Impact
The Importance of Brick and Mortar
“Don’t be afraid. There are exquisite things in store for you. This is merely the beginning.” - Oscar Wilde We know Oscar was talking in a more existential “Keep going. You’re awesome,” manner. But let’s talk about the phrase “in store” - the brick and mortar store that is. Recently, GOEX Apparel celebrated the Grand Re-Opening of it’s retail space in KC. The space opened August of 2020 but due to the pandemic it didn’t get the grand welcome that it deserved. This year, we celebrated. We had refreshments, a live screenprinting demonstration, community members, raffles, and more. Despite the challenges of the previous year our local community did not disappoint when it came to support and enthusiasm. The Importance of Brick and Mortar The online shopping experience has really come a long way. You can find anything online. From kitchenware to custom tees, the potential of a person’s wish lists is endless. Online shopping makes obtaining goods more accessible, convenient, and provides a private shopping experience. For years, the data has shown that the future is online. However, brick and mortar stores have survived numerous bouts of uncertainty proving that they are here to stay. Despite the data, the fact remains that the magic of the brick and mortar experience simply can not be matched. Here’s why: Tangibility The ad you saw on social media indicated that our tees were super soft. Do you believe it? It may seem obvious but so much anxiety is eliminated by being able to see and feel a product before you buy. No shipping back and forth. No measuring twice. It’s right there. (Real talk: Our shirts ARE indeed super soft. You can absolutely take our word for it. Just check out the reviews.) Community Brick and mortar stores are the inventors of customer service. From sales to product demonstrations, shopkeepers have been the innovators when it comes to knowing what the customer wants before they enter the store. In addition to tailored service, brick and mortar stores cultivate community. Money earned from a brick and mortar store goes back into the local economy benefiting all. A brick and mortar store practically defines what it means to be a community. Realization (Speaking of community.) Human beings thrive in strong, compassionate communities. In this atmosphere, dreams come true. For example, an entrepreneur opens a shop. The shop gains notoriety and causes the owner to hire more staff. Eventually that leads to a 2nd location. (Read more about our partner Pink Dinosaur opening their second location HERE.) You may think that your small purchase didn’t mean much but it did. It helped to sustain jobs from manufacturing to the shop floor. It helped validate an entrepreneur’s business decision. Your support of a brick and mortar store makes dreams come true. Where’s GOEX? You can find GOEX all over. We are coast to coast and even in parts of Canada! Here’s some of the brick and mortar stores that sell GOEX goods: Greenville University Latitudes Lubanzi Wines The Mercantile of Scottsdale Mercy House Global Market National WWI Museum New Creation Pink Dinosaur Rockford Art Deli Ten Thousands Villages Zee Bee Market Want GOEX Tees in your store? Need something better for your brick and mortar store? Whether you need 24 tees or 24,000 tees, GOEX is here to provide you with retail-quality, fair trade garments with the highest quality screenprinted graphics. Love our social mission but have your own screen printer or even print yourself? No problem! You can purchase our blank tees at wholesale prices in bulk too!
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A Message From Life S.A. General Manager, Ariane Manuel
Shortly after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, reports started coming in from the field. The following is a message from LIFE S.A. General Manager, Ariane Manual - "As many of you may know, this year has been fairly challenging for us in Haiti. Aside from managing the COVID-19 pandemic, and the day to day challenges we face, we can’t seem to catch a break. Fuel shortage has been a major crisis as it effects transportation, generator operated businesses, and overall chaos surrounding the issue. In addition, the political instability has taken a new toll since our president Jovenel Moise was assassinated in early July. To top it all off, Haiti is extremely vulnerable to natural disasters. This morning we experienced a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in the south of Haiti. The aftermath is devastating as there is a lack of aid and supplies. I pray that we are able to come back from this and receive as much assistance as possible. Personally, this was my first time experiencing an earthquake and I honestly can say it was one of the most frightening things I’ve ever experienced. Amidst it all, our team has continued to be dedicated to work no matter what the circumstance. We have a great line of communication and always ensure that our safety comes first. As far as production goes, it’s been a struggle getting fabric into the building whether it has to do with issues at customs or at the port, or shipping delays. I’ve been trying my best to keep everyone busy during these difficult times. I am extremely proud to be apart of this team and hope that we will continue to do great things together no matter what obstacles come our way." Follow the story We strive to be bold with our words and represent the ideals we believe. If you like what we stand for, we want to share more! Stay in the loop by signing up to receive our newsletters and following us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
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What Is A Social Enterprise?
