Matt Hickey
Be Kind Vibes
California
Where were you with your business before joining Factory45?
Be Kind Vibes was going on its second year when I started Factory45. The business was starting to grow and slowly gain some momentum. I was ready to take the next step, but I had no idea how.
Why did you join Factory45?
Sustainability has been a huge part in my day-to-day life for quite some time. When I started Be Kind Vibes, it was only natural to grow the company with the environment and ethics in mind.
With sustainability being somewhat of a niche within the larger fashion industry, I began hitting some roadblocks while looking to grow and expand the company. I was thrilled to find an entire program dedicated to starting a sustainable clothing brand.
How did joining Factory45 help you?
Words cannot even describe how much joining Factory45 has helped me grow and shape Be Kind Vibes into the brand I have always envisioned. I had absolutely no previous fashion or manufacturing experience before joining Factory45. I began this project completely blind, and Shannon has given me the tools to create a successful, sustainable brand.
From textile sourcing, to finding the right manufacturer, to understanding the industry lingo, I now feel like I have the tools and confidence to take Be Kind Vibes to the next level.
What is the most valuable thing about joining Factory45?
I experienced so many valuable lessons from Factory45, that it’s hard to narrow it down to just one. First and foremost, Shannon is absolutely amazing. In a traditionally cut throat industry, Shannon has the willingness and desire to share her knowledge with others, and genuinely be stoked to help you achieve your dream.
The community that develops around Factory45 is a huge tool for me. The friends and relationships you make continue on long after the program has ended. Not a week goes by that I’m not running ideas by fellow Factory45er’s through the Facebook group, or emailing Shannon with questions about anything and everything. Her Rolodex of industry contacts is priceless. Without her list, I would be months and months behind, still searching for the right fabric or manufacturer.
I would absolutely recommend Factory45 to anybody who is looking to create a brand that will change the way this industry traditionally operates, with sustainability and ethics at the forefront of their mission. No matter what stage your idea or business is in, Shannon and Factory45 will equip you with the tools and knowledge to achieve your goals.
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