3.16 Clothing
In 2015, I founded 3.16 Clothing, a faith–inspired apparel and accessories brand with its own e-commerce platform. My role covered the entire product and go-to-market lifecycle.
This included:
Illustration
Collection design
Supplier sourcing
E-commerce UX
Content
Video/photo
Social
The brand experienced rapid growth, reaching over 15,000 followers in less than six months.
Its strong visual identity helped attract attention. After two years, with this success, I identified an opportunity to pursue a sale.
Alive
I made the promotional video based on structured market tests. I handed out sample t-shirts and accessories to family and friends.
They used them in their social circles and shared feedback. Their responses showed who would buy and who wouldn’t. They also guided how the brand should present itself. This learning boosted our confidence to launch the e-commerce channel.
In that collection, quiet subtlety reflected the faith inspiration. The word “Alive” held deep meaning and value. It also showed my energy and readiness for future challenges.
Have you ever imagined running in the dark to achieve something? That is how I produced these pieces for sale. I am not an expert in the metals used in semi-fine jewelry. I don't know about iron, silver, or gold. I just knew those necklaces and pendants were trending.
When I visited the factory and negotiated with the makers, I always said, "I will provide the drawings, and we will keep in touch." They agreed. Many people thought I was sending 3D designs to the factories. I knew about AutoCAD, but I actually sent paper sketches and files from Illustrator or Photoshop.
As engagements increased, like fashion shows, church workshops, and live music events, I saw the need for a unique event booth. I designed an exclusive booth for 3.16 Clothing. This allowed for on-site sales and broadened our reach. 3.16 gained coverage on fashion websites and organic social media.
Bands and influencers that matched our audience endorsed us by placing our logo stickers on their instruments, posting photos wearing shirts. The brand also built a strong reputation among peer labels.
