YHP Interviews the founder of Apples and Bandaids
"I am not here to make millions. I am here to change the world"
Brand New clothing line making a difference
First, tell us about your company and what you do in your job?
Well I am the owner of Adoni Clothing and Apples and Bandaids. What I do in the company is I make sure everything is running smoothly. I make orders to my screen printer, I do some shipping since we are a fairly small company. I work with our creative designers for up coming clothing lines. I pretty much do it all from A - Z
Before we move on, can you give us some background information about yourself?
How did you get started in fashion? In the industry?
I was born in San Francisco, kind of had a crazy story when I was young. I grew up with two amazing parents. I was pretty active growing up playing sports. But my first day at college I meet one of my really good friends Jeff. He was a pro at surfing, skating, wake-boarding and pretty much anything else that you need to use a board. We had this crazy idea of trying to shape fiber glass skim board in my garage. We made about 15 boards in which I still have in my garage. One day we decided that it would be rad to make a positive clothing company so Adoni Clothing Began... I Love doing fashion and just really wanted to start something new and fresh. So I came up with Apples and Bandaids to raise money for food and medical supplies in 3rd world countries. I had no idea that something so simple would be such a huge hit. I partnered up with an amazing organization called Empowering Lives. They have been around for a while changing lives in so many countries! They go into villages where there is no money and buy the local villages farming equipment so they can sustain them selves. It is such an amazing thing to give back to this world and create a outlet for people that want to change this world but just have no idea how to go about doing that. So they can buy a rad shirt and Half of each shirt sales goes to Empowering Lives! Pretty simple I think.
What was it that made you decide to start Apples and bandaids? I know you have another clothing line called Adoni clothing, what happened to it?
I wanted to do more than just own a clothing company like Adoni Clothing. Adoni is amazing and we really represent a positive company by our surf team that we have and the events in which we attend. But I really wanted to start a company where I give back in helping this world out. So Apples and Bandaids came about!
Where do you find design inspiration?
The design inspiration is from my amazing Design Team that I work with! Ric Alessio is the creative designer behind apples and bandaids and has an amazing talented view when it comes to design and painting. I love working with him. He is a traveling musician that plays music and designs when he is not playing a show.
Who are your target audience for these products?
Our Target audience is any one who wants to buy our product and wants to change the world. Our vision is we are getting big bands involved with us to help promote on stage and in photo shoots. I am thinking we are going to be reaching the high school to college kids.
What inspires you at the moment in doing what you do?
I have a huge passion to serve others and really help out this world and people in need. Fashion is what I know and I figure that everyone wakes up and looks into their closet and puts some kind of clothing item on.. So why cant we create an amazing product where you buy a shirt that truly does change.
Your most favourite designer EVER?
I don't have a favourite designer. But I really love Kevin Tudball and Ric Alessio who are my designers!
Where do you see yourself and your business in 10 years time?
10 years I want to be traveling to the villages in which we have raised money to build up their communities. I want to travel around with bands and love on kids and empowering people that their dreams can come true if their heart is in it 100% !
What does your brand represent?
Apples and Bandaids Represents a clothing company that gives people a outlet to change the world. I am not here to make millions. I am here to change the world!
Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspirations comes from growing up in Ministry and being apart of a very loving supportive creative community that I have in Santa Cruz
Would you be making your collections to season?
Right now A and B we are going to be sticking with one design for now so it can be uniformed but we will def be adding more designs later on down the road.
What is the hardest part of your job?
The hardest part right now is just getting people to check out what Apples and Bandaids is all about. It takes times so being patient is key and not giving up.
Who are your style icons?
My style is really from growing up in Santa Cruz which is a small beach town. With the most random artsy group of people that you will ever see. I love collaborating with other artist and seeing what we come up with.
If you dint have a clothing line, you would be?
I went to school to be a Chef but didnt really see myself going into that as a carrer and switched my major to Special Education. So maybe going back to school to get a degree in special education. Who knows?
What’s your current obsession?
My current obsession right now that I cant get off my mind. Is how do I reach the masses and how to get them as excited or more excited than I am about Apples and Bandaids.
How do you get things done?
I get things done with love and being able to be a good leader by building a team of people who want to help and who are self motivated to help me with my dreams.
Do you have any advices for young entrepreneurs out there?
The one thing I have for anyone. Is Dream Big! Do what you love! Find your niche that works for you. Stay organized and just make it fun!
What can we expect in the future?
Apples and Bandaids going Nation Wide and taking over the fashion industry by raising money for many organizations to help make this world better!
Thank you for your time
Contact Matt@
http://www.adoniclothing.com
http://myspace.com/adoniclothing
http://www.myspace.com/applesandbandaids
matt@adoniclothing.com
