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Lee Spence channel-3 clothing (feature)

07th November 2008

A young designer from Plymouth has launched his own clothing label inspired by extreme sports and the culture of his home city.

Lee Spence, 19, of Eggbuckland, is already selling his channel-3 brand online and at Soul Life on Plymouth’s Barbican, and is now approaching other stores in the city to find potential stockists.

Since the start of the year the young entrepreneur has been working to establish his clothing business and has designed three initial T-shirts.

With the support of the Prince’s Trust and the city’s Business Advice Centre he drew up a business plan, researched his target market, and decided how he wanted his clothing label to develop.

Then, with a loan from the trust, the qualified graphic designer was able to approach UK printers, T-shirt suppliers, label companies and packaging businesses, as well as launch his own PO Box address and begin marketing his designs.

“The design has evolved as I have grown and my mind and influences have changed,” Lee said.

“I wanted it to be a lifestyle brand for people who want a little more than the average and something that’s not already out there.

“I wanted Plymouth people to be able to connect with the project because it’s a Plymouth brand. I think everything is a product of its environment.”

Each of Lee’s designs is inspired by his love of sports such as snowboarding and skateboarding.

His first T-shirts have been produced in three colours – white, sapphire blue and heather grey – a palette which he says will grow with the collection.

They all include the channel-3 name and c-3 symbol – a feature of the brand, which Lee plans to extend to include sweatshirts, accessories and ladieswear.

At the moment, Lee’s bedroom at his parents home in Eggbuckland doubles up as a design studio.

Eventually he hopes to have his own independent studio where he can continue to grow his customer base across the UK and Europe.

Lee said: “Now the brand is launched my job is to market it.

“At the moment I have a T-shirt brand, but I want a clothing brand. The money made from these T-shirts will go into more designs.

“I want to be able to generate enough revenue to manufacture a bespoke clothing brand that has an established name and is being marketed to people around the world.”

Lee’s T-shirts were launched online last month and are priced at £20, including delivery.

He knows making money and establishing his brand is not going to be easy, but he is determined to achieve his goal – even if that means doing other jobs along the way.

Lee, who has been working for the Royal Mail to help fund his business, said: “Sales are slow, I was a bit naive to think it would be sale, sale, sale.

“It’s a lot of work. I do the designing, then I have to sell the T-shirts and package them.

“I do feel that there’s not enough support around. It would be great if there was more space for people like me to show their work. Everywhere is too expensive.”

To view or buy Lee’s T-shirts, visit www.channel-3.co.uk

LOUISE THOMAS

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