and mirrors. Even the fitting rooms are carefully designed. Walters also listens to his customers, which is crucial to the store’s success. He and his employees respect their customers and make their experience enjoyable and comfortable. They deliver quality clothing and accessory pieces to their customers, while also promoting faith and encouraging words. 

Walters not only manages Altar’d State, but also Arula, Vow’d, Tullabee, and AS Revival, which are all part of his incorporation, Stand Out for Good Inc. The company also promotes Mission Mondays. When a customer shops on Mondays, 10% of net proceeds go directly to nonprofits across the country. Every store chooses a non-profit to fund and support. 

I love shopping at Altar’d State not only because I love the quality and style of their clothing, but also because I love what they stand for and what they support. Altar’d State’s popularity continues to grow, just as Walters and his team continue to inspire and encourage customers.

https://www.altardstate.com/

 

 

Moziah Bridges – Mo’s Bows

Moziah Bridges was 9 years old when he decided he wanted to start wearing bowties like his father; however, he found that there were no bowties on the market that matched his style.

To solve this problem, his grandma taught him to hand sew his own bowties. This way he could use any fun pattern he wanted to fit his unique style. Once he got the hang of sewing and realized that other people were taking an interest in his bowties too, he started his company – Mo’s Bows – to sell his bowties through.

Since then, Mo’s Bows has been extremely successful and has gained multiple nationwide recognitions.

When Bridges was 15, he took his business to Shark Tank where he earned a $50,000 investment and mentorship of John Daymond, which he is still receiving now.

Now, Moziah is 21 years old, and has expanded his business to include neckties, pocket squares, and face masks all in both youth and adult sizes. Bridges plans to continue making his business the best it can be by adding all different kinds of accessories in hard-to-find styles.

Mo’s Bows has an actual store in Memphis, but it also has its own online website and an establishment in retail stores all over the country.

I love this story because I think Bridges exercised a very smart undertaking for his age.

My marketing professor teaches that “if you can’t be first, find a way to be first.” This means that if you can’t be the first business in a certain industry on the market, find something that will set your business apart and make you the first. In this case, Bridges became the first specialty bowtie business; not the first bowtie business. Not only is it awesome that Bridges was able to understand a concept like this, but the fact that he was only 9 years old makes it even more amazing.

Julianne Goldmark: Co-Founder of Emi-Jay

Meet The 25-Year-Old Founder Of Emi Jay, Who Launched The Hair ...

As a teenager, Julianne Goldmark attended a private school where she had to wear a uniform daily. Because she couldn’t get creative with her outfits, she resorted to being creative with her hairstyles. At the time, many of her friends were buying expensive hair ties to use in their hair, but Julianne knew she could make some just like them for much cheaper. Along with her good friend Emily, she got to work on her own affordable accessories.

One of the major influences in her life that sparked the idea for creating accessories was the magazine Gossip Girl. As a young impressionable girl, Julianne wanted to create things just like she saw in the magazine and that is where her aspirations began.

At age 14, Julianne and her best friend launched their business, Emi Jay. The business is still up and running to this day and has partnered with a few major brands such as Nordstrom and Spanx.

It is crazy how such a small idea evolved into a major business and that just goes to show that any business idea, no matter how small, could turn into something incredible.

Meet the Young CEOs of Emi-Jay – Glam Salad

Jacob McQuarrie: Standing for morals in a moral-less world

During his years of playing basketball in high school Yakkem apparel founder and CEO, Jacob McQuarrie, found himself wearing such brands as “Nike” and “Adidas”. One day it occurred to him that the athletic wear market was lacking a company that stood for more than just hard work and determination. In addition, there were no companies in the market that also prioritized values such as faith, family, country, and morality. So, with no money in his bank account McQuarrie instead founded his company on “hard work, grit, and determination”. Truly starting from ground zero, the South Jersey based company has grown into a very profitable business, that has been endorsed by several big-name Christian and conservative athletes, speakers, and influencers. Yakkem has amassed over 40k followers on Instagram alone since its launch in April of 2020 and is continually growing.

People wear this brand because it stands for positivity, faith, family, and country–all things bigger than oneself. Yakkem also seeks to price their products reasonably while at the same time providing the most trendy and stylish clothing. Thus, Yakkem competes with big brands such as Lululemon and Gymshark. “We believe that this company can be the next big brand for people who want to rock a clothing line that stands for American Values and integrity” states their website. The Company is wanting to one day be 100% made in America. Although this is seemingly an ambitious goal for such a young company, they have already launched several products made exclusively in the USA with much success.

As a customer of Yakkem apparel, I appreciate the quality and attractive pricing of the product. More important than this, there is a peace of mind that comes with knowing that my money is going toward a brand that upholds the same morals and values that I find important.

Mo’s Bows

In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, there’s a story that captures the spirit of youthful creativity and determination – the inspiring journey of Moziah Bridges, the mastermind behind Mo’s Bows. Moziah, affectionately known as Mo, embarked on his entrepreneurial adventure at the tender age of 9, propelled by an insatiable passion for fashion and an unyielding vision.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Mo exhibited a strong interest in fashion from a remarkably young age. Surrounded by fabrics and designs, he found his calling in creating bow ties. With a heart full of dreams and a head buzzing with creativity, he founded Mo’s Bows in 2011, a brand that would soon become synonymous with style, innovation, and self-expression.

