Latest news with #StreetsAhead
Entrepreneur
6 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
27-Year-Old Grows DTC Business From $60,000 to Over $500,000
Ruth Sack, 27, grew up with Streets Ahead, the luxury leather accessories brand her father, David Sack, founded in 1982. She and her siblings painted belts with nail polish in the Los Angeles factory and attended trade shows across the country with their parents. Image Credit: Courtesy of Streets Ahead. Ruth Sack. But it wasn't until 2020 that Sack considered dedicating significant time to the brand. "I went to UCLA and studied gender studies, and then Covid hit," Sack says. "I didn't really know what I wanted to do. I started helping out with the family business because things were pretty tough, and I actually sort of loved it." Sack went on to attend the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) and step in as Streets Ahead's head of marketing and design. Related: This 29-Year-Old's Side Hustle Brought People 'to the Dark Green Side.' It Made $10,000 Within 2 Days and Sees 6 Figures a Month. Streets Ahead's products are made locally in California with leather and hardware sourced from Italy, and the brand is known for its novelty pieces — "bestselling belts [with] crazy heart hardware with chains and snakes and things like that" — that have been spotted on numerous celebrities, including Beyoncé during her Cowboy Carter tour. Image Credit: Courtesy of Streets Ahead The brand built on its success as a legacy wholesale business over the decades, but when Sack joined the team, she wanted to explore its potential in the direct-to-consumer (DTC) space. As it turns out, there was a lot: In just a few years, Sack grew DTC revenue from $60,000 to more than $500,000. Streets Ahead is projected to hit $3.2 million to $3.5 million in total revenue in 2025, with $2.7 million to $3 million from wholesale and $500,000 to $600,000 from DTC. Related: 'Absolute Freedom': Siblings Behind a Self-Funded 8-Figure Brand Reveal 3 Secrets Aspiring Entrepreneurs Should Know About Growth and Success "I came in and changed the platform to Shopify, kind of just revamped the whole thing." Streets Ahead's foray into DTC sales started with a website refresh. "We always had a website, but [no one ran it]," Sack says. "It didn't really make any money. It was never up to date. So I came in and changed the platform to Shopify, kind of just revamped the whole thing, and started adding products and keeping it up to date. And immediately we saw a difference." Once her parents saw the results, they were even more willing to invest in the brand's DTC strategy. Streets Ahead leaned into professional content creation and advertising and continued to see its DTC sales grow. Related: 6 Questions You Need to Ask Yourself Before Launching a Direct to Consumer Brand Part of the brand's digital transformation also included a logo overhaul, Sack says. The company featured the new design across its social media platforms and started to generate interest from major influencers like Rocky Barnes, who boasts more than three million followers on Instagram and 200,000 followers on TikTok. " She found us through an ad that we were running, and she wanted the exact belts from the ad," Sack recalls. "So we started doing some gifting, and we could see that it worked. As we built our social presence, especially Instagram and ads, we got so many DMs, and now they keep coming." Image Credit: Courtesy of Streets Ahead "99% of the time we're making it from scratch." Sack would love to sell more on TikTok, but the platform's quick-ship requirements prove challenging for the made-to-order brand, as "everything is essentially custom" and takes time to manufacture. Whereas other companies might have thousands of units sitting in a warehouse ready to ship, every time Streets Ahead receives an order, that request is sent down to the factory, which starts the production process. "We don't have anything made here unless there was a return and we have [that returned product]," Sack says. "99% of the time we're making it from scratch." Related: I Revamped a Men's Product for Women. The Bootstrapped Business Was a Hit — and Pledged $20 Million to Support Women Entrepreneurs. Because of Streets Ahead's branding and social media presence, it can get "a little bit lost" on people that each item really is custom-made for them, Sack notes. The company follows up on particularly large orders to confirm them before moving forward with fulfillment. What's more, despite the business's made-to-order model, Streets Ahead does accept returns. " I buy things that I want to try and might return — we all do it," Sack says. "If we want to have this type of direct-to-consumer [platform], there has to be some kind of return. People need to try things on. They don't know their size. So we do allow returns, [but] we've now started to put a little tag on [products] that says, If this tag is removed, we can't accept the return, to prevent people from wearing it and then sending it back." "You have to be okay doing the grunt work." As Sack considers Street Ahead's future and her own role within it, she's excited to expand the brand's offerings beyond belts. The brand dropped its first handbag collection last month, and Sack says she'd love to branch into shoes, particularly leather boots and sandals with hardware, down the line. Image Credit: Courtesy of Streets Ahead Related: 'Rules Are Suggestions': This Fashion Founder Is Using AI to Eliminate the Industry's Massive Sizing and Waste Problems For young professionals or aspiring entrepreneurs who hope to make their mark on the fashion industry, Sack says it's important to "learn a little bit of everything" — and be prepared to do your part. "You have to be okay doing the grunt work," Sack says. "There are some days I'm down shipping, some days I'm cleaning buckles, things that someone as a designer or creative director doesn't necessarily want to do. But you need to be a team player and be willing to know every single role."
