Last Summer, I launched a Fashion Venture, it was an idea co-created with M (keeping her anonymous so people don't feel I am bringing her down) at a high purpose educational program we took together 11 years ago. The purpose of the fashion program was to teach kids sustainable design education and skills to create clothes that made a positive impact. But it failed to move forward for many reasons...some of which I own 100%.
Even if you have the same intentions and purpose 11 years ago, things can change; the mistake I made was assuming that my co-creator had the same objectives. I love teaching and giving kids the latitude to create their own designs, and inspiring them to discover their passion for concept development. My partner's teaching agenda was to teach sustainability; but a 13 year old girl wants to do the sweet and fun stuff (not the heavy lifting of saving the world).
I financially sponsored the entire enterprise; even hired an assistant to help design the classes (that assistant was a mom who has personally helped me mentor kids in my programs, and has written content for me). The assistant started to complain about the tone my venture partner was using which was very confrontational; it added stress to my life. Having to mend relationships and make peace became a weekly responsibility.
A red flag for me should have been, when we were designing our launch party flyers my partner requested over 10 revisions. I have thrown over 100 parties in the last 10 years, I have never done more than 3 revisions. Every piece of content designed, became contentious. I drew the line, when my partner asked me to change items on Recruiting for Good rewarding shopping.
I sponsored the fashion educational program for a 13 year old girl, who was attending summer camp, and preparing for her Bat-Mitzvah too. Her time was very limited, and my venture partner made it difficult for the mom to schedule times for instruction (which was top heavy with a lot of data, and not enough fun sweet activities). Mom was not happy with me, and in the end refused to recommend the program.
Other Red Flags...I have never been into sustainability (and to do so all of a sudden felt completely insincere, and out of character for me). My passion is preparing kids for life by helping them develop sweet skills, success habits, and positive values. I realized The Fashion Program could not co-exist with 2 co-founders whose objectives are dynamically opposed. She wanted to Save Earth thru Fashion...I just wanted to inspire fun design in fashion.
Great Failures Bring Forth New Opportunities
Bringing Back The Fun
So, I created This Tee is Good; the 13 year old is my resident designer, and she earns $500 to create T-Shirts that make a positive impact (and that are made of recycled fabric too).
I am lucky to have found someone who shares my passion for teaching kids. Victoria Hunter is now going to be mentoring my 13 year old designer to create a Fashion Loves Freedom T-Shirt for Earth Day.
The 13 Year Old Girl also landed a sweet creative writing gig Fashion Loves Freedom; every month she reviews fashion, or writes a sweet interview (someone in fashion doing something meaningful). She interviewed Victoria Hunter, and I got it published on LA Parent.
I also launched a sweet fashion design contest for kids; Love is Made in America (best jeans design by elementary school kid, wins $100 dollars shopping gift card).
I also, launched Kids Design Tomorrow, inspiring kids to discover their passion for fashion (a 1 year mentoring program). And found our first inspiring designer 10 Year Old Maya Papaya, this is her design:
I launched The Inner Beauty Club; for girls who love creative writing, reading books, and shopping.
On Earth Day, I am launching The Sweetest Party for Girls who love Fashion; "Celebrating Shopping." An interactive experiential party at retail stores; girls learn about Beauty + Design + Fashion + Positive Values + Sweet Skills too (perfectly designed for 10 to 13 year old girls).