To+em's Business Start up
Donation protected
My story:
Have you ever had a dream so real you can just taste it? Have you ever woken up and knowing what exactly you wanted to do in life, but being incapable of doing that thing because of finances? Have you ever had an everlasting drive saying that "no matter what, this is what I was meant to do"? Have you ever tried reaching out to friends and family and finding no one around you willing to support? Ever been told "wake up. Face reality. Get a real job. You'll never make it." And that despite the noise, you find yourself persisting and trying again. Have you ever found yourself doing everything alone?
I have. And if you have, then you too can relate to my story.
I've never been the type to ever know how to ask for help. I considered myself to proud. But I know now, regardless if this will work, that I can't do this without help.
Those who know me, know that I have one of the most strongest drives alive and that I've never been the type of person to allow others how to dictate how I should live my life and what I should be doing. I may not know the right path, but I have the will and the Talent.
I started my company a little year ago. Since then, my art and clothes have received soo much love, far more than I thought capable. And I have never been more grateful to all those people who have joined me on my journey, seen me from the start, shown me support, and given me love. All from what I receive has pushed me even further.
I have never come across an obstacle I couldn't overcome before. When it comes down to it, I have chosen to gladly go without food for a couple days if it meant that I could use that money to get models and photographers to wear my clothes. I know I shouldn't treat myself as a means to an end, but my passion is my absolute everything. I love this passion soo much that I don't even get to wear my own clothes. I rather give my last to buy models clothes than spend anything for myself.
Since the start of this journey I've grown and also learned that this was more than just me. I built a community. It was also about the people I've worked with. It was about the people who loved my work and wanted to wear my clothes. It was about becoming what I stood for and becoming the Wolf that is To+em.
But now I'm facing a new challenge. I'm not capable of financing my business. Not alone. I'm not capable of providing for models and photographers. I'm no longer capable. I've sold everything I have to keep this passion alive. I have no home to return to and even force to retreat to streets. I can't feed the wolf. And that is why I need your help.
I thought that as a "lone wolf" I belong to no pack. Instead, with all the people who've followed me on this journey, I learned that you guys are my "pack".
Anyways thank you all for reading.
Every little bit counts.
Howl for To+em
About To+em:
To+em is a brand new upcoming Streetwear brand that is inspired by different cultures such as native american and asian cultures. To+em is changing the way people think about T-Shirts and fashion and breaking the cycle of dull clothing. Our goal is "to repaint the world in color". We are a small unite that creates Artistic, Beautiful Images that Inspire Wonder."
Goals and Objectives:
to have a healthy successful company that is a leader in customer service and that has a loyal customer following. To have a store in the following places such as: New York City, Los Angeles California, Tokyo Japan, or would love to become a vendor in stores such as Zumiez
Perfecting and the product for complete customer satisfaction
Introduce new products in the company such as Joggers, Shoes, one shoulder sweaters for women, plus size clothing for the Plus Size community, bomber jackets and more.
There will be many foreseeable changes in the future through trial and error and experimentation.
Long term: A better website, affordable pricing, more of a selection, (with more selections, customers would become repeat buyers), clothing in stock versus being made to order
Short term: Increased ad marketing and social media marketing
Most important strengths: My clothing as an advantage over most streetwear clothing brands because my clothing is creative in a way that it attracts the eye and inspires wonder. I focus on all over print clothing instead of classic t-shirts with an image in the middle of the shirt. Other strengths include my customer service. I believe my competitive strengths will be really getting involved with my target audience, learning more about them and offering them chances of winning limited giveaways and deals for taking photos of themselves and tagging us in their photos. As a skilled artist I will be creating new amazing pieces to be designed in clothing. I Also experienced in both photoshop, social media marketing, customer service, bilingual
About Me:
A little about myself, my name is Chris Rice but people call me "Rice Chrispy". I'm 24, I'm an artist/entrepreneur from Ohio. I've started my own little clothing company, known as To+em Art and Apparel, about a year ago while also maintaining a day job. Not too long ago I decided to put all my efforts into building my business up.
I have been drawing all my life. I love creating, period. I believe that the world exists too much in black and white. Ever since I was a child I’ve been drawing. I’ve never been without a sketch book, I never left the house without it. My parents would often tell me “you need to leave that sketch book at home”, it’s just always been a part of me that I always wanted to create no matter what it was.
