In an inspiring collaboration between two Atlanta schools, Lovett School senior Daniel Kauffman and Westminster senior William Wright have joined forces to launch Impact Threads, a clothing company dedicated to supporting local charities. By integrating philanthropy into fashion, these two young entrepreneurs are redefining how consumers interact with clothing and charitable giving.
Impact Threads stands as a testament to the power of collaboration. Daniel and William, coming from two different schools, have pooled their talents and passions to create a brand with a mission: each apparel collection directly supports a partnered charity, giving customers a tangible way to contribute to meaningful causes. The students’ shared commitment to community service and entrepreneurship laid the foundation for this innovative business model.
The idea for Impact Threads was sparked by Daniel’s formative experience in sixth grade when he participated in a Lovett-led volunteer project at a homeless shelter. This moment left a lasting impact, inspiring him to seek ways to make a meaningful difference. When he and William started brainstorming business ideas, they knew they wanted to create something that not only provided stylish apparel but also made an impact in the community.
Impact Threads offers apparel collections where each shirt features a QR code linking directly to the donation page of the partnered charity. This unique integration allows customers to see the impact of their purchase in real time, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to transparency and community support.
The business model is simple but powerful: charities grant Impact Threads permission to use their logos, and in return, they receive 51 percent of the net profits from every shirt sold. The shirts are hand-pressed, with each collection dedicated to a specific organization. So far, Impact Threads has partnered with Atlanta Humane Society, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and I Will Survive, Inc.
Overcoming Challenges
Like any startup, Impact Threads faced initial hurdles. The biggest challenge was convincing charities to collaborate. “At first, it was hard for nonprofits to see the benefit of working with us,” William explained. “So we made it completely free for charities and committed to donating the majority of our profits.”
A marketing breakthrough came when Krista Maxson, the manager of the Vinings Farmers Market, invited them to sell their shirts at the market. This opportunity provided much-needed exposure, fueling the brand’s growth.
Impact Threads has ambitious plans for the future. Daniel and William envision expanding beyond T-shirts into a full-scale fashion brand that blends luxury with accessibility. Their goal is to create statement pieces that not only stand out aesthetically but also drive meaningful change.
“Our vision is to bridge the gap between high fashion and streetwear,” Daniel says. “Every drop we release should have a purpose beyond just looking good.”
Their goal is to create statement pieces that not only stand out aesthetically but also drive meaningful change.