Archive for Fashion

Children of the Sun Co.

Children of the Sun Co. is a brand locally owned and operated by a group of Spokane WA, teens. The clothing company began as a group of friends making screen printed tee shirts and hoodies but has grown into a multi-faceted business, still built on the foundation of urban and edgy clothing. Entrepreneurship comes in all shapes and sizes; some endeavors being aimed at very niche groups of people. Children of the Sun Co. is an example of a very low start-up cost, using print on demand to begin the business, while being able to yield solid profit margins. Clothing companies have historically been the easiest beginner markets to penetrate, and with expansions in different directions, the small Spokane company is doing its best to expand nationally and see itself grow into a recognized brand not only locally, but across the PNW.

Bo+Tee — Claire Henderson

   In 2020, Bo+Tee was founded by Claire Henderson and Mike Branney. Long before the launch of the brand, they were sellers on eBay. Their profits were donated to charities for children living in poverty across southeast Asia. The same sense of mission and purpose carried over to the businesses they established later.  

   With 18.9K followers on Instagram, Henderson has been recognized for her considerable influence on the public eye. In her posts, she often describes the gratitude she feels for her loving family and supporters. What sets her apart from many entrepreneurs is her thankful attitude towards every moment in her entrepreneurial career. As owner of OhPolly, Bo+Tee, and NeenaSwim, there inevitably have been some mistakes made. One significant drawback for the team of OhPolly was when one of their suppliers stole £30,000 from them. In response to this pivotal moment, Henderson reassures, “the key is not to quit, every successful person hasn’t quit.” Henderson sees terrible times such as these as opportunities to obtain wisdom.  

   Owning three brands, having a family to care for, and a name to live up to, Henderson has to concentrate on numerous things all at once. Her ability to multitask and dedicate time to each aspect of life is truly an exemplary trait for an entrepreneur to have. The capability of managing three businesses all at once is not common, and for Henderson, it also wasn’t natural. She eases into her increasing task load. Success does not happen overnight. Slow progress does eventually build up to something substantial. What any entrepreneur can learn from her is to start small and to see every moment as an opportunity for growth. 

Claire Henderson on Instagram: "I started looking for the good things and now I see good things all around me ☀️"

Moziah Bridges: The Teen Fashion Mogul

In a world where most high school sophomores are juggling homework and sports, Moziah Bridges stands out as a cool and savvy entrepreneur. Imagine starting a business at just 9 years old! Moziah’s brainchild, Mo’s Bows, isn’t just a business; it’s become a symbol of inspiration and style.

Moziah has always been into fashion, especially suits and ties. But he wasn’t happy with the bow tie options for kids his age, so he decided to change that. With some help from his grandma, who taught him to sew, he started making his own bow ties. He believed that “real men should tie their own ties,” and that’s what set his creations apart.

Starting small, Moziah made a few bow ties from his grandma’s old fabrics. Fast forward, and now he has a whole range, using materials like tweeds, ginghams, satins, and silk. His business took off, landing him on Shark Tank and getting noticed by big magazines like O and Vogue.

But Moziah isn’t just a fashion guru; he’s also a generous guy. He donated $1,600 to send 10 kids from his hometown in Memphis to summer camp. His blog talks about child hunger and how giving back to his community makes him feel humble and happy.

He looks up to Daymond John, who became his mentor after they met on Shark Tank. Having a mentor, someone experienced to guide you, is a big deal, and Moziah knows it.

Looking ahead, Moziah plans to go to college and start a complete clothing line by the time he’s 20. His story teaches us that age doesn’t matter when it comes to chasing your dreams. Quality and hard work are crucial, and giving back to the community is not just about helping others but also about finding joy in making others happy.

In a nutshell, Moziah Bridges’ story is a reminder that with determination and a bit of vision, anyone can turn their dreams into reality.

Moziah Bridges – Mo’s Bows

In today’s society, companies need to differentiate themselves in unique ways. This is no exception for something as ordinary as a bowtie. Normal neckties come in all sorts of shapes and patterns, yet when it comes to their counterparts there isn’t much variety. Moziah Bridges, founder of Mo’s Bows, saw this is as a problem. Unable to find fun and interesting bowties, Bridges learned how to sew and started making bowties for himself with leftovers from his grandmother’s sewing projects. This idea would eventually lead to a incredibly successful company which secured a deal on Shark Tank, was featured on The Today Show and Good Morning America, and led Bridges to meet both Barack Obama and George W. Bush.

“My personal mission is to make you look and feel your best while catering to the sometimes conservative, fun-loving lady or gentleman.” Bridges stated in an interview with natfluence.com. On his success, Bridges continued, stating that, “Over the years I have used my B.O.W.S of Business to gain success. B- Believe in Yourself, O-Look for Opportunities, W- Work Hard, S- Seek support from family and friends.” Bridges has gone on to publish his first book, Mo’s Bows: A Young Person’s Guide to Start-Up Success, in which he details how kids can start their own businesses in today’s fast-paced world. “My personal aspirations are to simply be happy in life and continue to encourage other children to tap into their passion at an early age.” Bridges stated. To find out more about Moziah, visit natfluence.com or go to investopedia.com. Be sure to also check out his website, mosbowsmemphis.com.