My key qualities are my artistic ability to create beautiful images by hands, my strong ambition to strive for success and accomplish my goals, my abolity to connect with others, and my kind nature.
Since the start of my business I have travelled from a couple cities such as Atlanta, and Los Angeles to help spread the word of my business to those in the area. I've met a lot of influential people, gained a lot of knowledge and I have done my best to tr to implement what I was taught.
Clothing:
Products and Services:
All the products are created with works of art designed by hand by me using mixed media martials and paper. Each work is inspired by Asian and native American culture combined with abstract elements and geometric shapes. Those artworks are then scanned and cleaned up and made more vibrant using the program photoshop. Once that process is done, those images are then scaled, rotated and enlarge to fit shirts, hats, sweatshirts and hoodies in a way that the image covers the entire garment (All over printing). Once a desired design has been chosen, it then becomes available for purchase online in my store and once a customer has placed an order, the product is then made to order. All the shirts, sweatshirts, tank tops and hoodies are made with a special polyester fabric which stays vibrant even after several washes.
Economics:
Total size of Market
Facebook likes – 18,951
Instagram Followers – 19,180
Twitter followers – 1,344
Growth potential in fans can range from 600k – 1m
Potential follower increase ratio:
Ratio
130 - 150 followers/ day
Estimated possible reach 2017:
Beginning of July: 24k
Beginning of Aug: 28k
Beginning of sept: 32k
Beginning of Oct: 36k
Beginning of Nov: 40k
Beginning of Dec: 44k
End of Dec: 48k
+ 30,000 potential new followers
Estimated possible reach 2018:
Beginning of Feb: 52k
Beginning of March: 56k
Beginning of April: 60k
Beginning of May: 64k
Beginning of June: 68k
Beginning of July: 72k
Beginning of Aug: 76k
Beginning of sept: 80k
Beginning of Oct: 84k
Beginning of Nov: 88k
Beginning of Dec: 92k
End of Dec: 96k
+78,000 potential new followers
Barriers include:
High production Costs
High Marketing costs
Shipping costs
Website costs
Costs for models
Costs for photographers
Costs for stock
Costs for google ad words
Customers:
· My demographic is between the ages of 18 and 24.
· Both Male and Female
· Top locations include: New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Phillipines
· High School and College Students
· Skateboarders, Gamers, Millennials, Creative people, people who like Streetwear, Artists, People with Tattoos, hipsters, grunge
Instagram Page
Promotions:
I will get the word to the customers through several ways. Word of mouth; people who love the work and buy the clothing will tell their friends and family. Youtube clothing review: I will send my clothing to people who have a substantial amount of subscribers to review my clothing and give my social media pages and website a shoutout. Instagram Influencers: I already have a list of contacts of influencers on Instagram who have a large following on their pages. Once I initiate the process, I’ll send them all clothing, many of their choosing and then they will take professional photographs of themselves wearing the clothing. They will also perform free shirt giveaways to a lucky winner of their choosing and I will too send them a shirt. Most of the influencers do not require money which is beneficial to me, but others do. The photos provided by the models, photographers and influencers will be shared both on the To+em Instagram page as well as their Instagram page. I will visit college campuses around the areas of each state that I visit and promote to the students there. Lastly I will also utilize gorilla marketing by posting large scale stickers of my artwork around major city areas with my Instagram name. This process has been proven to be very useful from experience.
Promotion method: All promotions are done online and on social media. We promote through limit sale offers as well as a chance to win free gear through participation in giveaways and more. We also promote with brand ambassadors through collaborations.
Promotion costs:
The cost for the construction of the wolf mask: $300
Facebook advertising: $10/per day - $20/per day limited period of time
Instagram marketing - $0.00
Influencers/models/photographers: $0.00 - $400
Clothing sent to influencers/Models/photographers: $80 - $250
3x3 Stickers: $9/each
24x24 Wall Graphics: $57/each
Traveling: up to $150/per flight
Website: $80/Month
Marketing Plan:
A good portion of the investment will go to facebook and Instagram ads. I will focus on social media marketing as well as attending venues, parks and music concerts focusing on my target audience to boost awareness and increase my following and growing customer base. In these areas I would pass out stickers along with business cards prompting people to go follow me on facebook and Instagram as well as check out my products on my website.