What sets Mo apart isn’t just his age; it’s the audacity he displays and the creativity he injects into his designs. Every bow tie he crafts isn’t just an accessory; it’s a vibrant statement, capturing the essence of youthful exuberance and sophistication. Mo envisioned a world where fashion knows no age, where every piece celebrates individuality.

At the core of Mo’s success lies a genuine love for fashion and an unshakeable belief in his abilities. Mo’s Bows specializes in handmade, stylish bow ties that go beyond mere fashion; they embody confidence and uniqueness. Mo identified a gap in the market and filled it with his innovative designs. His bow ties are more than threads and fabric; they are symbols of identity, resonating with a diverse audience.

Mo’s journey is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit, reflecting traits like creativity, resilience, and adaptability. These qualities have driven him to create a brand that not only keeps up with market trends but also sets new ones. His innovative approach shines through in every aspect, from fabric choices to digital marketing strategies.

Inspiration emanates from Mo’s story, reminding us that passion, creativity, and determination can turn a simple idea into a global phenomenon. His journey teaches invaluable lessons about self-belief, seizing opportunities, embracing change, and persevering in the face of challenges. Mo’s Bows isn’t just a brand; it’s a celebration of youthful creativity and the limitless possibilities of entrepreneurship.

Mo’s Bows is more than a fashion statement; it’s a celebration of dreams, creativity, and the power of unwavering determination. Mo, the young trailblazer from Memphis, has shown us that age is just a number in the realm of entrepreneurship. It’s a reminder that when passion meets purpose and talent meets tenacity, extraordinary things happen.

Bruce Bolt

Bear Mayer started his company Bruce Bolt at the age of 16. His family owned and operated business provides the baseball community with better batting gloves. Bear kept recognizing the same pain that him and his teammates were dealing with in the sport that they were passionate about. The batting gloves that they were using would get tears in them and would need to be replaced every few weeks. His idea was to create a pair of batting gloves that would be more durable to withstand the entire season. Mayer believed that they could accomplish that goal by focusing on improving the design, materials, and craftmanship of their product. That is just what he did, and it is being recognized at the highest level of baseball, as there are many MLB players sporting his gloves.

Mayer had a vision for what he wanted to design and gained the confidence to take initiative on his journey. Those two traits were key to his success as a young entrepreneur. He said that he is motivated to become the best batting glove brand on the market. His love for the game of baseball is a big motivator for him, as he wants to fulfill the needs of other athletes. Mayer was able to understand that he didn’t need to invent a new product, but instead fix the current issues of it to be better. “Be Better”, the mantra of Mayer’s company, prompts his customers to see how they can always keep improving like his company has.

Mayer has inspired me to search for pains in an area of my interest, so that I can find solution to fix the problem. His actions have bettered the game of baseball. We can all learn that if you have an entrepreneurial mind and the right people beside you, you can make a big impact on the world.

https://youtu.be/1_mYJK12A9s?si=CHYRvovVb54Mp7AS

Mo’s Bows

When Moziah (Mo) Bridges was 9 years old, he made his first product for his business that would eventually become an internationally recognized brand. Originally, he was looking for an accessory to “help [him] look sharp”. All he found were ugly-colored, clip-on bow ties. When he couldn’t find anything that expressed his personality and fit his fashion taste, Mo decided to take matters into his own hands (literally).

With the help of his grandmother, Mo sewed his own bow tie at his grandmother’s kitchen table. Then, he began selling bow ties on the side of the road. He then expanded to selling on Etsy. Later, in 2013, Mo appeared on the 5th season of Shark Tank but failed to receive financial support. He did receive Daymond John’s mentoring. Since then, Mo has created bow ties for all 30 NBA teams and former President Obama.

In 2012, Mo founded a charity called Go Mo! Summer Camp Scholarship Fund to send Memphis kids to summer camp. As of 2021, his charity has sent more than 50 kids to summer camp. At age 17, Mo expanded to neckties, pocket squares, and facemasks. He even wrote a book. His Memphis-based business now sells products to other stores such as Bloomingdale’s.

Mo’s charisma, family, and media outlets also greatly influenced his success. His mother helped him run his business while other family members helped sew the ties and ship them. Later, news outlets found his story interesting and provided publicity. Publicity would have been useless though, if Mo was not a personable character. In 2022, Mo’s net worth was $2 million.

Mo’s Bow was born out of a 9-year-old who wanted to add a bit of flare to his attire. He created what he wanted and saw potential. His business provided handmade bowties for both boys and men. From there, he expanded and continued to address another need. Mo saw yet another need in his community and decided to donate part of his profits to help.

Mo’s Bows (mosbowsmemphis.com)

Mo’s bows Shark Tank Net Worth 2023| What Happened To Mo’s bows After Shark Tank? 2023 (biznewske.com)