Graziadaily
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Graziadaily
Celebrities Are Using This One Accessory To Make Their Outfits Better Right Now
What do Elsa Hosk, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Dua Lipa have in common? Aside from their super successful careers, of course, they also have the same taste in accessories. Recently, they have all been spotted wearing Déhanche - a brand fashion editors were quietly hoping to keep under wraps for just a little while longer. An alternative to some of the more obvious designer belt styles on the market (like the super-popular logo belts from Gucci and Hermès), Déhanche's success marks a departure from this with a more refined and, well, 2025 take. ©Instagram/@iamjessicafay Hollyhock Embellished Leather Belt Déhanche's best-selling belt, the Hollyhock, is made from smooth leather and has a buckle fastening that is more elevated than your average belt with a row of rings. Available in multiple different colours, as well as metals, the belt is perfect for adding to wide-leg trousers and jeans. I also own the Hollyhock style, and can attest to its excellence - it feels so weighty and is obviously very well-crafted. The only thing I would advise is to size up or use the online size guide - I found the belt comes up a little smaller than usual. Founded in 2022, Déhanche ('hanches' is the French word for hips) has crept into the highest echelon of celebrity wardrobes with the mission to turn belts (an accessory that was once just purely functional) into something far more interesting. Traditionally, belts have always been steeped in drama - whether you think of a grommeted style from the '70s and '80s, or Carrie Bradshaw's studded Streets Ahead belt in Sex And The City . Déhanche taps into the spirit of both, building its brand around conscious consumerism - proving that you don't need to put your entire wardrobe on Vinted when the trends or seasons change - instead, all you need is one well-designed belt. Two of the most popular Déhanche styles are the Hollyhock and the Revenge belt (they also form part of the permanent collection - otherwise the brand only releases four limited-edition drops a year) - the latter of which was seen on Dua Lipa. Meanwhile, the Hollyhock, Déhanche's debut style, is among one of the most popular, not only on the brand's website, but also my Instagram feed too - it popped up so many times that it quickly became not a case of if I'd get the belt, but when . Revenge Embellished Leather Belt Dua Lipa's go-to belt is the Revenge style, which is finished with eyelets that are threaded with rings. The brand says the belt exudes a kind of 'rebellious punk spirit' because of its slightly more avant garde design. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, a long-time lover of refined, tonal dressing, has become especially loyal to Déhanche's Valadon belt - a thin, but contoured leather belt that speaks to her less-is-more philosophy. Valadon Leather Belt One of Déhanche's more subtle styles, the Valadon Leather Belt features a chic sliding buckle and a slim profile that means it can be either worn with trousers or in the middle of a maxi dress. Plus, it's on sale too. We're in the middle of a transition when it comes to the way we dress. Quiet luxury has started to waver, making way for a return to playfulness in the form of gingham, polka dots and plenty of boho ruffles – just three trends that have dominated the beginning of this year. Déhanche's success, however, shows that there's still an appetite for chic well-made pieces that will stand the test of time. Constance Leather Belt If you're on the hunt for a Déhanche belt that's smaller and more subtle, the Constance style is a good option. Ideal for cinching the waist of blazers or making a slip dress look less oversized and more fitted. Orbite Leather Waist Belt The Orbite belt is named after its circular statement-making gold buckle that won't overpower an outfit, but will add to it. Best styled around a neutral blazer or satin midi dress, simply add a pair of kitten heels and gold earrings and you're good to go. Meri Leather Waist Belt For a slightly cooler Déhanche belt, look to the Meri Belt, which has gold hammered hardware detailing in the place of a classic buckle. If you prefer your accessories in a lighter colour for summer, the same style is also available in an ivory shade. Jolinard Leather Belt The Jolinard style is another one that's on sale, currently with 40% off. If you like the chunkiness of the Revenge belt but want a belt that's slightly more pared-back, the Jolinard is somewhere in the middle - with thick gold hardware and '80s and '90s influences. Main image credit: Instagram/@ @rosiehw, @iamjessicafay Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look. When not writing, shopping or at Reformer Pilates (a cliché but she's hooked), Gemma will likely be planning her next holiday (and what she's going to wear). For a glimpse into said travels, outfit inspo and life as a journalist, follow her on Instagram or TikTok.
