About the Company

Yoke Apparel Manufacturing, based in Da Nang, Vietnam, specializes in clothing manufacturing with a focus on low minimum order quantities. Founded in June 2019, the company caters primarily to customers in the United States, Australia, and Europe. Women’s fashion and casual wear dominate their product offerings. Operating with 30 employees, the company generates a monthly revenue of $23,000, despite interruptions caused by the pandemic. Jesse James, the founder, emphasizes the company’s social mission and plans for sustainable expansion.

The company is notable for employing vulnerable individuals, providing them with job opportunities and skills. This social enterprise model aligns with their mission to create a tangible impact. With a streamlined operational structure, Yoke has transitioned from struggling with capacity issues to focusing on growth and automation.

Their long-term vision includes revolutionizing the clothing industry by integrating sustainability into every aspect of the supply chain. The company aims to develop underprivileged communities and achieve ambitious industry-wide changes.

Idea Behind Company

The inspiration for Yoke Apparel stemmed from Jesse James' passion for making a social difference and his vivid dreams about Vietnam. While initially planning to launch a clothing label, Jesse and his wife decided on manufacturing instead to provide direct support to employees. This pivot allowed them to hire at-risk individuals and collaborate with community partners to uplift vulnerable locals.

The decision to relocate to Vietnam was spontaneous and driven by a desire to create a positive impact. Despite having no experience in clothing manufacturing, Jesse and his wife sold everything to fund their move. They began with a modest $20,000 investment, which quickly ran out but was supplemented through perseverance and resourcefulness.

Creating the Company

Starting Yoke Apparel was fraught with challenges, as the founders lacked industry experience and encountered logistical issues. Early struggles included sourcing incorrect materials, making design errors, and dealing with language barriers in Vietnam. Despite these obstacles, the team managed to assemble a capable workforce through local partnerships and recruitment.

With limited resources, Jesse focused on building a strong supply chain and hiring skilled professionals. The company now employs high-level fashion and technical designers, improving their service capabilities. Over time, they transitioned from basic designs to offering a diverse range of high-quality products.

The founders invested heavily in learning and adapting to industry demands, prioritizing recruitment and supply chain optimization. This strategic approach enabled the company to provide world-class manufacturing services while maintaining its social mission.

Launching the Business

Yoke Apparel launched quickly, transitioning from idea to operational status in just 15 days. The founders subleased space from a foreign printing operation, purchased equipment, and hired staff to kickstart production. Initial plans to target the local market failed, prompting a shift to international clients.

To attract foreign customers, Jesse learned web development and created a company website. Early success came from a friend’s referrals, which built the foundation for the company’s client base. This network-driven approach minimized marketing expenses and focused on long-term customer relationships.

Lessons from the launch emphasized the importance of accurate planning, adaptability, and establishing a customer base early. The company’s ability to pivot and refine its strategy was critical to its survival and initial success.

Earnings

Yoke Apparel achieved profitability within its first year, reinvesting profits into growth and charitable causes. The business maintains a 24% operating profit and has sustained nearly 150% annual growth, even amid pandemic challenges. Word-of-mouth referrals and a strong customer service ethic have driven revenue without significant marketing expenses.

Future plans include scaling operations to meet growing demand while maintaining quality. Investments in SEO and digital marketing are expected to enhance customer acquisition. Long-term goals involve creating a vertically integrated supply chain with a focus on sustainability and community development.

The founders remain committed to reinvesting in their vision, balancing immediate profitability with ambitious plans for transforming the clothing industry. This focus ensures that their growth benefits all stakeholders, from employees to customers.