Join us in an exclusive interview with Swade, where the keys to their success are unveiled. Delve into the nuances of the online entrepreneurial world and explore the journey that positions Swade at the forefront of e-commerce innovation.
1. Can you introduce yourself and Swade?
Hello! My name is Nate Bradley, Co-Founder of SWADE, a male-positive lifestyle brand. My background is in IT and leading large projects for a Fortune 100 and was provided the opportunity to be the Corporate Men’s Health Global Chair to raise awareness and funds to support our employees, families and communities to take care of their physical, mental and emotional health. This experience instilled the need to share more of what I had learned beyond my company.
2. How was Swade born? How did you start?
SWADE was originally founded in 2012 by four close friends determined to spread a message of male positivity in today’s society. After an evening of food and drink while reminiscing about life, family, health and speaking freely about the people, values and the causes dear to their hearts — the ethos of SWADE was born. We envisioned a movement, not just a brand… but a message.
One of male-positivity and the importance of men’s self-care; to not only helping men be caring, kind and brave, cool and confident, but witty and a true gentleman. A message that would identify with the social responsibility in which the world would want for all the men in their lives to be: SWADE.
We envisioned a brand that covered all the forward thinking, positive attributes any man would want to be and be proud to be. We started to randomly throughout these characteristics, fingers quickly going over the keyboard doing Google searches and seeing what kind of random phrases or word combinations would result. One hit the mark not too far into the exercise.
“…. super cool males. They tend to be good looking and witty. Typically, genius’ and always gentleman. Most are caring, kind and brave.”
The source of this phrase? UrbanDictionary.com : TOP DEFINITION for swade.
Immediately, Jay said “SWADE. The Definition of a Man.” Boom.
Unfortunately, we were not able to execute our idea quickly, as personal life changes occurred, and full-time jobs maximized our availability so we were forced to put our plans on hold. But everything happens for a reason.
3. What makes Swade different? Can you explain your products with details?
2017 brought a year of personal positive change, determination, motivation, and passion back into the business. SWADECO, LLC was formed, research on our overall competition and brands that existed, those that inspired and emulated our message were dissected; graphic ideation, designs and initial plans for the men’s apparel and personal care products we would want to make & sell were sketched and outlined. SWADE was born, and just like any newborn, we knew we would have to learn to crawl, perhaps even rollover first, before we would walk.
We spent some time thinking how the brand could come to life and be a message seen easily and focused on the graphic t-shirt and cap. We began with using our brand name to get the brand awareness and use the graphics we created thinking they covered a wide range of generic yet masculine designs to attract consumers. One of the designs is born from Joey “Joe Swade”. He is the inspiration of the SWADE ethos which comes directly from a beloved family member, Uncle Joey. Joey’s mantra was to have “LOVE in your life, RESPECT for yourself, and others will give you BALANCE for you to live in HARMONY.”
We adopted all the positive attributes that every man, every where would want to be or already is. We started to put all focus on how our products would fit that model, that niche. We made a decision that our products will want to be high quality, natural raw material and focus on sustainable features, even if it were to cost more to make. Our products also required the need to be part of the message; it celebrates kindness & gentlemanly gestures and promotes male positivity through custom made apparel items, all with a distinct focus on inclusivity, the environment, and social responsibility, while caring for all humankind and remaining true to one’s self. We believe every single person deserves love, respect, and the balance to live in harmony. We encourage male positivity for every man, everywhere, every day — no matter who you are or how you choose to define yourself. You be you. Be SWADE.
4. What reactions do you get from your clients? Do they love your products?
Our highest and most heard feedback from our customers is that the custom measured & cut t-shirts are the best fitting “real sized” t-shirt that every man feels comfortable wearing, no matter if their shoulders are wide and waist is slim, or someone who is tall requiring just the right length in the arm and beyond waist. They love we range from Medium to 3XL. The 100% cotton is very soft, stitching is tight and sewn with high quality and wash after wash, they stand up and hold their shape and graphics do not fade. We are their new favorite t-shirt. We have one customer who purchased 7 t-shirts to be able to wear one every day. Now that’s a testimonial.
5. What are the advantages of Swade?
Men should have what they need to live life well, combining the importance of self-care, empathy and love for others with comfortable, no-nonsense, economical & environmentally friendly apparel and men’s apparel products.
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