Fred Hajjar, Co-Owner, and Hiral Patel, Marketing Manager at uglychristmassweater.com, discuss the success of the company from its 2012 founding though today, when the "Ugly Christmas Sweater Party" has become a tradition for many.
During its first year in business, the company made $40,000 in sales. For Christmas 2017, the company sold over 100,000 sweaters that sell for an average of $49.99 to $59.99 apiece.
Patel and Hajjar talk the rise in popularity of the ugly sweater and what makes their particular brand so unique. The company recently began a customization line, allowing consumers to choose the phrases on their sweater of choice.
Members of the Kappa League mentoring program at Wyandanch Memorial High School in Long Island, NY are preparing for an educational trip to Ghana. Principal Paul Sibblies is on a mission to enrich his students' lives to put some of them in touch with their roots. "When you invest in young people, then it's the greatest investment you can make," he said.
A group of 15 students recently graduated from SANYS U., a six-week program held by the Self Advocacy Association of New York State. The course helps people with disabilities to advocate on their own behalf, learning more about their rights, legislation and issues that matter most.
