My dream to start a fashion brand is definitely something I’ve been working on for a few years. Things like a career, losing pets from old age, life… it’s easy to get distracted; however, I’ve been trying to do a little bit every week. Sometimes it’s only every month. But I am finally starting to feel like I am making traction with Jendaresu.
So, to help make myself realize the cumulative effects of my efforts this is where Jendaresu is at:
- logo and name has been filed with the US Trademark office
- website registered (obviously) – still a bit of work to do here – but it’s up!
- social media registered (please follow!)
- Instagram posts have started!
- initial meetings with manufacturers have taken place
- initial clothing designs are ready (one top, one bottom)
- t-shirts are designed and almost ready to be ordered (made in the USA!)
- business plan has been written including strategy and competitive research
That’s actually a lot! I feel good about it.
But what I am most excited about is the Kickstarter campaign I’ve been putting together. I’ll have 30 days to try and raise $20,000. That’s a lot of money.
An excerpt:
From the beginning I decided that for Jendaresu to have a meaningful impact the clothing would have to be fiercely made in the USA. Other value propositions built into the brand include: sustainably sourced textiles, 100% vegan, manufacturers that fairly compensate their workers and the concept of slow fashion (well made, timeless, long-lasting pieces that endure).
Initially I believed I would start with a modest amount of nine pieces in the collection. After having a better understanding of the garment making process I was humbled to discover that starting with two pieces was much more realistic.
Before clothing can be manufactured it must first be prototyped. The prototyping process includes taking my design and executing a final rendition of what the item will look like. It involves designers, pattern makers, project managers, fabric/embellishment sourcing and more. Once a design and prototype is completed the patterns and “instructions” are packaged digitally. These instructions are the DNA for the garment and can be taken to any manufacturer production-ready.
The prototyping cost is not cheap. Obviously this can be accomplished cheaper overseas, but I am committed to doing this in America. It is also a one-time cost of doing business for the specific garments.
I have budgeted additional funds for this kickstarter campaign to finance the actual production: a top and a bottom.
I am hoping to launch the campaign before Christmas! Fingers crossed…
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