Their focus is on ‘being errant’
Fargo and fashion aren’t exactly synonymous but a team of young entrepreneurs wants that to change.
NDSU students Michael Rybak, Jon Thompson, Matt Olson and Stephen King, a student at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, want to “put Fargo on the fashion map” with their soon-to-be clothing line Errant Apparel.
The four students share a thirst for more than the usual nine to five job after graduation next May.
“I hear too many people say ‘I hate the real world’ after graduation. I’m going to wake up and go to my job and say ‘the real world rocks,’” Olson said.
“We’ve always talked about starting a business. We decided that we wouldn’t know until we gave it shot. We have nothing to lose,” Rybak said.
The group put their idea of an apparel line and business in motion two months ago.
Since the birth of Errant, Inc., the team has been contacting local fashion and business professionals for guidance.
Ann Braaten, Department of Apparel, Design, Facility and Hospitality Management assistant professor, is helping the group with the fashion end of the company.
F.A.B.O will assist with garment construction and the more technical aspects of fashion.
NDSU Department of Management, Marketing and Finance senior lecturer Paul Brown is advising the group through the business-related paperwork.
Sam Larson, manager and buyer for men’s clothing store A.K.A in downtown Fargo has “really taken us under her wing,” Rybak said.
“People are excited to work with us because we’re young – we’re something different,” Thompson said.
So far, the group is concentrating on a men’s line of T-shirts, sweatshirts and hats inspired by Kowboys, a California-based apparel company founded by three brothers.
Errant Apparel will be high fashion made with quality materials.
Environmentally conscious fabrics like organic cotton will be used in production.
Simple but not simplistic embroidery and screen print designs will adorn the vintage-looking T-shirts and sweatshirts.
“We want to blow people out of the water doing what we enjoy,” Rybak said.
The Errant group views the fashion industry as a springboard - they hope to branch out and become a well-rounded business, ultimately expanding into music promotion and production to benefit the local music scene.
“Every time we think of a way to expand, we want to do it as fast as humanly possible,” Olson said.
Wherever the group ends up, they want to keep ties with Fargo and NDSU to offer other students with “raw talent” a chance to show it through internships and jobs at Errant, Inc.
“We’re pushing people to take risks. We’re being errant,” Rybak said.
“Errant is a way of living,” Olson said.
The team has a Facebook group called Errant Apparel: Stray the Course.
The Errant, Inc., Web site will be up soon at www.errantbrandclothing.com.