For most, clothing is a form of expression, displaying likes, dislikes and personality. As an extension of a person clothing and outfits are a large part of social media culture, and by extension, teenagers.
If clothing reflects self, why not make your own? Andrew Gentry (11) is the creator of Covet Creations, a Christian clothing brand in which his designs reflect his personal beliefs.
“Covet means to want or desire something, and [my business is] my creation,” Gentry said. “So I would say people would want or desire my creations that I make.”
Factors like commitments outside of school, mental blocks and uncertainty can all prevent progress towards any goal. Running a business means setting important personal and professional goals which can create a level of pressure. For Gentry, lack of motivation limits productivity when it comes to his brand.
“[One issue is] just being lazy really, because sometimes you just don’t have the energy or just don’t have the insights on marketing or wanting to go places to sell,” Gentry said.
As a small business, building connections like establishing contacts with other companies can help spread the word about one’s brand. For example, marketing and promoting via social media are ways to increase brand awareness. Gentry plans to take on more customers.
“I’d like to grow and also reach out,” Gentry said. “I’d like to have a bunch of customers or clients. My business is not only a Christian brand, but I also make clothes for other types of companies, businesses or organizations that request a package of clothes, [like] T-shirts or pants.”
Running a Christian brand allows for Gentry’s faith to influence his decisions. His designs are based on Christian ideas and Biblical scripture, both of which give him inspiration. In addition to his beliefs, Gentry’s father motivates Gentry and teaches him business related things.
“My father, he owns a business. So it’s really inspirational whenever he’s selling … [or] marketing to people or telling me about business stuff,” Gentry said. “I believe in Christianity, so I just wanted to create something that would … just be a brand of me.”