How much money are we raising and what will it be used for?
We are currently aiming to raise $10,000 to fund our product creation and fulfillment, marketing efforts, content creation, business expenses, and to obtain the necessary materials needed for involvement in community events. Our growth thus far has been slower than expected, as we have not had the proper capital to push and maintain that growth. However, we have learned a lot during this time, and can proudly say our customers and supporters have been consistently satisfied with our products and the positive impact we are trying to make through our efforts. That’s where you come in! We are confident that with proper funding and support, we will be able to sustain our growth, build and expand our brand to cater to all members of the alternative community and make a truly meaningful impact both at home and abroad.
We appreciate any type of support you are able to provide. Whether that be through a donation, sharing our fundraiser, or spreading the word about our brand- everything helps! If you would like to learn more about our brand and mission, please feel free to visit our website or reach out to us.
THANK YOU!!
Who are we?
Neon Underground Apparel is an alternative clothing and lifestyle brand for the socially and ecologically conscious misfits. We aim to highlight and create a safe space for the beautiful diversity of alternative subcultures while maintaining eco-friendly and ethically responsible sourcing practices for all of our products.
Problem We are Trying to Solve
People want stylish, quality, and comfortably fitting alternative clothing at a fair price- without compromising their moral values by supporting an unethical brand. However, there are not many options that check the boxes of style, affordability, quality, fit, and ethical practices. So, what do most subculture enthusiasts do?
1. Continue to shop from big-name fast-fashion retailers that produce mass quantities of cheap, fast, trendy styles. Often produced with sweatshop labor with cheap, non-renewable materials. Mass production of cheap products sets the industry standard expectation for a lower price.
2. Buy clothing that fits the moral code but does not express true individual style.
3. Refrain from shopping new products altogether (maybe thrift instead?) because they can’t access, don’t like, or can’t afford the sustainable options but refuse to shop fast fashion.
Other Industry Issues:
- Unsustainable, unethical
- Overwhelming catalog
- High expectations and demands
- Unsustainable fashion trends
- Race, cultural appropriation
- Stolen art/designs and photos of real people online
- Lack of stylish sustainable clothing
- Price hurdle of getting cute, quality clothing
How is Neon Underground addressing the problem?
Neon Underground Apparel Provides a Solution to the above-mentioned problems by:
1. Offering high-quality, sustainable alternative apparel that is certified fair trade and ethical, down to the garment dyes. We also offer eco-friendly options and have integrated a carbon offset solution for each purchase that gives back to the environment and community.
2. Providing trendy yet long-lasting subculture styles that are typically only available through fast fashion brands and not typically replicable or available through thrift or DIY.
3. Minimizing add ons for the cost to make products as affordable as possible. This means cutting out the middleman and sourcing, sewing, printing, and shipping directly from our suppliers. This cuts down on the cost of extra shipping, packaging, and inventory storage which can then be passed on to our customers. This is also a more environmentally friendly option as well, reducing the overall distance traveled, the material used, and potentially wasted excess inventory.
4. Prioritizing ethical and sustainable suppliers with the most diverse product and size range possible at our current stage. We not only vet our products’ ethical certifications but carefully check measurements and fit to cater to as much of the alternative community as possible.
5. As we grow and hit our current sustainable and financial goals, our future goal is to create and manufacture our own patterned garments from start to finish. This will allow us to offer a further range with our size and style selection and offer a solution to those who have been left out in the community.
Why are we uniquely qualified to run the business?
Neon Underground is currently run by husband and wife team Blake and Hannah.
Blake has over 6 years of hands-on corporate fashion retail experience, and 5 years of experience with fashion merchandising and marketing. Hannah has 3 years of experience with business management, 10 years of customer service experience, and .9 years of experience with marketing and events. We have also both been members of the alternative community since we were teens and have noticed the consistent boundaries and hurdles encountered when trying to balance style, quality, and price point in a scene so fueled by bold self-expression. As millennials (or youth in general), we also care about the work that goes into making the products we buy. It is important to us that everyone is paid and treated fairly, and that the products and processes are as sustainable as possible.
Our Ethical & Sustainable certifications
- OEKO TEX Standard 100
- Eco Passport
- PETA Approved Vegan
- Global Organic Textile Standard
- Fair Wear Foundation
- FSC - Forest For All
- Global Recycle Standard