I have a list of photographers and models who already love the clothing and wish to be a part of the experience. As part of my marketing plan, I send them clothes and they take professional photos for me that I use to help advertise my clothing. Further more I will target influencers who have a high following on social media (youtube, Instagram, facebook, snapchat and twitter) and send tem clothing as well for them to be an ambassador for my company as well as host any free giveaways that will also help in increasing customer loyalty.
Production:
Standard Quality - Single Sided*
Image printed on pre-made blank garment - front only, back is white 2-4 day manufacturing process plus shipping time
Premium Quality - Double Sided*
Image printed on pre-made blank garment - front and back 2-4 day manufacturing process plus shipping time
Ultra Premium Quality - Double Sided - Cut & Sew**
Image printed on ultra premium quality fabric, then cut and sewn Image on front and back. No white marks or irregularities 3-6 day manufacturing process plus shipping time
Works of Art:
Social Medias:
Link to Instagram Page
Link to facebook Page
What we are raising money for:
Running your own company is tough, especially when you don't receive support. I do my absolute best with the resources that I have but its still not enough and I realized now that I really need help.
o The funds will be used to operate the Promotions, the operational Plan and Production listed in the business plan above.
o Costs will go into sending out clothing to models and photographers worldwide to help promote the business and raise an audience
o Costs will help cover for Art supplies
o Costs will help to keep a consisting Website
o Costs will help pay for business License
o Costs will go into Creating new clothing such as Bomber Jackets, Joggers, button down shirts, hoodies and more
o Funds needed short tem: $7000
Why this means so much to me?
This would mean soo much to me because you will all be helping me acheive my dream and help creating new works of art and clothing. By doing this, you won't only be helping me change my world but it'll also help me give back to those who have supported me.
I can't recall how long I have been fighting to put this dream into existence. I have come across a pletheroa of setbacks that have blossomed doubt from within me but only made my strive for success stronger. I have accomplished a lot since the start of my business, and I have also lost a lot. I have learned to take in the good with the bad and I have matured and grown as an entreprenuer, and artist, a dreamer and a businessman. No matter what I will continue to outdo my best efforts and achieve more. This will be a start to a new begginning.
Have you ever had a dream so real you can just taste it? Have you ever woken up and knowing what exactly you wanted to do in life, but being incapable of doing that thing because of finances? Have you ever had an everlasting drive saying that "no matter what, this is what I was meant to do"? Have you ever tried reaching out to friends and family and finding no one around you willing to support? Ever been told "wake up. Face reality. Get a real job. You'll never make it." And that despite the noise, you find yourself persisting and trying again. Have you ever found yourself doing everything alone?
I have. And if you have, then you too can relate to my story.
I've never been the type to ever know how to ask for help. I considered myself to proud. But I know now, regardless if this will work, that I can't do this without help.
Those who know me, know that I have one of the most strongest drives alive and that I've never been the type of person to allow others how to dictate how I should live my life and what I should be doing. I may not know the right path, but I have the will and the Talent.
I started my company a little year ago. Since then, my art and clothes have received soo much love, far more than I thought capable. And I have never been more grateful to all those people who have joined me on my journey, seen me from the start, shown me support, and given me love. All from what I receive has pushed me even further.
I have never come across an obstacle I couldn't overcome before. When it comes down to it, I have chosen to gladly go without food for a couple days if it meant that I could use that money to get models and photographers to wear my clothes. I know I shouldn't treat myself as a means to an end, but my passion is my absolute everything. I love this passion soo much that I don't even get to wear my own clothes. I rather give my last to buy models clothes than spend anything for myself.
Since the start of this journey I've grown and also learned that this was more than just me. I built a community. It was also about the people I've worked with. It was about the people who loved my work and wanted to wear my clothes. It was about becoming what I stood for and becoming the Wolf that is To+em.
But now I'm facing a new challenge. I'm not capable of financing my business. Not alone. I'm not capable of providing for models and photographers. I'm no longer capable. I've sold everything I have to keep this passion alive. I have no home to return to and even force to retreat to streets. I can't feed the wolf. And that is why I need your help.
I thought that as a "lone wolf" I belong to no pack. Instead, with all the people who've followed me on this journey, I learned that you guys are my "pack".
Anyways thank you all for reading.
Every little bit counts.
