Help us move into a REAL SHOP where we can serve more customers with our eco-friendly, locally made garments and accessories!
Project Description
- As consumers increasingly turn to cheap box stores and online sites to buy their clothing they are unwittingly contributing to a planet-wide environmental disaster.
- The way clothing is mass-manufactured is extremely wasteful and harmful to the environment. This is especially true for wedding dresses which are designed to be worn just once.
- Garment workers are often barely paid a living wage and toil in sometimes unbearable and dangerous conditions. This feels wrong to me.
- Hi. My name is Mandy Wildman. There are very few places women can shop for unique garments that are created in a way that's kind to the environment, and there are none in my local area (Waynesville, NC).
- My mission is to open a shop offering bridal gowns and other custom garments made individually using beautiful, eco-friendly materials.
- I want to feature stunning and sustainable garments created by independent designers. And I want to offer alterations and restyles of existing garments.
- In order to do this I need funding to move from my home studio into a physical shop where customers can easily find us.
- I've found an ideal shop in a popular location at a great price ($725 per month for 1,500 square feet!) It just needs some fixing up. :-)
- If you contribute in any way to this project you'll be helping women make sustainable choices while looking beautiful.
- You'll also earn my undying gratitude for helping me live my dream by making my best contribution to my local and worldwide community.
Updates
The Project FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long have you been doing this work?
I created my first designer gown for my favorite doll at the age of five using scraps my mother gave me. I’ve had a life-long relationship with sewing machines, pre-loved fabrics, and unique garments that turn heads. And dolls.
Have you already designed and made custom clothing?
Yes. I have an Etsy shop and have served in-person customers from as far away as Virginia, Georgia and Tennessee.
Why do you need a different/new location?
I have been working out of a tiny and awkwardly-shaped space in my home - which is out in the countryside, 5 miles from the nearest town.
Why do you want to be at this specific location?
My friend’s very successful business increased 25% when she moved to this location FROM Main St! Lots of people - mostly women - go there to shop. There is coffee, shopping, dining and parking all within easy walking distance. And the landlord has a good reputation for caring about his tenants.
Do you have any experience in retail?
Yes. I previously owned a clothing resale boutique in a very tiny mountain town (not even a grocery store). I did well and learned a lot. I closed the shop due to the location flooding and inaccessibility in the winter months.
Is there a need for a bridal design and alterations shop in the area?
Waynesville, NC is a mountain town of about 12,000 people. It is the largest town west of Asheville in the Western N. Carolina region. Many couples come here to get married, yet brides have nowhere to shop for dresses or to have their gowns altered. In the local region alone over 1,450 of marriage licenses are applied for each year.
Pardon me for asking, but what’s your credit score like?
I am proud to have a 700+. Do you need references? I’ll be happy to provide them.
Why don’t you borrow the money from a bank instead of crowdfunding it?
Knowing that your friends and customers are supportive from the beginning helps you to create a business that is heart-based and community-centered.
As a business owner I want to be about prioritizing my customers and serving our community, rather than engaging in profit-driven marketing gimmicks in order to make payments on an overpriced bank loan.
But don’t you want to make a profit?
Yes, of course, but as any business advisor will tell you, the way to be truly successful long-term is to focus on creating an excellent product and providing outstanding customer service.
Will you be responsible with the money I contribute?
Absolutely! And if you're thinking of participating, head over to the rewards section to see all the goodies you'll get!
Every little bit helps - even a couple of bucks!
Thank you! Just THANK you! <3
If you contribute any amount from $20 to $49 you'll get:
- A HUGE thank you and a warm hug when you come visit me in my shop, PLUS
- Membership in my exclusive UpLove Bridal Customers and Supporters Facebook group where you’ll get to follow along with my progress, offer suggestions and ask me any questions. :-)
If you'll contribute any amount from $50 to $99 you'll get:
- ALL of the previous benefits, PLUS
- A meaningful silver charm given to you when you visit my shop (it can also be mailed to you - just let me know your address).
- A FREE coupon to do my popular video course, "How To Make an Easy Upcycled Dress in Less Thank One Hour"
If you'll contribute any amount from $100 to $249 you'll get:
All of the previous rewards, PLUS
- a hand-crafted, custom-made flower pin for yourself or a friend!
If you will contribute any amount from $250 and $499, you will get:
- ALL of the previous rewards, PLUS
- a shout-out to you and/or your business in a special THANK YOU video, shared on YOUTUBE and social media.
If you contribute any amount from $500 - $749 you'll get:
- ALL of the previous rewards, PLUS
- 25% off ANYTHING in my UpLove Creations Etsy shop
- Your name on our Founding Friends Wall in the shop!
If you contribute any amount from $750 to $999 you'll get:
- ALL of the previous rewards, PLUS
- A hand-crafted garment designed and made especially for YOU! It could be a wedding gown, a party dress, a magical jacket, tunic or over-dress in YOUR colors! You're going to look amazing!
If you contribute any amount from $751 to $1,000 or more you'll get:
- ALL of the previous rewards, PLUS
- A professionally styled photo session where you'll be captured looking fabulous in your new designer creation!
Rewards
Every little bit helps - even a couple of bucks!
Thank you! Just THANK you! <3
If you contribute any amount from $20 to $49 you'll get:
- A HUGE thank you and a warm hug when you come visit me in my shop, PLUS
- Membership in my exclusive UpLove Bridal Customers and Supporters Facebook group where you’ll get to follow along with my progress, offer suggestions and ask me any questions. :-)
If you'll contribute any amount from $50 to $99 you'll get:
- ALL of the previous benefits, PLUS
- A meaningful silver charm given to you when you visit my shop (it can also be mailed to you - just let me know your address).
- A FREE coupon to do my popular video course, "How To Make an Easy Upcycled Dress in Less Thank One Hour"
If you'll contribute any amount from $100 to $249 you'll get:
All of the previous rewards, PLUS
- a hand-crafted, custom-made flower pin for yourself or a friend!
If you will contribute any amount from $250 and $499, you will get:
- ALL of the previous rewards, PLUS
- a shout-out to you and/or your business in a special THANK YOU video, shared on YOUTUBE and social media.
If you contribute any amount from $500 - $749 you'll get:
- ALL of the previous rewards, PLUS
- 25% off ANYTHING in my UpLove Creations Etsy shop
- Your name on our Founding Friends Wall in the shop!
If you contribute any amount from $750 to $999 you'll get:
- ALL of the previous rewards, PLUS
- A hand-crafted garment designed and made especially for YOU! It could be a wedding gown, a party dress, a magical jacket, tunic or over-dress in YOUR colors! You're going to look amazing!
If you contribute any amount from $751 to $1,000 or more you'll get:
- ALL of the previous rewards, PLUS
- A professionally styled photo session where you'll be captured looking fabulous in your new designer creation!