Finnegan Shepard of Both& Apparel - Fashion & Gender Joy

In this week’s episode, we have an insightful conversation with Finnegan Shepard, the founder of Both& Apparel, diving deep into the fashion challenges faced by underrepresented communities, particularly the transgender, gender-fluid, and gender-free audience.  Shepard sheds light on the hardships of fundraising as an underrepresented founder, particularly in early-stage fundraising. We discuss the hurdles of the fundraising process, noting that while it can be hard for everyone, it’s especially challenging for marginalized groups and those in sectors like fashion. Shepard also opens up about the importance of community in his journey, underscoring that no founder truly goes it alone.  ✅ Key discussion points: Fundraising and Underrepresentation: The challenges of fundraising as an underrepresented founder. Early-stage Capital: Securing capital is rooted in faith and the belief in a founder's potential. Market Trends: The current uncertainty and hyperbolic nature of the fundraising environment. Community Support: The importance of a supportive community in a founder's journey. Both& Philosophy: Embracing diverse perspectives and avoiding binary thinking. Finding Balance: The significance of diversifying hobbies and interests for mental wellbeing. Your host, Rocio Sanchez, ends the episode with key takeaways, emphasizing the importance of robust market research, authentic storytelling, and clarity in brand communication.  The episode serves as an eye-opener into the complexities of serving an underrepresented market and the value of truly understanding one's audience. 💥 Links Both& Apparel: https://www.bothandapparel.com/ Your host, Rocio Sanchez: https://marketingbyrocio.com/ Learn more from Transition of Style: https://transitionofstyle.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices