Shake Gently - advertising technology blog

Look Good, Do Better with Interwoven Threads

Interwoven Threads was formed to inspire a culture of social change through a better business model. With a simple shirt as the catalyst, we hope to change the world. As Interwoven Threads grows, the opportunities for the better consumer to help those in need will increase.

clothing that connects our style, our community and our environment

I worked with Andy at Barkley and wanted to share info on his latest project, Interwoven Threads. I bought a shirt a few weeks ago. Get yours today and support the cause and check out the Do Better blog to learn what its all about.

Andy has a great idea and is doing what he can to have an impact on his corner of the world. I posted his info on the what, why and how below.

The why:
I started Interwoven Threads to make a small change in the way people buy products. Moreover, I wanted to bridge the gap between the haves and have nots: people who can afford to purchase unique clothing, and those who actually need clothes. Dignity was front-of-mind the entire time, as I wanted to provide people in need with high-quality threads, not second hand or toss-outs. I also wanted to experiment with starting and running a company with an attention to doing good all across the board. From the one-for-one donation model to the organic cotton clothing, to providing a billboard for artists to create, I wanted each step to contribute to a greater good. I looked at my impact on the environment, the community I am in, and tried to do better in each aspect. It’s hard, not extremely profitable and well off the beaten entrepreneurial path, but I sleep well at night and am proud of what Interwoven Threads stands for.

The how:
I saved some money, sourced the t-shirt manufacturer based on organic cotton color palate and a made-in-the-USA commitment. Slowly, over late nights and weekends, I built the company. The web was an amazing resource - sounds corny, but true. From filing taxes/legal requirements online to setting up a myspace page to generate some buzz and conversation - starting a biz on a budget is doable.

The what:
Limited-run t-shirts, printed on 100% organic cotton (and made in the US of A). Each time I sell a shirt, I donate a shirt to reStart, or another relevant organization/individual.

Technorati Tags: Interwoven Threads, clothing, reStart, t-shirt