Oliver Charles
About the Company
Oliver Charles is an eco-friendly clothing company that produces sustainable sweaters using advanced 3D-knitting machines. The sweaters are made from seaweed and Yak wool, which are renowned for their durability, temperature regulation, and odor resistance. The company aims to provide versatile, high-quality clothing that is both stylish and functional.
Idea Behind Company
The idea for Oliver Charles originated from Slater McLean and his co-founder Jack, who were childhood friends and outdoor enthusiasts. Frustrated by the lack of high-quality, sustainable clothing, they began researching materials and discovered Yak wool. This underutilized fiber provided the perfect solution to their needs, leading them to start their own company.
Creating the Company
Starting without any fashion industry experience, McLean and his co-founder relied on customer feedback to design their first product. They created a customer advisory board to gather insights and preferences, which helped them develop a sweater that met their standards. They partnered with a knitwear manufacturer in Brooklyn, NY, to produce the initial batch of sweaters.
Launching the Business
Oliver Charles launched their business with a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo, setting a goal of $50,000. They leveraged their email list and customer advisory board to exceed this goal within three hours. Their successful launch was highlighted by their campaign trending on Indiegogo's homepage, validating their year-long preparation and efforts.
Earnings
Since launching, Oliver Charles has diversified its marketing strategy to include organic, paid, and in-person channels. Their revenue is split between in-person sales, organic marketing, and paid advertising. The company aims to become the leading sweater brand by offering personalized products and maintaining a commitment to sustainability. They have also emphasized the importance of packaging, customer relationships, and adaptability in their business growth.
