Motivating and Inspiring Today's Youths

My name is Darius Coleman founder and C.E.O of Cuztumly Crafted. I did not have the most positive upbringing, but I see the positive in everything.

I am the oldest of 8 siblings. I grew up in Richmond, CA and lived in poverty. It was not easy going to school and wearing old clothes that were not brand name and I had to work with what I had to fit in and try to be cool.

I am raising funds for my new line of motivational kids apparel, Cuztumly Crafted Kids. I am raising $42,000 to make this a reality.

This campaign is going to help us fund the Kidz Collection of Cuztumly Crafted apparel. The collection will feature our positive affirmations and messaging across our full line of kids apparel that will include: full track suits, hoodies and t-shirts.

I want our kids to still be able to be kids, reminding them that they are awesome because they exude positive energy. Our kids are our future. Help me spread positive energy through the Cuztumly Crafted Kidz Collection and be part of the journey.

As a kid, I created my own style. My family couldn’t afford to buy us name brand clothing. I was using school markers to write logos on my clothes. But then I thought what if I make something new with it and create my own designs. If I had stains on my clothing that wouldn’t come out, I would create designs with them.

Growing up I would watch my grandmother sew as she hemmed our pants and sewed up tears on our shirts. Eventually, I learned how to do it, too. Later on I saw sewing and embroidery machines and was amazed at how fast they could do the same thing!

When I design I think positive. Growing up there was not a lot of positivity. My designs were initially a way for me to bring positivity into my own life. A way to create positive self-affirmations for myself. I put them on t-shirts and people started noticing. People wanted to have one too. I want to spread this to as many people as I can.

Starting a business has to be something that you're passionate about. And this is what I like to do. I like to make something out of nothing. It's a creative outlet for me.

We are all human. We are all cut from different fabric. Whatever life throws our way we are all miracles and blessings. This brand is created to remind us how even though life can be a struggle it is still simply wonderful. That is what makes Cuztumly Crafted.

Below are the expenses and exact amounts of what I'm raising funds for:

$11,999 | Embroidery Machine

$1,212 | Print and Cut Bundle

$9,999 | Garment Folder

$500 | Threads

$200 | Transfer Paper

$4,000 | Apparel

$42,000 TOTAL