Keep NYC Garment Makers Employed and Thriving

Save NYC-Made Fashion & Help By Robert James Thrive

A Call to Action for American Craftsmanship

Hello, I’m Robert James, founder of By Robert James and host of the Strongman Podcast. I’m reaching out today with a call for support—not just for myself, but for an entire community of skilled artisans and makers who are fighting to keep NYC-made fashion alive.

For years, I’ve dedicated my life to American-made, small-batch craftsmanship. My designs have been worn by thousands, I built a loyal following, and at my peak, I ran three successful retail locations in New York City. But like so many independent businesses, I was hit hard by circumstances beyond my control.

The Fight to Rebuild

After nearly two decades in business, my brand was thriving—until my downtown flagship’s rent doubled overnight, making it impossible to sustain. At the same time, complications with taxes and licensing forced me out of my secondary income. The combination of these factors put me in an impossible position: I lost my job, my income, and the momentum I had worked so hard to build.

But I refused to quit. Instead of giving up, I doubled down. I built a direct-to-consumer model, refined my production process, and made sure every piece is crafted to order. Now, the factory is ready. The website is ready. But to make this dream a reality, I need your help.

What Your Support Will Do

Your contribution will go directly toward:

1. Keeping NYC’s Garment Makers Working – The Garment Center and our small-batch factory need orders to survive. Your contribution funds outstanding orders, new fabric samples, and fresh designs—keeping our American craftsmanship alive.

2. Launching Key Products – Our legendary woven shirts, USA & Japanese denim, jackets, custom suits, and graphics are ready. After years of rebuilding, we need the capital to push forward with key new partnerships just around the corner.

3. Growing E-Commerce & Marketing – To compete, ByRobertJames.com needs Shopify, Klaviyo, and digital marketing support. Your help fuels the team, coaching, and AI tools to scale the brand and amplify the Made in USA entrepreneurial comeback story.

How You Can Help

1.) Donate to this GoFundMe – Every dollar makes a direct impact, whether it's $25 or $500.

2.) Shop at ByRobertJames.com – Need shirts, jackets, hoodies, or legendary denim? Your purchase fuels the brand’s resurgence.

3.) Share This Campaign – Believe in American craftsmanship? Want to see small businesses thrive? Spread the word.

4.) Partnerships – If you or someone you know is an e-commerce expert looking for a new product or firm, let’s talk about combining forces.

5.) Investment – If you've ever wanted to own a fashion brand, this is a rare opportunity. By Robert James is a 17-year-old brand with a strong reputation and minimal debt. Let’s discuss.

Now, I’m asking for your help to take this across the finish line. Let’s flood the factory with orders. Let’s prove that hard work, grit, and passion still matter. Let’s show that American-made fashion is here to stay.

This Is More Than Just a Brand—It’s a Movement

This isn’t just about saving By Robert James. It’s about keeping skilled workers employed, preserving American craftsmanship, and proving that independent designers still have a place in fashion.

I’ve given everything to this vision. Now, I’m asking for your help to take it across the finish line. Let’s flood the factory with orders. Let’s show that hard work, grit, and passion still matter. Let’s prove that American-made fashion is here to stay.

Thank you for believing in this journey.

With gratitude,

Robert James

ByRobertJames.com