UNITED STATES OF CAMO: A NEW BRAND GIVING BACK TO OUR VETERANS
After a short-lived career as a fashion buyer at Takashimaya, Kimberly Spacek decided to move into the world of finance where she has worked in sales and marketing for the last 25 years. But, she knew deep down that she’d eventually return to fashion, acknowledging that it’s one of the few industries where a designer can develop a unique concept and bring it to fruition. “I always knew that I wanted to come back to fashion because the retail industry is a great platform for presenting a new product that reflects my creativity and sense of purpose,” she tells MR.
Fast forward to this year, Spacek is returning to the industry with the launch of her new brand, United States of Camo – a company founded with the intention to support Veterans with a donation of 10 percent from all merchandise sales to mental health organizations in the United States.
Coming from a military family, Spacek is passionate about supporting individuals who selflessly fight for their country. Her father is a 30-year Air Force Colonel who served in the Vietnam War and her uncle, a Tuskegee Airman, was the pilot that shot down the last manned German aircraft in WWII.
While many servicemen and women are supported when they come home from war, unfortunately, that is not always the case. Many military members lack family, education, resources, and a stable structure that would lead them to be successful. “One of the main reasons I founded the United States of Camo was to give back to those who keep me and my family safe,” Spacek says. “Through research, I realized support for Veterans’ mental health initiatives was lacking and decided to work with various veterans charities that support our soldiers and their families.”
With a nod to the traditional military camo, she developed her unique camo print that features all 50 states in a wide variety of colors. As a military brat, she has always loved camo, particularly non-traditional camos, and when she decided that she wanted to start a business she knew she had to incorporate the print. “When I got the idea to create streetwear with a purpose, I knew it had to be in camo,” she says. “My camo references traditional military camo but with a twist, my print represents the 50 states. People love to find their home state!”
Retail prices range from $40 for a trucker hat to $110 for a polo shirt, and Spacek notes that her best-selling item this far is the pink trucker hat for men, women, and children. “It really does look good on everyone and you can really see your home state pop on the pink hat,” she adds.
