Josie Wilder and his friends could have done anything after leaving the Marines.  But what they decided to do is take their artistic talent and put it to good use for themselves, and the planet.  3 Clothing Co. is a small but mighty company that creates artistic, ethical, organic shirts and clothing for men and women. Even though October 15 sees the launch of several new products on the retail site, Wilder gave me a few minutes of his time to talk about the company and their plans for the future.

1. What’s the story behind the name 3 Clothing Company?
The number 3 has many possible meanings or representations. The number 3 appears in multiple religious and spiritual cultures. It can be found throughout nature. When we started, we had a great idea for a product, but we couldn’t think of a name. Since there are 3 founders, I suggested 3 as a joke. It didn’t stick until we started looking up the number 3 in Wikipedia.org. It’s also easy to remember.

2. What made you choose sustainable clothing as your business?
Well, we have been friends since 2000. This is our second business together. We got together in 2007 to hang out. We started discussing how great it would be to work together again. A couple of weeks later, I was joking around and sent Pat and Reese a text that we should start a t-shirt line. They didn’t realize it was a joke. Reese brought up using sustainable materials in a planning meeting in the early stages. He was researching trends at the time that we could use to launch. Once we realized that their was little difference in costs between sustainable and non-sustainable it made sense.

3. What is the most exciting part of owning a company like 3 Clothing Co.?
The people. There are some really passionate people in the green and charitable communities. They get things done, and we enjoy working with them.

4. Tell me about your design process and the inspiration behind your designs.
Well Pat comes up with all of these crazy ideas. Then he and Reese try to turn them into something that you can wear. Then we all sit down and say mean things about the designs. The ones that don’t cry get turned into shirts. No, most of the designs come from experience in life and our core values. Everyone on the team gives input, but Patricc really takes it to the next level. He is an amazing designer.

5. What makes 3 Clothing Co. unique from other t-shirt companies?
That’s easy. We aren’t a t-shirt company. We have morphed into something more than that. We have branched into denim and other clothing apparel as well. But the whole company is really just a platform to make change. That’s why we give 10% of our revenue to charity, and we are involved in the “Green Community”, and we speak out about injustice. We call it pomegranate. It’s a super fruit you know? You think you are just eating something that taste good, but in reality you are healing and changing your body. That’s the color of our logo; pomegranate.

6. What are you most proud of about 3 Clothing Co.?
That’s a hard question. We are still a new company. I’m happy with how quickly we are growing. I’m happy with the recognition to our work. I’m proud all of the hard work of our team.

7. What is the best customer feedback you’ve received so far?
We got feedback from Rasheed Young, President of Run Athletics, on Twitter a week or two ago that was really amazing. He said that everyone needs a “Love Pollution” tee and that he would wear his with honor.

8. What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced starting up your company?
Not disappearing in a sea of “green”. We don’t really consider ourselves as “green” or sustainable. We are just trying to do the right thing. There are a lot of great companies out there, but none of them do what we do.

9. What is your vision for the future of 3 Clothing Co.?
I see 3 Clothing company as a major player in the fashion market. We will help change the look of the fashion industry.

10. What advice would you give other young entrepreneurs who are looking to start up a sustainable company?
Don’t do it. Don’t do it unless you have a passion for it. I don’t think being sustainable is nearly as important as everyone makes it out to be. It’s more important to have a passion for what you are doing and to do it as ethically as possible. That should include sustainable practices.

Thanks to everyone at 3 Clothing Co. and Good Luck from Fashion, Evolved!  Be sure to visit 3 Clothing Company this week to see their new line of shirts and denim, and follow Josie Wilder on Twitter: @JosieWilder

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