Archive for Fashion

Daniela Koch: Shoko Clothing

Since its inception in 2009, Shoko has remained committed to being a sustainable and ethical clothing brand for women. Founded in Greece by Daniela Koch, the brand’s core mission revolves around responsible production and environmental consciousness. With a made-to-order business model, Shoko minimizes waste while ensuring that each item is crafted with intention. Their innovative approach extends to packaging, using compostable materials and environmentally friendly tags embedded with seeds of basil and tomatoes—encouraging customers to plant and nurture their own green space.

What truly sets Shoko apart is its dedication to supporting local communities. Operating in Athens, the brand minimizes its carbon footprint by sourcing materials and production locally—avoiding the environmental toll of international shipping. This proximity also fosters close-knit relationships with local artisans, ensuring fair wages and ethical working conditions. From the skilled hands of cutters and sewers to the creative minds behind the photography and design, every member of the Shoko team plays a vital role in creating high-quality, ethically made clothing that’s as kind to the planet as it is to its people.

Lavish by Grace

Meet Sherline Raaw, a young entrepreneur who created a Christian apparel business during the pandemic. Sherline first had been waiting tables for five years but knew that she didn’t want to be a server all her life. Tired of her life as a server, Sherline needed change. She decided to join the Air Force for stability and for their benefit. During her time joining the Air Force, Sherline also just got proposed to by her boyfriend of four years, while still in tech school, and trying to move out of her parents’ home. Despite her busy schedule. Sherline still found time to be with God.

She kept having this idea of Lavish by Grace in her head, but she didn’t know where to go. Asking God for guidance in her busy schedule, she looked to Him for what to do next. Right in 2019, when the pandemic hit, everyone was at home. That’s when she really found time and got to design her brand more. During her time at home, she noticed the lack of minimal Christian apparel and decided to aim her business in that direction. She started creating minimal(istic) matching loungewear that still embodied Christ. Her own idea took 2 years before she launched it. This idea had been brewing for quite some time, but thanks to Covid, she really got to invest her time in it.

The mission of Lavish by Grace is, “we live in a world where everything runs out and everything has a limit. However, God’s grace, which has been lavished upon us, does not. There is no better word to describe it than lavish. Lavish by Grace was founded with the intention of sharing my faith and raising awareness of Jesus Christ using minimal and comfortable clothing,” says Raaw. This beautiful idea brings a strong community together with simple and comfortable clothing.

Despite her busy schedule, Sherline was able to launch Lavish by Grace, woman apparel, during the pandemic. She wanted it to be more than just minimalist, cute loungewear for woman though. She wanted to create a community centered on Christ and comfort. With her company, she’s done well to sell at high-quality apparel while continuing to foster the Christian mindset. Her business is only at its wonderful beginning!

Grace Beverley: Sustainable Fitness

Grace Beverley is a successful young entrepreneur and founder of sustainable style brand TALA, and fitness tech brand Shreddy: both majorly successful brands. She founded both of these companies in her early 20s, at a very young age. These brands today promote sustainable fitness wear that is accessible in a large range of sizes. In an interview, Beverley discussed her goals for these lines, saying, “My priority is to make sustainability accessible and in turn to combat the huge impact of the fashion industry on our planet.” She founded these companies all while studying at Oxford University. However, after her time at Oxford, she discovered her passion for sustainability. She continued to attain a Sustainable Business Strategy certificate from Harvard Business School. After her education, she was recognized in Forbes 30 under 30 at the young age of 23 for her style brand TALA.

Beverley is very open in her advice to young entrepreneurs. In an interview, when asked what one of the hardest parts of being a young entrepreneur is, she said the issue is not how other people see you, but how you see yourself. She openly talks about her struggles with imposter syndrome, as it can be hard to feel like you belong among so many successful entrepreneurs at such a young age. These principles and lessons are really valuable to remember as young entrepreneurs.

Mo’s Bows

One young entrepreneur saw a pain in the world of men’s fashion: a lack of personal style and flair, specifically in the area of bowties. He decided to match his passion with the pain he saw, starting his own business to fill that gap. A nine-year-old native of Memphis, Tennesse, Moziah Bridges set out to create bowties with handcrafted, intentional style. Upon not being able to find a suitable bowtie for himself and realizing that many other style-conscious men struggled with the same problem, “Mo’s Bows” was born. The founder developed his sewing skills to make the ties from his grandmother’s scrap materials. Creative, determined, and passionate about his work, Moziah eventually hired tailors to handle the manual side of the business while he focused on the creative designs.

A pivotal moment in “Mo’s Bows” occurred when Moziah appeared on the hit entrepreneurial show, “Shark Tank.” The show gave “Mo’s Bows” great publicity and helped Moziah learn how to take his business to the next level. The company has sold almost $1,000,000 worth of handmade bowties and accessories (including a personal bowtie designed for Barack Obama). Mo’s products are carried by such noteworthy brands as Cole Haan, Bloomingdale’s, and Neiman Marcus. His company also supplies bow and neckties for the entire NBA.

Mo Bridges took his passion for creative, handcrafted style, fit it into the market’s gap, and built a large, successful, and impactful enterprise from the ground up. You can visit Mo’s business here.

Mo's Bows

Billie Eilish, a Genre-Defying Musician

Billie Eilish holding several awards

Billie Eilish wearing one of her odd outfits and holding a trio of trophies.

