As college students studying abroad, Jeff Steitz and two buddies were traveling the world on a ship, and visiting many different world markets in the process. During this trip, they began to meet different people, and picking up fabric from these markets. When looking at the fabric, they came up with the idea of Serengetee. They launched this business from their University of Miami (FL) dorm room in 2012. It takes different cloths from around the world, some even from the United States, and makes pockets of tee shirts, to create very cool looking pocket shirts. They then take some of the money from their profits, and use it for missions for the specific cause it came from. For example, one fabric design is from Mexico, and it supports an organization called Simply Smiles, which helps feed and cloth impoverished children in Mexico. So, while buying a very stylish pocket shirt, people are also helping out different causes across the world. Their campaign to promote these, called Wear The World, gives people the opportunity to own fabric from every corner of the world. They really reach out to college kids, and use that as their target market. They take applications from College Students, and call them their campus reps. These campus reps are sent shirts to wear, and to rep these shirts around campus. The application process is kind of difficult, asking questions about why you would make a good rep, and things like that. I filled it out, and sent it in, and am waiting for a response myself. I think this business is a great inspiration to me, because of the mission aspect of it. It is similar to Toms shoes, and it has a really great purpose, and desire to help others. So far, the business is taking fabric from 28 countries, has over 280,000 supporters on social media, and has over $4700 dollars in donations this month! Serengetee is a very fast growing business, and it has begun to reach out to start getting employees! I believe in the concept, and in the mission of this company! I would definitely support it when I get the chance!
I actually was a hometown rep this summer for Serengetee and got to see the inner workings of the company. Jeff Seitz and Ryan Westberg are the two founders and frequently reach out to the students who rep their brand. It’s crazy how they went to different colleges and studied abroad together and came up with this idea while visiting different countries and seeing the unique fabrics that come from each. Just a quick correction they are both from California; Jeff went to Claremont Mckenna which is in California and Ryan went to the University of Arizona. They then started the company in California and Arizona in dorm rooms. It’s inspiring how they do not just keep all their profits but give 50% of the profit back to organizations who are working in the specific countries the fabric comes from.
This is a perfect example of a how a small concept can be profitable and charitable simultaneously. The fact that these two guys recognized a potential market among college students through a fashion idea that also aids different organizations that the fabrics come from is very inspirational. They are living proof that small ideas can change the world.
I also appreciate what James said, that they reach out to their sales reps. By keeping contact with their student partners, they are building relationships within a brand name. Such a crucial aspect to any new company.