Today we’d like to introduce you to Ash Novickas.
Hi Ash, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Five years ago, Disco Panda started out as a very small collection of t-shirts with socially conscious messages that I made to raise money for causes that were important to me and my community. What started out as a collection I made for friends and family grew quickly into something so much bigger. The community began emailing me wanting to make purchases and local L.A boutiques were reaching out to carry the collection.
I continued to make prints with strong messages while adding in a clothing collection that satisfied a gap I saw in the market- a need for modern, cool, gender-fluid clothing for kids that is sustainable and ethical.
Disco Panda has expanded over the years to be sold in boutiques all over the globe. I consider my customers and stores to be family.
Disco Panda has grown, but the heart of it remains. Everything is made by hand, in small patches, using mostly recycled material, and I continue to donate 10-20% of all profits every month to organizations and causes that are important to me and the local and global community.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Disco Panda’s journey has been a smooth one, to which I am grateful. I never anticipated the brand to grow the way that it has, but I also never wanted it to grow too big to where it lost its values. I consciously keep Disco Panda contained in a way that ensures that it can be made ethically, by hand, and in a sustainable way that is kind to our planet. I always knew the brand was not going to be one for the masses. The messaging is strong and loud and isn’t for everybody, and the clothing can be wild and yes gender lines. Something that also isn’t for every customer.
I believe that my expectations and hopes for the brand has allowed its journey to be smooth. I feel that when we try to please everybody and try to grow so big that we lose ourselves and our message, this can be a recipe for a windy road.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
1. Disco Panda is where style meets substance. We are socially conscious, sustainable, ethical and handmade in sunny Los Angeles.
Our mission: In a time or social upheaval, leadership has never been more paramount and we have made it our mission to foster and support our youth in becoming the role models and activists that will shape our future.
2. We are known for our strong messages of equality, peace and inclusivity, as well as our modern, cool, gender-fluid clothing that us adults even want to wear…
3. What we want you to know: Disco Panda’s brand messaging isn’t just wordplay; it’s a way of life. We aren’t here to take up space. Disco Panda uses fashion as a way to raise awareness and encourage social responsibility, all in an ethical and sustainable way. All ways are welcome. Come as you are!
4. I believe what sets Disco Panda apart is its bravery to use its voice, its designs that don’t look like something to be found in a children’s section, our commitment to donating to causes our community believes in, and finally, our sustainable and ethical practices. Fashion is the most wasteful and one of the biggest threats to the health of our planet.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I have found that community is so important. Never be too shy or ego driver – reach out to me and other artists and brands for advice, help, referrals and support. Most everybody is happy to have a community and happy to lend their hand. We are all in this together and collaborating is what makes the world as a whole go round
Pricing:
- Tees $34, Sweatshirts $38, Pants $40. Specialty pieces under $100
Contact Info:
- Website: www.DiscoPandaKids.com
- Instagram: @discopandakids
- Facebook: @discopandakids
Image Credits
@yellowheartphptography @thewanderingwardrobe
