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Tuesday, October 19, 2004 - 10:21 PM
Local clothing mogul has heart in helping charity
By Kaia Grant
Kanji Apparel is a name that few people know of. However, this Cincinnati-based company is looking to make its mark as an inimitable clothing company that shares a charitable side. In fact, this unique line of clothing with Japanese designs, known as Kanji symbols, is sold out of six Ohio stores including: Fetish in Hyde Park, From the Ridiculous to the Sublime in O'bryonville, Pangea in Clifton and Yellow Springs, A&S Hats in Eastgate, and Wild Berry in Oxford.
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Not only are the designs on the clothing unique, but also the company is itself. David Moerlein started Kanji in February of 2003, while he was working at P & G as a chemist.
Moerlein created the company to fulfill his childhood entrepreneurial dream, and to supplement a source of income and experience that was not easily available to recent college graduates.
The company’s parallel motive of giving to charities truly distinguishes it from others. Morelein commented, “ As soon as I came up with the idea for Kanji Apparel, I knew I wanted to donate a portion of the profits.” Moerlein explained that he got the inspiration from his parents advocacy of protecting the environment, the social responsibility he has learned from classes at the University of Colorado, and the life of his paraplegic friend. According to Moerlein, “Businesses should be more than just a way to make money. It should be a way to help others.”
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Morelein chose charities that he said were, “associated with the environment, education, social justice, and human welfare.” Among the charities that receive 10% of the company’s profits are: The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, AIDS Research Alliance of America, The Conservation Fund, Breast Cancer Initiatives, and The International Youth Foundation. The charities serve as the inspiration for the designs on the apparel. For example, the “Kanji symbol” for “Hope” is on the apparel for Breast Cancer Initiatives.
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Moerlein plans to sustain his business, and expand it throughout the country. So you may soon see Kanji apparel in a store near you. Or you can buy go online and shop at www.kanjiapparel.com
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Links
· Kanji Apparel homepage
· Cincinnati fashion guide
· Fashion illustration
· About Kanji symbols
· Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation
· AIDS Research Alliance of America
· The Conservation Fund
· International Youth Foundation
Contact Information
· kaiag@queencityforum.com
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