 

Jooyeon Song and David Miro Llopis – ManiMe

ManiMe, started in 2017, is an at-home gel manicure alternative. In order to get a custom set sent right to them, customers simply send in a picture of their nails and ManiMe’s 3d laser printer creates a custom-fit set of stick-on gel nails specifically sized for them, in any design they choose.

Jooyeon Song, who was around 27 when she started ManiMe, created ManiMe to solve her problem of not having the time to sit in a salon for as long as it takes to get your nails done for; and her problem of not having the money that it takes to get a professional manicure.

Song wasn’t alone in her venture, however. While Song was at Stanford University, her and a fellow student, David Miro Llopis (also around 27 at the time), came together to create the idea behind ManiMe; and eventually launch it.

ManiMe features all sorts of designs and colors for both hands and feet. They also let you choose if you want the custom-sized ones or just the regular, in case you want to save even more money.

I think ManiMe is a great idea, especially as far as the price goes. A traditional gel manicure is around $30-$50, depending on where you go; ManiMe is $6-$20, depending on what style you get. So, it definitely saves a lot of money.

As far as time goes, a traditional gel manicure takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour. ManiMe basically only takes the time it takes for you to stick stickers on your nails, which should only be a few minutes – depending on how much of a perfectionist you are.

As far as innovation goes, I think ManiMe is a good idea because it combines manicures with 3d printing, which is a cool and innovative mashup.

 

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.

Brooklyn and Bailey McKnight

Twins Brooklyn and Bailey started their famous YouTube channel in 2013, when they were just 13 years old. Since then, the 23-year-old duo has taken off in the world of influencers and now have 7.06 million subscribers on YouTube and 9.3 million on Instagram. They post all kinds of lifestyle content from beauty tips to road trips. They make sure to keep both of these accounts well-maintained by posting YouTube videos once weekly and keeping their Instagram stories full on all days of the week.  Followers of Brooklyn and Bailey are always well-informed on what is going on in the lives of the twins, whether it’s that they’re getting married, buying their first homes, or launching a new line of clothing.

Brooklyn and Bailey have a well-established online persona of cute, fun girls who live their lives by going on adventures and maintaining their relationships with each other, their husbands (they were both married within the last year), and their families; and of course, by maintaining all their entrepreneurial ventures.

On top of their online presence, Brooklyn and Bailey maintain their own online fashion line, LashNextDoor; their skincare line, stayitk; and their recently opened drink shack, Sip City.

LashNextDoor features fashions of all types (dresses, shirts, skirts, pants, jewelry, etc.) designed by Brooklyn and Bailey that reflect their fun personalities in a trendy and cute way.

Stayitk (standing for “stay in the know”) is a vegan and cruelty free skincare line that promotes the idea of its users to “stay in the know” on what they are putting in their skin.

Sip City is a drink and snack shack that sells fruity beverages and sodas as well as a few different cookie options.

I have followed Brooklyn and Bailey for a while now, and I always feel very inspired by their ability to run all of their entrepreneurial undertakings as well as show their love for each other and their family; and their drive to not let anything get in the way of their dreams and goals. It’s very uplifting for me to view their content and see their positivity on my Instagram every day.

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.

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)

Robert Luo with Mi Terro

Robert Luo is an environmentally aware, three-time entrepreneur. He has sold two of his businesses, and his third is a company called Mi Terro, which began with duffle bags made from corks and plastic from the ocean. The company seeks to change both the fashion industry and the food industry. More recently, the company has started to create and sell t-shirts made from spoiled milk. The milk is turned into protein fiber that replaces plastic, and the fiber is turned into shirts sold online. The beginning of Mi Terro’s new venture in t-shirts was Luo’s visit to his uncle’s dairy farm in China. There was so much spoiled milk because the farm’s buyer had switched to a different farm for supply. Luo’s uncle asked, “is there a way that we can sell this spoiled milk?” and the idea of Mi Terro began to form. Luo’s story seems to be a perfect example of ideas colliding to create a complete idea. Luo was already into sustainable fashion created from waste, and Luo’s visit to his uncle’s farm gave him a new piece of the idea for milk t-shirts, the next venture of Mi Terro. Luo said in an interview, “Leverage the existing connections those that have helped them start a business- either financially, or mentally helped them out. Build connections and be humble. Meet people and be open-minded.” Luo recognizes the importance of networks of ideas, that ideas can come together from various sources and that we can purposefully seek out interpersonal connections to allow these ideas to collide and create a new, whole idea. Luo continues to be innovative and moving on to the “adjacent possible,” the next available innovation: Mi Terro is now beginning to test technology that turns whey protein, a byproduct of cheese and yogurt, into packaging to replace the plastic packaging on products.