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Student Sets Up Own Streetwear Brand With 20 Percent Of Each Sale Going To Charity

Student Sets Up Own Streetwear Brand With 20 Percent Of Each Sale Going To Charity

Connah Dixon, 19, set up streetwear brand Nerve Clothing earlier this year, selling hoodies, t-shirts and more online through Etsy

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

A student has set up his own clothing business with a strong charity ethos at its heart, donating 20 percent of his profits from each sale to a good cause.

Connah Dixon, 19, set up streetwear brand Nerve Clothing earlier this year, selling hoodies, t-shirts and more online through Etsy.

But while many students are probably grateful to get their hands on whatever cash they can get, Connah has decided to only take what he needs to have enough money for uni - donating a portion to charity instead.

Nerve Clothing

The charity he chooses changes each month, with 20 percent from each sale going towards those who may need it more.

Connah, a student at Worcester University, said he has backgrounds in both graphic design and photography, and wanted to set up a venture that used both skills.

He told LADbible: "I started my clothing business because I study graphic design and I have done for seven - almost eight -years, and I've been doing photography for longer.

"I wanted to do something that combines both practices.

Connah Dixon

"I started the rough plan in first year of uni but got too swallowed up in work.

"Then during the first lockdown this year, I took a dive and invested my money into the first stages of designing the clothes and getting a company to help me print.

"It's just been growing from there.

Nerve Clothing

Connah, who is originally from Shrewsbury, said he's always held a fascination for streetwear and design, adding: "I will use 35mm film photography or digital images, I use my graphic design typography work and just try and make something that looks nice and still gives the message I am trying to convey."

Explaining how the added charity aspect had been his plan 'all along', Connah continued: "I wanted to donate money from profits to charity because I am fortunate to be in my position.

"It is easy to fall into the trap of calling it privilege but that's not the case. I have an adoptive background and I have also suffered with mental health issues. I did charity because there are people who are stuck in poverty, in the care system and suffer discrimination, or those who suffer with mental issues who need the help.

"I don't want to profit from charity but I want charity to benefit from me. Everything I make that doesn't go to charity goes straight back into production, I just want others to be given the chance I was 14 years ago."

He added: "I know that there is a nationwide lockdown at the moment and I am not asking for people to buy my stuff, what I will ask is that if you need help with your mental health do not hesitate or dismiss it contact your local services and seek advice."

As for Connah's plans for the future of Nerve, he says he plans to keep evolving and branding out with new designs - but there's one part of his brand that will never change.

Connah Dixon

"I want to just carry on designing and making awesome things with new designs or new products," he said.

"For example, at the moment I am considering using an embroidered design.

"I want to give people a reason to smile and just keep expanding my customer base.

"I will never remove the charity aspect from my business - that's something I can be sure about for the future. "

Check out Connah's designs on Instagram or Etsy.

Featured Image Credit: Connah Dixon

Topics: Daily Ladness, Fashion, student, Community