CX Apparel

Abstract work Text by ZOË WONG-VANHAREN Art by EDWARD ZHANG with concrete goals CX APPAREL’S PROCEEDS GO TOWARDS CHARITY A BLACK BOX LOGO is printed on a crisp white T-shirt with bold Chinese characters that write out “抽象” (chōu xiàng) — the Mandarin word for abstract. This is a shirt — and a concept — that went from a simple lunchtime idea to a physical product in under two weeks.

The brand idea surfaced on the day schools in Santa Clara County were announced to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That day at lunch, juniors Edward Zhang and Joyce Lin decided that, in response to the current state of affairs, they wanted to give back to their community.

Zhang, participates in Youth Community Service-Interact, was drawn to the idea of combining his artistic talent with community service. Inspired by Lin’s trendy style, he suggested that they create a clothing label.

“I’ve always wanted to somehow sign T-shirts, be able to sell them – and take that money and donate to charity,” Zhang said.

CX Apparel has pledged their profits to the Ecumenical Hunger Program in East Palo Alto, which was running low on funds and in danger of closing. EHP is a nonprofit food bank, providing meals to families in need.

“Especially in a time like the coronavirus, where a lot of families are either out of jobs or parents are working and they can’t access grocery stores, we think that supporting a charity that addresses this issue is really important to us,” Lin said.

Although they have just begun, all three teens say that they have learned quite a bit from their endeavor. Lin, who is in charge of finances, realized that keeping track of business transactions was not as easy as she expected.

“I actually asked my mom to help me download a free trial of QuickBooks, which is an accounting software, and it was a really good learning experience to learn how to use accounting software that is used in a lot of professional businesses,” Lin said.

Huang noted that the biggest surprise for him came from trying to advertise the product.

“I feel like what I’ve learned is that it really helps to have connections,” Huang said. “For “ Especially in a time like the coronavirus ... we think that supporting a charity that addresses this issue is really important to us.” — JOYCE LIN, junior promoting our Instagram, having people put it [the clothes] on their story — you’d think that like people wouldn’t click on it, but ... it actually really does bring a lot of people to our page.”

Even after the crisis of the pandemic subsides, the three intend to continue the business.

“I think we’re still going to continue donating because I feel like each dollar still has such an impact in that community,” Zhang said.

Although Lin, Zhang and Huang have not been able to meet in person, they have found it relatively easy to run the business remotely. The rising seniors are optimistic that even after graduating from high school, the business can continue.

On April 18, CX Apparel donated $100 to the Ecumenical Hunger Program, making their first contribution to the community. Their most recent galaxy-themed merchandise collection was released the next day, on April 19. As more orders for the galaxy apparel come in, they hope to continue their donations to organizations in need, and intend to support the East Palo Alto Kids Foundation in addition to the Ecumenical Hunger Program.

“I feel like you can never give too much back, you know?” Zhang said. v