From Dorm Room to Runway: How Two UCLA Students Turned a $50 Thrift Store Investment into a $500,000 Fashion Brand
In 2019, Presley Campbell and Alden Kramer, then freshmen at UCLA, harnessed their shared passion for fashion and sustainability to launch a womenswear brand that would eventually grow into a $500,000 empire. Their journey from a dorm room startup to a thriving business is a testament to creativity, determination, and a commitment to sustainable fashion.
The Spark of an Idea
Campbell, inspired by a sustainability course, and Kramer, with a lifelong love for fashion, combined their interests after watching “The True Cost,” a documentary exposing the environmental impact of fast fashion. They decided to create a brand that repurposed existing materials, offering affordable, stylish pieces for young women. Their initial $50 thrift store purchase laid the foundation for Campbell & Kramer, a brand aimed at reducing fashion waste.
Early Steps and Growth
Starting small, the duo sewed thrifted fabrics into unique designs, selling to friends and family. They upcycled UCLA gear into game-day apparel, leveraging their community support. A breakthrough came during the pandemic when an influencer endorsed their tie-dye sweat sets, sparking rapid growth. They hand-dyed and sewed hundreds of pieces, eventually partnering with a local factory to meet demand.
Challenges and Lessons
Navigating the business world without prior experience, they faced missteps, such as partnering with unreliable factories. They learned the importance of vetting partners and streamlining operations. Inconsistent revenue and scaling challenges were met with focus and adaptability, shifting from sporadic to steady income through wholesale collaborations with retailers like Urban Outfitters.
Success and Advice
Projecting $500,000 in revenue for 2025, Campbell & Kramer exemplify sustainable fashion’s potential. Their advice? Start small, seek knowledge, and value collaboration. Campbell emphasizes taking action and building a supportive network, while Kramer underscores the power of small steps and clear vision.
Conclusion
Campbell & Kramer’s story is more than a business success—it’s a call to action. Starting from a dorm room, they transformed a $50 investment into a sustainable brand, proving that passion and perseverance can turn ideas into impactful businesses.
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