We at GOEX consider ourselves a social enterprise but what does that mean exactly? Social Enterprise is a loaded term because it is ever changing at lightning speed. If you’re looking for a good old-fashioned dictionary definition, Cambridge Dictionary defines social enterprise as “an organization that aims to make money in order to serve a useful social purpose”. That’s pretty straight forward. While that is very to the point there are layers upon layers of meaning and mission. Here are three ways GOEX defines what it means to be a social enterprise: 1. People Over Profits People over profits is a phrase you hear regularly on the social enterprise grapevine. It’s more than a buzzword though. Valuing people over profit means you’re dedicated to keeping your makers safe and empowered, to paying promptly and fairly, respecting cultural identity, and to creating opportunities for poverty alleviation and sustainable development. 2. Making The World A Better Place At GOEX we seek to do better; better for our needs and better for the needs of future generations. In every decision we make, we ensure that the planet is protected and that every hand that touches a garment is respected. There is a way to conduct business while making a positive impact and we chose to lead by example. A better shirt for a better world. 3. Upgrading The Wheel We are a basic apparel company. T-shirts, cardigans, fleece, cool graphics? We got you. We don’t need to reinvent basic apparel but we do believe in upgrading it. We are dedicated to making garments that last in order to lower our carbon footprint without sacrificing comfort. A good tee can invoke your favorite version of you. That’s what we want! (It’s in our tagline - Feel good. Do good.) We want you to put on a GOEX garment and know that you feel good: feel good about yourself and about your impact through a simple purchase decision. We are GOEX We exist to do good so the world can feel good. By aligning our mission with the Fair Trade Federation’s Nine Principles we can influence real, lasting change. As a social enterprise we not only commit to leading an example, we allow ourselves to grow and learn from others. You know: Feel good. Do good.
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We're Bringing Fair Trade To KC's Runways
KCFW is a nexus of fashion professionals. Featuring local, national and international designers, each year KCFW produces two full weeks of premier runway shows, enabling designers to collaborate with seasoned stylists, make-up artists, models and photographers to present their collections in the most professional atmosphere imaginable.
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Kansas City, you're invited!
GOEX Apparel to celebrate Kansas City and becoming human again. Join GOEX Apparel as we celebrate our Grand Re-Opening. GOEX Apparel opened its brick-and-mortar store in the midst of uncertainty and one year later we’re still going strong. We cordially invite you to our grand re-opening to celebrate how far we’ve come and to learn more about us. We’ll be hosting a formal ribbon cutting ceremony courtesy of The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, a live screenprint demonstration with a signature custom design that you can take home, raffles, and so much more. It’s also Missouri No Tax Weekend so stock up on our Fair Trade, sustainably made tees just in time for back to school. When: Friday, August 6th 3:30pm Where: GOEX Apparel 3161 Wyandotte St, KCMO 64111 Facebook Event Link: https://fb.me/e/FE9p5kKf Follow the story We strive to be bold with our words and represent the ideals we believe. If you like what we stand for, we want to share more! Stay in the loop by signing up to receive our newsletters and following us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
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Our hearts are with Haiti.
