Question: Tell me about your business.
Answer: Bring the Stoke is a small business created in August 2019. We sell apparel such as, shirts, sweatshirts, and hats, as well as stickers. Our goal is to sell that apparel in hopes of funding outdoor adventures, skiing/snowboarding, surfing, rock climbing, kayaking, etc., for underprivileged children that may never get the opportunity to do some of these activities. That is our main goal, to help children explore the wonders of nature.
Q: Why did you choose this line of business?
A: I love the outdoors. I wanted a job to travel, whether it be to a state park or a mountain. I wanted an opportunity to move around. Today, I feel like I’m in a great position to help others and I love working with kids. With creating this company, it puts me in a great position to do the things I love.
Q: What is it that made you want to start this business?
A: This past summer I was on a surf trip and the campers came from a very affluent family. Only one out of the ten campers went surfing before, but by the end of the trip all of them loved it and wanted to go again. I know underprivileged children who never had the chance would love to do something like that and they would benefit just as much or even more than the campers. I feel the need to help and I feel a bit selfish not to make an impact.
Q: When did it start? What year?
A: August of 2019 is when it all began.
Q: What was the toughest thing you went through when opening? What inspired you to keep going?
A: Investing in myself and continuing to learn. Building a company along with a client base takes time. There’s something to learn from every interaction, every day and just enjoying the learning process along the way makes things much better.
Q: What is the toughest part about having a business in 2020?
A: The competition. There are many clothing companies out there and that’s why it’s important to stand out and be unique.
Q: Has technology played a big factor in your business in bringing in new customers?
A: Yes. Technology is the biggest factor in bringing in new customers, by far. These days, getting known by word of mouth is rare. People don’t talk about local/small businesses like they used to. Everybody is on their phones, including businesses. Instagram has been my best friend during this process of bringing in new customers. It is very engaging.
There are weekly giveaways, customers can send in their photos and they might get posted. We try to engage the customers in a way that makes it fun to follow Bring the Stoke’s Instagram page. Once the final touches on our Facebook page and Shopify online store is complete, very soon, then that will be another weapon that I can add to artillery. The shop will feature weekly blogs as well. Facebook is self-explanatory, everybody has an account. I will start to run ads on both Instagram and Facebook. Technology will help take this company to a better place.
Q: Where do you see Bring the Stoke in 6 months to a year from now?
A: By next September, I see Bring the Stoke as a place that is still in the process of what it can be. I sure hope we did not reach its full potential six months down the road. I know it will take time to grow an audience. Realistically, I see it as a way to help inspire and influence people’s lifestyle. By February 2021, I hope I am in a place that allows me to take children out on ski trips.
To contact Miles Nessuno of Bring the Stoke:
Email: bringthestoke@gmail.com
Telephone: 610-914-4310
Instagram @bringthestokebrand