Student's clothing design business soars after Pitch Competition
When Anthony Moody IV, ’22, has an idea, he puts pen to paper.
“Drawing was an escape for me when I was younger, I have always had an interest in it,” Moody said.
When he was 13, he began putting his designs on clothing and started his own business, Redeemed Generation.
“I hope to inspire people with my clothes,” Moody says. “My business prioritizes community and the small details.”
Redeemed Generation has grown steadily since then. He sells shirts, sweatshirts, and accessories all featuring his original drawings and designs. His goal, as featured on the Redeemed Generation website, is as follows:
“We exist to express ourselves and form a community through fabrics and ideas. Providing an aesthetic that is confident and bold, yet elegant and graceful. A light that is exclusive to ourselves. Not only a guide to redeem our own dreams and ambitions, but also to redeem those of our generation. Standing as a light for generations to come. We are Redeemed Generation. A lighthouse to the world.”
His business exploded with his placement as a finalist in the Robins School’s 2019 Business Pitch Competition finalist.
“I want to build a community through my clothes,” Moody said, and with the $2500 prize money and help from the Robins School entrepreneurship program, he’s established himself on campus.
“Clothing isn’t a new business, but I think people don’t feel connected with their clothes like they should,” Moody said. “Creating this clothing brings out a different side of me. I’m passionate and I’ve really come out of my shell, and I want other people to experience that.”
He is now selling his clothes all over the world, including Budapest, France, Haiti, and other countries.
Moody says taking courses in the Robins School and working closely with Mike Page, entrepreneur-in-residence, has helped his business thrive since he joined the campus community in 2018.
“Taking organizational behavior classes and learning the aspects of marketing has taught me the process of how to efficiently promote my business and manage my time effectively,” Moody says.
He is also an RA, a member of the University of Richmond Quidditch team, and a full-time student.
“My business is a blessing and a great opportunity,” Moody said.
Mike Page, entrepreneur-in-residence in the Robins School, met Moody shortly after the 2019 Business Pitch Competition.
“I was very impressed with Anthony when I met him,” Page said. “He was the youngest participant in last year's pitch competition. He worked very hard in the weeks leading up to the Pitch Competition and his efforts really paid off for him.”
He has helped Moody grow his business over the past year by advising on potential business ideas, marketing, and making connections in the industry.
“I really enjoy working with Anthony. He is very humble and self-aware but also possesses a strong conviction about what he is doing and is comfortable making his own decisions,” Page said.
That conviction has kept his business going for more than six years.
“If you don’t love it, it’s not going to get you out of bed in the morning,” Moody said. “If you don’t quit, it’s difficult to lose your business. Keep it up, be disciplined, and find what you’re passionate about.”