Billie Eilish began her career in music when she was only fourteen years old, making a splash with the single Ocean Eyes. It was uploaded to SoundCloud to be listened to for free by anyone, and within only a few weeks it had accrued a million plays. Billie Eilish, whose full name is Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O’Connell, rejects many of the standards for what a billboard topping artist can look and sound like. Eilish has a unique sense of style, frequently matching baggy and brightly colored and patterned clothes with large and eccentric jewelry. She is inspired by Pop, Industrial, EDM, and Jazz, among other music genres. The result is something timeless and innovative, what some call a whole new genre. Much of her songs and lyrics which are now trending internationally were first written in her home in collaboration with her brother. (He releases music separately as part of a band called The Slightlys.)

Billie Eilish is a very creative person. Eilish speaks in an interview with Noisey about how she gets many ideas from her strange dreams. She was homeschooled, enjoying horseback riding, dance, and singing. In her youth, she was a fan of Anime, specifically the movie Spirited Away. Billie Eilish has an impressive record when it comes to acclaim, trophies, and awards. She has had her music appear in 13 Reasons Why and Barbie (2023). She is the youngest person to win the Best Pop Vocal Album, Best New Artist, Song of the Year, and Record of the Year awards at the Grammy’s. Though her career has been highly successful, it has not been a very long one. As of yet, Eilish has only released three studio albums over eight years of music making. She’s just twenty-two years old currently, and has the potential to be a mainstay in the Pop music world, continuing to bring new, dark combinations of sound onto the billboard charts. She can be an example to us all that if you pursue your ideas (no matter how strange) with enough passion and vision, you can find an audience. Put yourself out there, and share your ideas!

 

Sources:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HmFgsLjpnM

https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/4/18/18412282/who-is-billie-eilish-explained-coachella-2019

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Billie-Eilish

Rajia Abdelaziz: Co-founder of InvisaWear

Have you ever been in a scary situation like walking back to your car at night and then someone jumps out of their car and starts to approach you? Well, this happened to cofounder Rajia Abdelaziz after a night out during college. She was walking back to her car during the night after an event at college and a car full of guys stopped and started catcalling her and one even got out of the car and started walking towards her. After surviving this scary night, she realized that she didn’t have a lot of time to call for help using her phone and that all the panic buttons on the market weren’t fashionable or subtle. So, what did she do with this information? She created her own jewelry line selling fashionable and everyday accessories that have safety devices disguised underneath. Her product, InvisaWear, was soon founded with the help of her co-founder Ray Hamilton.

Star Burst Charm Necklace

InviaWear was made with the intent of keeping people safer, especially when we’re in tough situations and we can’t access our phones to call for help. Rajia wanted to make the world a safer place to be in, and didn’t want other people to suffer when they needed help during difficult situations. Statistics show that around 1 in 4 women, and 1 in 7 men get attacked at some point during their life. That’s a lot of people who get attacked, which caused such a spark that InvisaWear has been featured on ABC News, CBS, Good Morning America, and WBZ. InvisaWear has also made national headlines for helping to save a young woman’s life when she was in a car accident. There are so many other success stories about InvisaWear saving other people’s lives, and this was all thanks to Rajia Abdelaziz after she realized that there was a need for more safety panic buttons. Rajia’s company doesn’t just sell jewelry, she also sells pepper sprays, and other self-defense products to keep others safe. InvisaWear believes “that everyone deserves to feel safe and secure”, and Rajia did just that! You can check out her website and shop here! 

Sources:

Why We Created invisaWear – Our Founder Rajia’s Story – invisaWear®

WoW Woman in Wearable Tech I Rajia Abdelaziz, founder of invisaWear — WOMEN OF WEARABLES

Matilda Djerf: Redefining Fashion with Djerf Avenue

Matilda Djerf, an ambitious young entrepreneur, is reinventing the fashion industry with her brand, Djerf Avenue. What sets Matilda apart is her unwavering commitment to quality and inclusivity. All of her garments are meticulously crafted in Italy, Portugal, and Sweden, focusing on detailed craftsmanship and product sustainability. Moreover, her designs are adaptable for a diverse range of body sizes, emphasizing that fashion should be accessible to everyone. Driven by her love of fashion and a personal journey through anorexia and orthorexia, Matilda’s mission goes beyond profit. She aims to promote body positivity among young women, creating a brand that encourages confidence. This deep-rooted passion informs every aspect of Djerf Avenue, making it a beacon for those seeking flattering clothing that is adaptable to all shapes and sizes. Matilda’s approach to design is refreshingly unique. She blends creative flair with timeless elegance, ensuring her pieces are not only fashionable but also long-lasting. By focusing on aesthetics that transcend fleeting trends, she crafts clothing that encourages many years of use. This thoughtful approach reflects a genuine understanding of her customers, who seek both style and substance.

In a fashion world often dominated by narrow standards of beauty, Matilda’s innovative brand challenges the notion that only size zero clothing can be flattering and stylish. This works against the negative body images that women today all too often believe. Her collections prove that every body type can look fabulous, encouraging a sense of inclusivity that resonates deeply with her consumers. Matilda’s journey inspires me to recognize the power of personal experience in driving innovation. If I have experienced a problem, there is a high chance others have as well, thus providing a possible market. All to say, with a keen eye for recognizing the hole in the market for an adaptable and timeless clothing brand, Matilda Djerf is reshaping the fashion industry. Not only is she doing this, but she also is inspiring women today to recognize their bodies are beautifully and wonderfully made. With Djerf Avenue, she proves that fashion can be both uplifting and fun.

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.