At-Risk Teen Tees

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Tees at Risk Sells Original Works from Troubled Teenagers

— April 7, 2011 — Tech
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.

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.
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