Wear Your Heart On Your Sleeve
By Shannon O'Brien
Andreas Gmür graduated from BU's School of Management in 1997. During his last year, he decided to write a business plan for one of his classes. His plan developed into a working idea, and he has since established a T-shirt cyber store called AndyG.com (www.AndyG.com). By creating this business, Gmür succeeded in combining his passion for painting with his academic background in Marketing.
Gmür attained his mission, which was to create a business that promotes environmental awareness, addresses social and political issues, and fosters spiritual growth.
Initially, Gmür intended to target the "new age market." That is, "everyone that is into spirituality, eastern philosophy or holistic exercise like yoga." Gmür later discovered that his designs appealed to markets such as teenagers and college students. Does this mean that students are becoming more socially aware?
As you can imagine, Gmür's project received a good grade from his BU professor, Jenkins Callaghan. And, since we all know how much parents love good grades, this was one of the factors that convinced Gmür's father, whom he refers to as the "angel investor" to fund his business idea.
Gmür says that the inspiration for his designs thus far has stemmed from, "my intuition and observing which symbols and designs are currently trendy, for example, the "Om" design." As you may be aware, "Om" is not only a title of a Gap perfume, but also a mantra chanted before and or after a session of yoga.
One of the goals of Gmür's art, as well as business, is to create awareness.
Gmür states, "I chose to do my part through creative work because I believe that the visual medium is one of the most effective communication tools to raise awareness and induce change." Designs that promote 'recycling' and an abstract design bearing the statement: 'Deforestation is Suicide,' are some of the ways Gmür intends to promote ecological awareness.
He also plans to use organically grown cotton T-shirts in the future.
Gmür recognizes that, "If we continue to deplete our forests -especially the Amazon- we will have to face possibly disastrous consequences. Planet earth without forests is like a human without lungs ... doomed to die".
Besides for being artistically chic, T-shirts from AndyG.com are also very comfortable. The cuts and fabrics of the shirts are classically simple, which make them extremely versatile and easy to wear.
Gmür claims that his true inspiration is "love, Buddha, Jesus and my own spiritual evolution." Gmür describes art as, "a philosophy of its own, a certain way to perceive inexplicable energies and to handle them. It is like a therapy through which we can relax and release stress. It is a medium through which we can scream, weep, laugh or radiate happiness."
It is people like Gmür that encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to follow their dreams. Gmür has proven that it is possible to incorporate life's passions in business endeavors and still be able to make a profit.
Speaking of which, 20% of the profits from AndyG.com are donated to humanitarian and environmental organizations.
If you are searching for some hip T-shirts to keep you cool in the summer, look no further:
http://www.andyg.com/ or call toll free 1-877-GO-ANDYG (1-877-462-6394).