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.
There were a record 2.6 million weddings in 2022, which is up from 1.9 million in 2021 and 1.3 million in 2020, according to a report from The Knot, a wedding planning agency.
The Black Innovation Alliance is working to empower Black entrepreneurs and recently received a $3 million commitment from UBS to help with resources. Ifeoma Ike, director of policy and movement strategy with the Black Innovation Alliance, joined Cheddar News to explain further the organization's mission.
Janice Gassam Asare, workplace equity consultant and the founder of Black White Green (BWG) Business Solutions, discusses supporting Black-owned businesses outside of Black History Month.
Anika Howard, President and CEO of WONDR NATION, joins Cheddar News to discuss how she's driving diversity forward in the gaming industry, and give advice for Black women in this industry.
