Tees At Risk is a for-benefit apparel company that lets at-risk teenagers tell their stories through t-shirts. The company lets former and current at-risk teens put their artistic talents to work by designing t-shirts that benefit charity.
A 10 percent cut of each shirt sold by Tees At Risk goes to a charity that helps at-risk teens, usually one chosen by the artist. Each shirt also comes with a QR code that, when scanned, gives a more detailed explanation about the artist and the meaning behind their shirt. I would be lying if I said I didn't love this business model. Everyone wants to donate to charity, but most people would like to get something in return besides a tax write-off. Offering up t-shirts and insight into the artist's plight makes donating a much more personal experience. Tees At Risk currently has four different styles of shirts that sell for $25 each.
At-Risk Teen Tees
Tees at Risk Sells Original Works from Troubled Teenagers
Trend Themes
1. Art Therapy Apparel - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop a platform that connects at-risk teenagers with art therapists to co-create apparel designs that help express their emotions and experiences.
2. QR Code Storytelling - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create a service that allows customers to generate personalized QR codes that can be added to products, enabling them to share their stories and experiences with others.
3. Charitable Fashion - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Build a marketplace that curates and sells fashion items designed by individuals facing adversity, with a portion of the proceeds going to relevant charities.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Retail - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Establish a retail brand that exclusively sells apparel and accessories crafted by at-risk teenagers, focusing on empowering this community and raising awareness.
2. Social Impact Consulting - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Start a consulting firm that advises businesses on how to incorporate social impact initiatives into their operations, such as partnering with at-risk youth to co-create products.
3. Youth Empowerment Programs - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop a comprehensive program that combines artistic expression, entrepreneurship, and mentorship to give at-risk teenagers the tools and opportunities to create and sell their own products.