Reports of the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse have generated many calls to GOEX. We have invested in the lives and livelihoods of the proud people of Haiti and are happy to report that our team in Haiti is safe. With the threat of violent demonstrations looming, we have temporarily closed our manufacturing operations near Port au Prince and have instructed our staff to remain at home with their families. When we are confident it is safe, we will return to normal operations. Until then, the work will wait while the country heals. Thank you for your continued care and support. If you have questions or concerns please don't hesitate to contact us: cs@goex.org (816) 800-8284
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Three Things To Consider When Creating Your Custom Tee
Choosing your t-shirt color can be a fun but overwhelming process. The good news is that our experts can help you navigate the color wheel and create a unique design that will make your t-shirt stand out among the rest. Here's three things to consider when creating your custom tee. Your audience One of the most important things to consider is who will be wearing these t-shirts, why & where. Seasons are great to consider when determining whether you choose short sleeves, long sleeves or even fleece. For outdoor events in the heat, a light, breezy color like Vintage White or Light Blue can keep you cool and guarded from those bold rays. If your event is in the summer months, we suggest going with a brighter pop of color for fun and to keep the wearer nice and cool. Mint and Bubblegum are not only popular but are perfect for the sunny season. For a company event, we suggest sticking to a neutral color or a color on brand with your company. The makeup of the group can also help determine if you want to purchase unisex or ladies fit t-shirts. Considering your wearers ensures your team will not only look good but they’ll feel good. Design There are so many t-shirt and ink color combinations to choose from. It’s important to consider how many colors are in your design and if they will be dark or light colors. This also helps determine whether you want the design to be bold and pop, or to be more faded and tonal. If you want a tonal design, we suggest choosing a color that is from the same color family. Getting playful with tones can create a whole new aesthetic. If you want the design to pop, consider choosing a color that is either much darker or lighter than your design. Choosing a color at the opposite end of the spectrum can create a bold, complimentary look. Don’t hesitate to explore color and range. We can work with you to make sure you get exactly what you want. Price and Purpose Just one more thing - consider your price point. If you are looking to order many shirts at the lowest price point possible, a US cotton t-shirt with a one-color design will meet your goals in abundance. If you’re looking for a strong fabric that can withstand the elements as well as the challenges of everyday wear, our triblend or fleece options stay soft wash after wash. No matter what option you choose, we will print your t-shirt at the highest standard, and it will be the best t-shirt for you and those who made it. GOEX is here for you Sometimes it can be hard to visualize what your design will look like on the shirt, that is why here at GOEX we provide a digital example before printing. This will help you visualize and determine how your art actually looks on the shirt. Let’s get designing! Shop Tees made for you. We’d love to get you started with a better basic tee today! Choose from our many styles, colors, and fit to make the perfect garment for your next group event — something you can feel proud to wear. Browse our Digital Catalog.
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How To Be Trendy AND Sustainable
Trends challenge us to fully express ourselves and also define the autonomy of the age. When you say 1985 what comes to mind? Is it acid wash jeans, sequins, and big hair? Is it Reaganomics and Family Ties? Yes, to all of these things and more. Fashion trends have the power to reflect, define, and even impact history. They are the epitome of life imitating art and art imitating life. One of the biggest misconceptions about ethical, sustainable fashion is to view trends in a negative way. Quite the contrary, in greener fairer fashion, trends have purpose and meaning. The sustainable, ethical fashion movement is not here to shame trends. Instead we are moving to redefine. Here are some ways to redefine what it means to be trendy - 1.) Keep in mind, sometimes trends come back. Trends have the power to reinvent and revolutionize. They can be as timeless as the little black dress or as questionable as the popcorn shirt. If sustainability has been a priority for your closet for a long time you may have realized that trends ebb and flow. For example, we are seeing a resurgence in vintage graphics and even butterfly clips are inching their way back into our vanity drawers. Think of all of the resources we could save if we let our trends take a vacation instead of throwing them out. 2.) Appreciation vs Participation Time will tell if a trend is right for you. When you see something shiny and new sit with it awhile before making a decision. Give some space to discover wants vs needs. Check in with yourself. Ask yourself, “Would I want to run into an ex or frenemy in this garment? Would I feel confident and proud? Would mom tell me that we have this at home?” Many great decisions begin with conversation and feedback. Ask your friends for feedback. Follow influencers for style inspiration. Have questions about fit? Reach out to brands directly. We love to answer your questions and show you how we wear GOEX apparel. 