Asim Ali, Afshad Dholakia, Baqir Momin, and Irfan Macknojia and partner Dhrumil Patel are founders of LDB Clothing Co. Below is their story.
Recently, many entrepreneurs have been combining their business philosophy with their ethical philosophy.
Inspired by the business models of Toms Shoes, Warby Parker, and new local startup Mrked, five high school graduates have partnered together to form Last of a Dying Breed Clothing Company.
Following the principles of charity demonstrated by the aforementioned companies, L.D.B. Clothing Co. decided to add a slight twist to encourage a more diverse impact. Instead of donating to one cause, the founders decided to allow the customer to select a charitable organization of their liking from their list of partners.
“We believe that in allowing the ability to select a charity that one may feel more passionate about helps different types of customers desire to make a purchase and help out these incredible organizations,” says Asim Ali, one of the five founders of L.D.B. Clothing Co.
Working out of their homes in Sugar Land, a suburb of Houston, Texas, the four founders have spent the entire summer coming with everything from forming a partnership, finding a local t-shirt provider, and establishing an e-commerce website.
“Accomplishing everything we have with L.D.B. has made my summer so meaningful. There is no other feeling in the world that can replace the happiness you receive from completing a task with value and a greater purpose,” says Dhrumil Patel, another founder.
The founders’ ethical background is tied into the company through the idea that thirty percent of their profits are donated to the partnered non-profit organizations each quarter to help specific causes. These organizations span from Autism advocacy and awareness through Blessed Be Hope for Three, Inc., to aiding disabled war veterans through Homes for Our Troops.
The founders of L.D.B. didn’t initially set out to sell apparel. They just knew that they wanted to give back while also providing a service or product that looked into the more esoteric sectors of our faith, including strides to better the quality of life for our fellow man, wherever he may be, said Afshad Dholakia, the head writer on the team.
He goes on to extend that the five of them are trying to rekindle certain values and virtues that seem to be fading out in today’s generation. The meaning behind “Last of a Dying Breed” calls upon patrons joining the founding brothers to work for a greater purpose.
Understanding contemporary fashion trends and the growth in urban-style clothing, the founders decided to design original t-shirts that had emulated this style. Their current designs can be found at www.ldbclothingco.com.
Buy a shirt, support a cause.
Ismailimail 