Main fundraiser photo

Help Keep Kinkster Brands NYC

Donation protected
Thank you for taking the time to read about Kinkster Brands NYC.

Where did it start?

Corey Wesley, a 40+ year old, African American gay man, enjoys perusing the internet and reading a variety of publications. Three years ago as he was reading some magazines for gay men, he took stock of what was out there in the gay media landscape. As he did his research, he found there was a lack of representation of African American men leading the various outlets. He also realized there was a lack of outlets targeted to gay men of a certain age. All the publications he was familiar with catered to a younger, white demographic. He didn’t see himself in much of what was around him. Rather than sit idly by, he decided there needed to be greater representation and diversity so with true entrepreneurial spirit he created “kinkster” to make a difference.


Creating an Inclusive Online Publication, Kinkster MAG

Having some experience with online publications already, Kinkster MAG was the first project. Rather than focus on campy content and sex like so many other LGBTQ media outlets, Corey wanted to create a publication that reached a diverse readership and offered inclusive content. He set out to attract a racially diverse demographic and provide content that was diverse in thought and age representation.

Today, Kinkster MAG offers thoughtful articles and interviews on music, culture, and wellness from a gay male voice using a positive approach. Corey also enlisted the talented DJ Relentless who provides exclusive music mixes each month for readers to enjoy and Beverly Facey, a wellness expert who contributes informed and timely articles for living well.

According to the latest Google Analytics report, MAG readership is solid with over 13,000 monthly page views and over 5,000 monthly users. Last month’s (July 2018) age demographics showed 40% of readers were 34 or older.

Readers enjoy MAG content and comment that it is empowering, “Kinkster is sexy, fun, thought provoking, relevant & a must have. It will take you to the edge. It's a rush. A cliff hanger that leaves you empowered. #KinksterRocks” Another reader writes, “Kinkster magazine is just what the LGBT Community needs right now. The magazine gives the readers stories of hope, and healing. It also gives you stories of inspiration and wellness. It puts a smile on your face. The stories are not just for the LGBT community but for readers who can identify with the stories. It's edgy and any and everyone should subscribe to this awesome and best magazine online. Spread the word.”


The Online Store, Kinkster NYC

To expand the brand and help support the operational costs of the company Corey created an online store, Kinkster NYC, offering a range of merchandise for sale including t-shirts, pillows, mugs, tank tops, caps, and backpacks. Starting with t-shirts Corey researched until he found the best quality brands that customers would love. We did some learning along the way but we believe we have identified a solid infrastructure for selling our merchandise. At one time we maintained an inventory but that was expensive and inefficient. Our products now are drop shipped and printed on demand so there is no risk of having too much inventory.

Customers who have purchased from our store regularly comment that their Kinkster NYC t-shirts are their favorites. One customer shared this comment, “Love the magazine and brand. Interesting articles, quality clothes, inclusive to all genres & races, how could you go wrong? Anyone who wants to can be a Kinkster!!”


Funding for Kinkster Brands NYC

We believe we're doing something right by providing a needed voice in the LGBTQ community but we need help to move forward. We have independently funded Kinkster Brands NYC so far but have reached a turning point where we need additional resources to help take the brands a step further and continue to provide inclusive content and quality merchandise.

We are seeking funds now on GoFundMe to help pay for operational costs such as web hosting, Photoshop subscription, and marketing.

As we think about the future, we believe we need to place more attention on our marketing efforts. We have attempted marketing on social media in the past but we intend to be much more focused in the future. It’s estimated that a cost per click on Facebook ranges from $0.31 to $0.61 or $3.09 to $7.94 for each 1,000 impressions. Social media advertising requires you to have an objective to your strategy. Our focus will be on generating more conversions and store visits with some efforts on building brand awareness..

We have almost 5,000 followers on Facebook. Boosting posts, running retargeting ads, and leveraging our newsletter subscriber list will help us reach our current audience and expand to a wider audience.


Thank You for Your Support

Readers and customers regularly comment that we fill a need in the community. We’re extremely grateful for the support we've received so far and are grateful for any continued support we receive through our GoFundMe campaign.

As an alternative to donating to our GoFundMe, you can visit our store at kinkster.nyc and make a purchase. By donating or purchasing you're supporting our efforts to take Kinkster Brands NYC to the next level and continue to fill a void in the community.

You can also find us on social media: Facebook , Instagram , Twitter .


Corey Wesley, founder (right) and John Myers, business manager (left)

Fundraising team: Team Kinkster (2)

John S. Myers
Organizer
Raised $125 from 2 donations
New York, NY
Corey Wesley
Team member
Raised $290 from 6 donations

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily.

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about.

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the  GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.