Necessity is the Mother of Invention: Universal Standard and Warby Parker Stories

Written by Yoo-Won Olivia Min & B. Ellie Jin

Often, the seeds of entrepreneurship are not sown from grand ideas but rather from simple, daily life problems. Entrepreneurial journeys frequently begin with an individual’s personal challenges. Absence of products or services that help solve their challenges and their subsequent desire to solve them serve as strong motivation to embark on a brand. Below are two good brands that started with a person’s unmet needs.  

Universal Standard: Rewriting the Norms of Fashion

Consider Universal Standard, touted as the most inclusive fashion brand today. Offering sizes ranging from 00 to 40 (4XS to 4XL), the brand places inclusivity at its core. This endeavor arose not just from a revolutionary business strategy, but also from addressing a real-life problem. How many times have we admired a piece of clothing only to be disheartened by its fit? For Polina Veskler and Alex Waldman, the co-founders of Universal Standard, this common disappointment laid the groundwork for change. The fashion industry had long ignored size inclusivity, often under the guise of high production costs (Clementina, 2022). Yet with approximately 70% of American women wearing size 14 or larger—a range considered plus-sized—the demand was clear. By catering to this underserved segment, Universal Standard not only expanded size inclusivity but also amplified the voices of countless women, ensuring they feel seen and valued (Waldman, 2022). Furthermore, by employing high-quality fabrics, the brand ensures durability and sustainability, cornerstones of modern fashion. 

Warby Parker: A Vision for Affordable Eyewear

Similarly, Warby Parker emerged from a simple predicament: the exorbitant cost of eyewear. One of the founders, during his student days, faced an entire semester without glasses after misplacing them on a trip—simply because replacements were too pricey. Recognizing that the eyewear industry was monopolized by a few major players keeping prices high, the founders of Warby Parker set out on a mission to disrupt the status quo. By sidestepping traditional distribution channels, designing in-house, and connecting with customers directly, they revolutionized the way glasses were sold (Jin & Shin, 2020). However, their mission wasn’t just about affordability; it was also about accessibility. Recognizing that nearly a billion people globally lack access to essential eyewear, Warby Parker’s “Buy a Pair, Give a Pair” initiative ensures that for every purchase, a pair of glasses is donated to someone in need (Alonge, 2018).

Are You the Next Entrepreneur?

Each entrepreneur’s journey begins with a story, a problem that resonates deeply with entrepreneurs. This personal story can be effectively utilized in building trust among consumers (Kim, 2021). As the above Universal Standard and Warby Parker stories show, entrepreneurs’ enthusiasm to solve their personal challenges pave the path to significant success. Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. So, what will your story be?

References

Alonge, T. (2018, October 29). Warby Parker’s Buy a Pair, Give a Pair Model. SEI at Northeastern. https://www.northeastern.edu/sei/2018/10/warby-parkers-buy-a-pair-give-a-pair-model/

Clemnetina, J. (2022, August 04). Cut To Size: Meet The Founders Of Universal Standard, The World’s Most Size-Inclusive Brand. Elle. https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/a40782180/universal-standard-size-inclusivity/

Jin, B. E., & Shin, D. C. (2020). Changing the game to compete: Innovations in the fashion retail industry from the disruptive business model. Business Horizons, 63(3), 301-311.

Kim, G. (2021).  Brand storytelling for small fashion businesses: What to tell to build brand identity. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, North Carolina State University.

Waldman, A. (2022, February 02). Universal Standard Is the Most Size-Inclusive Brand in Fashion—Now They Want the Rest of the Industry to Follow Suit. Vogue. https://www.vogue.com/article/universal-standard-alexandra-waldman-size-inclusivity-in-2022