3 Small Brands Leaving Their Mark on Social Media
Today we will be exploring various small businesses that I follow and appreciate. I believe that there is a lot to learn from such businesses, as they find creative ways to set themselves apart from mainstream companies. Oftentimes, their brand identity is a big driver for customers, showing how efficient small businesses can be at hitting a niche market. In recent years, through social media and influencer marketing, small businesses have had great success in getting popular.
Unispired4Ever is a fairly new brand created in 2020 by an artist who goes by the name Alex Azul. It is a small, Chicago-based brand highly focused on clothing but the creator also sells keychains and other accessories. Many of the products can be seen with the brands mascot named Osito. Alex sets herself apart by releasing clothing that is repurposed and upcycled all by herself! Most of the clothing is 1of1’s, meaning that they cannot be reproduced and those who buy have a customized, one-of-a-kind piece. Alex describes their clothing to be a work of art. Through their work, Alex has been able to contribute to sustainability, with many of their customers advocating for the cause. The artist has also been an advocate for other issues, most recently with immigration and releasing a button pack to donate to 2 fundraisers: the Midwest Immigration Bond and the Chicago Street Vendor Relief fund. Social media has been a great driver for the artist, in which they showcase their work, post about their monthly releases and show customers wearing their pieces! The artist has also created a community in Chicago, joining artist/vintage markets to sell their products and creating crafty events for people to come together and create. Earlier last year, they partnered with a vintage shop called Bodega Vintage in Wicker Park to sell their products in-store.
This clothing brand is a family-owned business, based in Deleware. the owner Marie, created the brand along with her sister, with the help of their parents. Founded in 2019, the shop began as a second-hand shop, where Marie would sell her clothing. It has now grown into a brand offering fun, unique and quirky pieces for all. The brand offers various items, from clothing pieces such as pants, skirts, shirts and dresses to accessories like tights, hats, handbags and ties. They have also released a couple of collections, each fitting into a different aesthetic. Most of all, the brand has nurtured a unique approach to their collections - showcasing collaboration with artists through each one. Some of the brands collections have been named “artist collections”, in which they create special clothing designs that include artwork of the artists that they collaborate with. They have also been able to connect with small fashion influencers, who help demonstrate new and upcoming collections, creating anticipation for new products. The brand values sustainability, and have limited drops for each collection and ensuring that most of their packaging is eco-friendly. The owners give back to their followers consistently through giveaways and shop discounts. It has shown to be an innovative brand that keeps its customers coming back for more!
Vina of the Valley has an interesting beginning, its owner being a youtuber and influencer by the name of Vina Murad. It is also based out of Tokyo, Japan. Focused on clothing, the brand has found success through their blending of past Japanese styles with modern western ones. The brand has a mostly pastel, frilly, and cute aesthetic. Those who want to embrace a more adorable and fun aesthetic follow the brand. They stand out for their values in sustainability and representation. The brand has also been able to create an identity in authenticity and trust. Vina has done a great job in including models of different appearances to promote new clothing lines. Her clothing is also available in a great range of sizes, starting at XXS and going up to 3XL, an accomplishment for a small brand! As a creator, she regularly keeps her followers updated on her process with new collections. She always takes her customers on the journey, showing prototype designs, how they look like and explaining what she would change and why. Followers will oftentimes suggest things that the creator may keep in mind. Through her content, she also answers questions about materials and practices, having limited drops to ensure a more ethical manufacturing process. Overall, the brand is a great example of how with hard work for your interests, something much bigger than you imagined can come to fruition. Vina’s brand is another example as to how you can leverage social media to grow your brand and make your mark.
