Impact Threads: Fashion with a Purpose

In a world where fashion and philanthropy rarely intersect in meaningful ways, two young entrepreneurs are breaking the mold. Lovett Senior Daniel Kauffman and Westminster Senior William Wright launched Impact Threads, a clothing company with a mission to support local charities. Their innovative approach aims to revolutionize how people interact with fashion by integrating charitable giving directly into their designs.

Inspiration Behind Impact Threads

The idea for Impact Threads was born out of a shared passion for entrepreneurship and community service. Both Daniel and William have been actively involved in volunteering from a young age. As they brainstormed ideas for a new business venture, Daniel recalled a particularly formative experience in sixth grade when he participated in a Lovett-led volunteer project at a homeless shelter. That moment stuck with him, igniting a desire to create something with a lasting impact.

“Looking back, I wished I could have done more for the people I met that day,” Daniel shared. “When William and I started thinking about our business model, we knew it had to be something that gave back to the community.”

Originally drawn to sneakers, the duo realized that shoe production was too complex, so they pivoted to clothing. The idea took shape: create a brand where each apparel collection represents a partnered charity and gives consumers an active role in philanthropy.

How It Works

Each Impact Threads shirt features a QR code that, when scanned, links directly to the donation page of the partnered charity. This unique feature allows customers to see the impact of their purchase in real time, reinforcing the company’s mission to make a difference.

The process is simple yet effective: 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 designs are heat pressed by hand, and each collection is 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 its fair share of obstacles. The biggest initial challenge was convincing charities to collaborate with them. “At first, it was hard for nonprofits to see the benefit of working with us,” William admitted. “We had to make our model entirely free for charities and commit to donating a majority of our profits.”

Manufacturing the shirts also posed difficulties. After experimenting with different production methods, they finally found a manufacturer that met their needs. However, marketing proved to be another hurdle. Traditional advertising methods like Instagram ads and flyers were not yielding enough traction, and the co-founders considered shutting down.

That changed when Krista Maxson, the manager of the Vinings Farmers Market, invited them to sell shirts there. The market provided the exposure they needed, and soon, Impact Threads began gaining momentum. Balancing their studies and extracurriculars while managing the company remained a challenge, but Daniel and William were both able to use study period time set aside by each of their schools to keep developing their business while juggling an advanced workload.

Educational Influence and Support

Lovett has played a crucial role in the development of Impact Threads. Daniel credits the School for equipping him with leadership skills and a strong business foundation. Courses such as Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Math of Finance gave him the tools to manage financial aspects of the company, while his Ethical Leadership class taught him how to navigate teamwork and decision-making effectively. Daniel says he has also received support from his peers; every model for their website photos and Instagram promotional videos has been a Lovett student who volunteered their time to help support the business. “Lovett’s core values, which are seen through group work and different clubs available at the school, have really revealed themselves to me as I have been working on Impact Threads,” said Daniel.

The Future of Impact Threads

Looking ahead, Daniel and William have ambitious goals for their company. They aim to expand beyond T-shirts into a full-scale fashion brand that blends luxury with accessibility. Their vision is to create statement pieces that not only make a bold fashion statement but also drive meaningful change.

“Our goal is to be the bridge between high fashion and streetwear,” said Daniel. “Every drop we release should have a purpose beyond aesthetics.”

For more information or to purchase a shirt, visit www.impactthreads.org.