Sustainable Subscription Services
Jennifer Gosnell — July 26, 2013 — Social Good
References: isssue
Chase Layman is the creator behind the creative new subscription clothing service ISSSUE. Launched this month, the business model has customers paying 25$ a month and receiving a t-shirt designed by an upcoming and popular artist silk-screened onto sustainable t-shirts. Along with the purchase, 5$ goes towards a charity of the client's choosing. Here's insight into how this service got launched and what they hope to accomplish.
Four Questions with Chase Layman
1. How did the idea for the business model come about?
We wanted to do what we love while giving back. We love Toms Shoes, Sevenly and other companies like them but we wanted to do something different.
Being designers ourselves, we came up with a concept for a community of creatives all taking part in doing good. We decided we needed a product that everyone loves and could still have a big impact.
Shirts were the product of choice. We also wanted to be able to do the most good for the longest amount of time. We didn't want to be a one time gift but something sustainable.
So we decided to base the company as a subscription. That way each and every month we can give to the causes and do the most good.
2. How did you decide to join this sector?
Everyone involved has there own separate companies each consisting of a piece of the puzzle for the company (Video, Graphic Design, Print Shop).
We were constantly working on client projects and just wanted a way to give back so we decided to join forces and do something bigger than us.
3. How do you get your inspiration?
We don't design the shirts ourselves. We work with some of the most popular designers around the world. Each month we have a new designer create a shirt design. That way we have different styles each and every month.
4. How do you reset yourself to be creative? Do you have any rituals?
Personally, we like to get into nature and be refreshed by the worlds beauty.
Four Questions with Chase Layman
1. How did the idea for the business model come about?
We wanted to do what we love while giving back. We love Toms Shoes, Sevenly and other companies like them but we wanted to do something different.
Being designers ourselves, we came up with a concept for a community of creatives all taking part in doing good. We decided we needed a product that everyone loves and could still have a big impact.
Shirts were the product of choice. We also wanted to be able to do the most good for the longest amount of time. We didn't want to be a one time gift but something sustainable.
So we decided to base the company as a subscription. That way each and every month we can give to the causes and do the most good.
2. How did you decide to join this sector?
Everyone involved has there own separate companies each consisting of a piece of the puzzle for the company (Video, Graphic Design, Print Shop).
We were constantly working on client projects and just wanted a way to give back so we decided to join forces and do something bigger than us.
3. How do you get your inspiration?
We don't design the shirts ourselves. We work with some of the most popular designers around the world. Each month we have a new designer create a shirt design. That way we have different styles each and every month.
4. How do you reset yourself to be creative? Do you have any rituals?
Personally, we like to get into nature and be refreshed by the worlds beauty.
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Subscription Services - ISSSUE is leading the trend of offering sustainable subscription services for clothes designed by upcoming artists with a portion of the proceeds going to charity.
2. Impactful Repeating Donations - ISSSUE's business model of monthly donations through subscriptions is a trend that can be applied to other industries for impactful repeating donations.
3. Collaborative Creative Community - ISSSUE's community of creatives collaborating together for a good cause is a trend that can be applied to other creative industries.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Apparel - ISSSUE's unique subscription model for sustainable clothing designed by upcoming artists presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the fashion apparel industry.
2. Non-profit Organizations - ISSSUE's donation model and collaboration with its community of creatives presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for other non-profit organizations.
3. Art and Design - ISSSUE's collaboration with popular designers offers a disruptive innovation opportunity for other art and design subscription services to showcase new and upcoming artists.
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