3.) Explore. Experiment. Embrace. Explore new ways to wear favorites. Think of how many ways you can accessorize a vintage white triblend tee. A look can change drastically with a well placed tuck, layered up with a cover or wrap, or amplified with statement jewelry. Experiment with color, placement, and style. Mixing your neutrals and basic staples with innovative and outspoken patterns can inspire a cardigan or dapper a fleece crew. We empower you to try new things guilt free. Embrace that you are an ever changing person and that what you like today might change tomorrow. You don’t have to beat yourself up over fashion that doesn’t fit your aesthetic anymore. Acknowledge the joy you once had and move on. Your separation is another fashionista’s journey. (The Honest Consumer has an excellent blog about the magic of online thrift stores.) 4.) GOEX is here for you. GOEX has a continuous commitment to make comfortable, fashionable garments that have a positive impact on humanity and the planet. We will continue to expand our assortment of garments made of eco-triblend fabric diverting more plastic from landfills. Each garment is sustainably made of USA fabric and sewn with extreme attention to detail. From heathered fabrics, subtle topstich, and versatile patterns we design in order for our customers to get the most out of their basics. We want you to try trends and explore your ingenuity with sustainable, ethical staples that will grow with you. When you go with GOEX, you're making an impact on the environment. PLUS you are helping to sustain dignified, fair wage jobs that help families stay together. Follow the story We strive to be bold with our words and represent the ideals we believe. If you like what we stand for, we want to share more! Stay in the loop by signing up to receive our newsletters and following us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
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Strong Ethical Voices
We take pride in bringing you the latest insight into the worlds of sustainability and ethical fashion. There are so many outspoken, vibrant voices out there that truly resonate with us. Social media is a wonderful platform to learn, grow, and offer support. Here’s a few of our favorite voices to follow: Ms Paula Presents Ms Paula is a NYC mom of two with a deep commitment to fostering sustainable fashion encompassing vintage and thrift practices. She uses her channels to add voice to the pursuit of a transformation towards conscious consumption in fashion. She hopes to inspire more people to consider sustainable fashion choices and a sustainable lifestyle by providing accessible information. Her journey began with home products and has since evolved into a desire to seek, learn, and share. Subscribe to her blog and follow her on Instagram for style tips, inspiration, and knowledge. Links: Website| Instagram Manpreet Kaur Kalra Manpreet Kaur Kalra (she/her) is a social impact advisor, anti-racism educator, brand marketer, and activist working to decolonize ethical storytelling. She navigates the intersection of impact communication and sustainable global development. She collaborates with businesses to address inclusion in all aspects, from business development to marketing strategy. Her activism focuses on the interconnectivity of economic, social, and climate justice. She educates using a variety of mediums, including the Art of Citizenry Podcast, where she shares her nuanced and unfiltered insights on building a more just and equitable future. Her work unpacks history and addresses systemic power structures. She is a founding member of the Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the Fair Trade Federation and sits on the board of the NYC Fair Trade Coalition. Links: Website| Podcast | Instagram| Twitter Eco-Stylist Garik Himebaugh is the founder of Eco-Stylist, the go-to marketplace for stylish and sustainable clothes. He got hooked on sustainable fashion after a chance meeting with the founder of an ethical brand, which then led him down a path of countless hours of research into how un-sustainable the fashion industry is. Garik emerged from all this research with a simple question: “can I put together stylish outfits with only sustainable brands?” Once he knew that he could, he wanted to help others dress like they give a damn—and Eco-Stylist (@yourecostylist) was born! Along this journey, Garik partnered with non-profit Remake to utilize their sustainable brand criteria to power Eco-Stylist’s brand research. He is excited to leverage this criteria in order to start conversations around what “sustainable” means, and as a vehicle to move brands towards greater and greater transparency. “I wear my values by supporting brands that are creating the future I want to live in: a world where all people are respected as if they were family, and all of the planet is regarded as if it were in our own backyard. At Eco-Stylist we help you do the same.” Links: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Personal Styling The Honest Consumer Meet Emily - an anxious creative advocating for fair fashion, social impact, mental health awareness, & conscious living. The Honest Consumer shares the stories of social enterprises, advocates for fair fashion, spreads the word about ethically made products, and empowers consumers. In response to the blog's growth, Emily launched Give A Damn Goods in 2018. Give a Damn Goods focuses on affordable goods that make a difference, while encouraging consumers to shop their values. Stay up to date on ethical fashion & conscious consumerism tips & tricks be sure to follow The Honest Consumer on social media. Links: Website | Instagram The world of ethical, sustainable fashion is predicted to experience exponential growth through 2030. This is due to awareness and a desire for meaningful connections in our everyday lives. Manpreet, Emily, Paula, and Garik have worked tirelessly to influence the world towards a healthier world and we can’t thank them enough for their work. Who are some of your favorite ethical voices to follow? Follow the story We strive to be bold with our words and represent the ideals we believe. If you like what we stand for, we want to share more! Stay in the loop by signing up to receive our newsletters and following us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
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