Cynthia Kim always knew she wanted to start her own business, yet when the opportunity presented itself in her then-home of Los Angeles, the Parsons School of Design graduate had a strong desire to return to her roots in Northern Virginia.
“There was a small window where I could take the chance to start a company and I wanted people to get behind it,” says Kim, a Fairfax Station native. “But I knew moving out to Northern Virginia and starting local where my family is, and they all have their own businesses too, would be key from a business standpoint.”
That was two years ago, when Kim founded retail company Love Classic, choosing to sell socks of all kinds, both high and low, imagining potential clients would find each pair to be an ideal gift for friends, family and loved ones alike. And, while creating her brand, Kim set a goal to partner with a local organization in an effort to benefit the community of Arlington, where she now resides, ultimately choosing Doorways For Women & Families—a nonprofit shelter assisting women in escaping homelessness, domestic violence and sexual assault—as the designated group.
“I wanted to start local, I wanted to give back here and I wanted to focus on women,” explains Kim, who donates a pair of socks to the shelter with every purchase from her online store. “I think it was the mission statement [of Doorways] that really stuck with me, and that’s when I reached out to set this up.”
In addition to benefiting Doorways, Kim has set up a 10% donation box on her website, which curates funds for those affected by COVID-19. Currently, Kim is working on a possible expansion to apparel; however due to the effects of the global pandemic, it is expected that new items will be launched by the end of 2020. Plus, be on the lookout for fall-themed socks making their way to the site in a few months.
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