Howl for To+em
About To+em:
To+em is a brand new upcoming Streetwear brand that is inspired by different cultures such as native american and asian cultures. To+em is changing the way people think about T-Shirts and fashion and breaking the cycle of dull clothing. Our goal is "to repaint the world in color". We are a small unite that creates Artistic, Beautiful Images that Inspire Wonder."
Goals and Objectives:
to have a healthy successful company that is a leader in customer service and that has a loyal customer following. To have a store in the following places such as: New York City, Los Angeles California, Tokyo Japan, or would love to become a vendor in stores such as Zumiez
Perfecting and the product for complete customer satisfaction
Introduce new products in the company such as Joggers, Shoes, one shoulder sweaters for women, plus size clothing for the Plus Size community, bomber jackets and more.
There will be many foreseeable changes in the future through trial and error and experimentation.
Long term: A better website, affordable pricing, more of a selection, (with more selections, customers would become repeat buyers), clothing in stock versus being made to order
Short term: Increased ad marketing and social media marketing
Most important strengths: My clothing as an advantage over most streetwear clothing brands because my clothing is creative in a way that it attracts the eye and inspires wonder. I focus on all over print clothing instead of classic t-shirts with an image in the middle of the shirt. Other strengths include my customer service. I believe my competitive strengths will be really getting involved with my target audience, learning more about them and offering them chances of winning limited giveaways and deals for taking photos of themselves and tagging us in their photos. As a skilled artist I will be creating new amazing pieces to be designed in clothing. I Also experienced in both photoshop, social media marketing, customer service, bilingual
About Me:
A little about myself, my name is Chris Rice but people call me "Rice Chrispy". I'm 24, I'm an artist/entrepreneur from Ohio. I've started my own little clothing company, known as To+em Art and Apparel, about a year ago while also maintaining a day job. Not too long ago I decided to put all my efforts into building my business up.
I have been drawing all my life. I love creating, period. I believe that the world exists too much in black and white. Ever since I was a child I’ve been drawing. I’ve never been without a sketch book, I never left the house without it. My parents would often tell me “you need to leave that sketch book at home”, it’s just always been a part of me that I always wanted to create no matter what it was.
My key qualities are my artistic ability to create beautiful images by hands, my strong ambition to strive for success and accomplish my goals, my abolity to connect with others, and my kind nature.
Since the start of my business I have travelled from a couple cities such as Atlanta, and Los Angeles to help spread the word of my business to those in the area. I've met a lot of influential people, gained a lot of knowledge and I have done my best to tr to implement what I was taught.
Clothing:
Products and Services:
All the products are created with works of art designed by hand by me using mixed media martials and paper. Each work is inspired by Asian and native American culture combined with abstract elements and geometric shapes. Those artworks are then scanned and cleaned up and made more vibrant using the program photoshop. Once that process is done, those images are then scaled, rotated and enlarge to fit shirts, hats, sweatshirts and hoodies in a way that the image covers the entire garment (All over printing). Once a desired design has been chosen, it then becomes available for purchase online in my store and once a customer has placed an order, the product is then made to order. All the shirts, sweatshirts, tank tops and hoodies are made with a special polyester fabric which stays vibrant even after several washes.
Economics:
Total size of Market
Facebook likes – 18,951
Instagram Followers – 19,180
Twitter followers – 1,344
Growth potential in fans can range from 600k – 1m
Potential follower increase ratio:
Ratio
130 - 150 followers/ day
Estimated possible reach 2017:
Beginning of July: 24k
Beginning of Aug: 28k
Beginning of sept: 32k
Beginning of Oct: 36k
Beginning of Nov: 40k
Beginning of Dec: 44k
End of Dec: 48k
+ 30,000 potential new followers
Estimated possible reach 2018:
Beginning of Feb: 52k
Beginning of March: 56k
Beginning of April: 60k
Beginning of May: 64k
Beginning of June: 68k
Beginning of July: 72k
Beginning of Aug: 76k
Beginning of sept: 80k
Beginning of Oct: 84k
Beginning of Nov: 88k
Beginning of Dec: 92k
End of Dec: 96k
+78,000 potential new followers
Barriers include:
High production Costs
High Marketing costs
Shipping costs
Website costs
Costs for models
Costs for photographers
Costs for stock
Costs for google ad words
Customers:
· My demographic is between the ages of 18 and 24.
