Fund me, KC: Crossing Arrows launches clothing line for the spirited girl

Startland News is continuing its segment to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs — like Crossing Arrows founder Tricia Steffes — to share their stories to gain a little help from their supporters. Back Crossing Arrows’ here.

Who are you?

Tricia Steffes

Crossing Arrows, a clothing line is designed by spirited women for spirited girls. After two and a half years of navigating my five-year-old daughter’s desire to wear boy clothes because her spirited taste didn’t have room for pink and princesses, I decided it was time to do something about the gender stereotyping that exists in children’s clothing.  All our pieces are designed with the spirited girl in mind.

What is your product?

A clothing line tailored to spirited girls.  We are launching with a line of graphic tees that solve the gender stereotyping that exists in children’s clothing.  In addition to our graphic tees, we are producing a bomber jacket, raglan t-shirt dress, drop crotch pants and graphic leggings.

What is the overarching goal of Crossing Arrows?

Crossing Arrows was designed to eliminate the gender stereotyping that exists in children’s clothing.  The brand says no to gender stereotypes and encourages girls to take risks, be courageous and follow their dreams.

How much do you hope to raise?

We hope to raise $20,000 with our Kickstarter Campaign as well as brand awareness.

What do you plan to use the funds for?

The funds will be used to finalize production for the next eight graphic tee designs, bomber jacket, and raglan t-shirt dress.  In addition to bringing designs out of production, the funds will allow us to build our brand through very strategic marketing and public relations strategies.

How are you differentiating your campaign?

Through our story.  We feel our story differentiates our campaign as well as solves the problem that exists with the gender stereotyping that exists in children’s clothing.  It is such a hot topic right now and we are capitalizing on that as well as offering spirited girls designs that allows them to express themselves.  In addition to our goal of clothing spirited girls, we are also focusing our efforts to pursue our passion with philanthropy and child advocacy.  Crossing Arrows will have a very strong philanthropic component.

Any advice on crowdfunding campaigns?

I hope to have some good advice after the campaign. Until then, it’s a lot of work as it should be and I believe so much of what go into a successful campaign is the story and mission behind what a company is doing and why they are doing it.  Swallowing one’s pride and asking people to help support them is a must.