South Wales Guardian
14-05-2025
- Health
- South Wales Guardian
UK high streets falling ‘short of mark' promoting health and well-being
Some 87% of people surveyed for the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) say their high street does not have enough of at least one of the essential amenities needed for healthy living, including green space to rest or exercise, socialising spaces such as cafes or pubs, infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, good transport links or even safe and clean areas. The charity's Streets Ahead report found that 53% of the public, equivalent to 36 million people, say their local high street does not have enough shops selling healthy food. The RSPH is calling for changes to the tax system to make online retailers increase their contributions, with the money raised being used to improve the high street. It also wants the Government to require businesses and landlords to work with local authorities to help create 'healthy high street' plans in order to get approval for private developments on or around high streets. The report suggests that high streets could 'hold the key' to promoting healthier behaviour among the general population, which could reverse rising rates of ill health. As it stands, the report claims the UK's high streets fall 'well short of the mark' on promoting health and well-being in the population. RSPH chief executive William Roberts said: 'High streets are an essential part of our society. For hundreds of years, they have been a cornerstone and they shape our experiences and our lives. 'For far too long we have allowed the gradual decline of our high streets to continue. 'Instead of the bustling hubs of community they once were, we have become far too used to seeing boarded up shops and our high streets lined with businesses that perpetuate ill health. 'We can do better. We want everyone in this country to feel that their local high street is good for their health and to be proud of their local areas. People want to be healthy and the places they spend time in need to support them to make healthier choices. 'For us, healthy places includes healthy high streets. We need to be ambitious for our high streets and that ambition to be backed up by action. This landmark new report sets out a road map for change at a national and local level.' Deltapoll surveyed 1,988 UK adults online March 3-11.
North Wales Chronicle
14-05-2025
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
UK high streets falling ‘short of mark' promoting health and well-being
Some 87% of people surveyed for the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) say their high street does not have enough of at least one of the essential amenities needed for healthy living, including green space to rest or exercise, socialising spaces such as cafes or pubs, infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, good transport links or even safe and clean areas. The charity's Streets Ahead report found that 53% of the public, equivalent to 36 million people, say their local high street does not have enough shops selling healthy food. The RSPH is calling for changes to the tax system to make online retailers increase their contributions, with the money raised being used to improve the high street. It also wants the Government to require businesses and landlords to work with local authorities to help create 'healthy high street' plans in order to get approval for private developments on or around high streets. The report suggests that high streets could 'hold the key' to promoting healthier behaviour among the general population, which could reverse rising rates of ill health. As it stands, the report claims the UK's high streets fall 'well short of the mark' on promoting health and well-being in the population. RSPH chief executive William Roberts said: 'High streets are an essential part of our society. For hundreds of years, they have been a cornerstone and they shape our experiences and our lives. 'For far too long we have allowed the gradual decline of our high streets to continue. 'Instead of the bustling hubs of community they once were, we have become far too used to seeing boarded up shops and our high streets lined with businesses that perpetuate ill health. 'We can do better. We want everyone in this country to feel that their local high street is good for their health and to be proud of their local areas. People want to be healthy and the places they spend time in need to support them to make healthier choices. 'For us, healthy places includes healthy high streets. We need to be ambitious for our high streets and that ambition to be backed up by action. This landmark new report sets out a road map for change at a national and local level.' Deltapoll surveyed 1,988 UK adults online March 3-11.
Rhyl Journal
14-05-2025
- Health
- Rhyl Journal
UK high streets falling ‘short of mark' promoting health and well-being
Some 87% of people surveyed for the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) say their high street does not have enough of at least one of the essential amenities needed for healthy living, including green space to rest or exercise, socialising spaces such as cafes or pubs, infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, good transport links or even safe and clean areas. The charity's Streets Ahead report found that 53% of the public, equivalent to 36 million people, say their local high street does not have enough shops selling healthy food. The RSPH is calling for changes to the tax system to make online retailers increase their contributions, with the money raised being used to improve the high street. It also wants the Government to require businesses and landlords to work with local authorities to help create 'healthy high street' plans in order to get approval for private developments on or around high streets. The report suggests that high streets could 'hold the key' to promoting healthier behaviour among the general population, which could reverse rising rates of ill health. As it stands, the report claims the UK's high streets fall 'well short of the mark' on promoting health and well-being in the population. RSPH chief executive William Roberts said: 'High streets are an essential part of our society. For hundreds of years, they have been a cornerstone and they shape our experiences and our lives. 'For far too long we have allowed the gradual decline of our high streets to continue. 'Instead of the bustling hubs of community they once were, we have become far too used to seeing boarded up shops and our high streets lined with businesses that perpetuate ill health. 'We can do better. We want everyone in this country to feel that their local high street is good for their health and to be proud of their local areas. People want to be healthy and the places they spend time in need to support them to make healthier choices. 'For us, healthy places includes healthy high streets. We need to be ambitious for our high streets and that ambition to be backed up by action. This landmark new report sets out a road map for change at a national and local level.' Deltapoll surveyed 1,988 UK adults online March 3-11.