· Both Male and Female
· Top locations include: New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Phillipines
· High School and College Students
· Skateboarders, Gamers, Millennials, Creative people, people who like Streetwear, Artists, People with Tattoos, hipsters, grunge
Instagram Page
Promotions:
I will get the word to the customers through several ways. Word of mouth; people who love the work and buy the clothing will tell their friends and family. Youtube clothing review: I will send my clothing to people who have a substantial amount of subscribers to review my clothing and give my social media pages and website a shoutout. Instagram Influencers: I already have a list of contacts of influencers on Instagram who have a large following on their pages. Once I initiate the process, I’ll send them all clothing, many of their choosing and then they will take professional photographs of themselves wearing the clothing. They will also perform free shirt giveaways to a lucky winner of their choosing and I will too send them a shirt. Most of the influencers do not require money which is beneficial to me, but others do. The photos provided by the models, photographers and influencers will be shared both on the To+em Instagram page as well as their Instagram page. I will visit college campuses around the areas of each state that I visit and promote to the students there. Lastly I will also utilize gorilla marketing by posting large scale stickers of my artwork around major city areas with my Instagram name. This process has been proven to be very useful from experience.
Promotion method: All promotions are done online and on social media. We promote through limit sale offers as well as a chance to win free gear through participation in giveaways and more. We also promote with brand ambassadors through collaborations.
Promotion costs:
The cost for the construction of the wolf mask: $300
Facebook advertising: $10/per day - $20/per day limited period of time
Instagram marketing - $0.00
Influencers/models/photographers: $0.00 - $400
Clothing sent to influencers/Models/photographers: $80 - $250
3x3 Stickers: $9/each
24x24 Wall Graphics: $57/each
Traveling: up to $150/per flight
Website: $80/Month
Marketing Plan:
A good portion of the investment will go to facebook and Instagram ads. I will focus on social media marketing as well as attending venues, parks and music concerts focusing on my target audience to boost awareness and increase my following and growing customer base. In these areas I would pass out stickers along with business cards prompting people to go follow me on facebook and Instagram as well as check out my products on my website.
I have a list of photographers and models who already love the clothing and wish to be a part of the experience. As part of my marketing plan, I send them clothes and they take professional photos for me that I use to help advertise my clothing. Further more I will target influencers who have a high following on social media (youtube, Instagram, facebook, snapchat and twitter) and send tem clothing as well for them to be an ambassador for my company as well as host any free giveaways that will also help in increasing customer loyalty.
Production:
Standard Quality - Single Sided*
Image printed on pre-made blank garment - front only, back is white 2-4 day manufacturing process plus shipping time
Premium Quality - Double Sided*
Image printed on pre-made blank garment - front and back 2-4 day manufacturing process plus shipping time
Ultra Premium Quality - Double Sided - Cut & Sew**
Image printed on ultra premium quality fabric, then cut and sewn Image on front and back. No white marks or irregularities 3-6 day manufacturing process plus shipping time
Works of Art:
Social Medias:
Link to Instagram Page
Link to facebook Page
What we are raising money for:
Running your own company is tough, especially when you don't receive support. I do my absolute best with the resources that I have but its still not enough and I realized now that I really need help.
o The funds will be used to operate the Promotions, the operational Plan and Production listed in the business plan above.
o Costs will go into sending out clothing to models and photographers worldwide to help promote the business and raise an audience
o Costs will help cover for Art supplies
o Costs will help to keep a consisting Website
o Costs will help pay for business License
o Costs will go into Creating new clothing such as Bomber Jackets, Joggers, button down shirts, hoodies and more
o Funds needed short tem: $7000
Why this means so much to me?
This would mean soo much to me because you will all be helping me acheive my dream and help creating new works of art and clothing. By doing this, you won't only be helping me change my world but it'll also help me give back to those who have supported me.
I can't recall how long I have been fighting to put this dream into existence. I have come across a pletheroa of setbacks that have blossomed doubt from within me but only made my strive for success stronger. I have accomplished a lot since the start of my business, and I have also lost a lot. I have learned to take in the good with the bad and I have matured and grown as an entreprenuer, and artist, a dreamer and a businessman. No matter what I will continue to outdo my best efforts and achieve more. This will be a start to a new begginning.
Organizer
Rice Chrispy
Organizer
Dayton, OH
