Founder@ Interview
Interview with Kevin Patrick
“Just go for it. Don’t overthink and learn as you do. There are millions of reasons why not to do something but you need to focus on your Why to ensure you overcome those thoughts and barriers for success. Mine was to find a sustainable and creative way of providing meals for those who might not eat otherwise. During my downs I always remind myself why i do what I do and if I didn’t create As-tu Mangé I might have donated a few meals here and there but because I executed we’ve fed over 4000.” – Kevin Patrick
Today we feature Kevin Patrick, the founder at As-tu Mangé. We hear their story in their own words, their successes, their challenges and their insights.
Let’s start by getting to know you. Can you please tell us a little bit about you and what you do?
I’m 28 and work full-time in sales management for a leading cultural intelligence tech company. In my previous life, I was involved in the textiles business.
One was a uniform company providing custom clothing to schools, companies, and hotels across the UK. My other involvement was in a sportswear brand that I co-founded. As-tu Mangé is my passion project that allows my creative juices to flow that not only looks good but is the vehicle to do good, too.
A great introduction and start to this interview. Can you please tell us, how did you start, from what age, and what made you decide to change direction and start?
Back in 2018 I read an article about a gentleman in India who gave up his job to look after the homeless in his local town after seeing a homeless man eat excretion from the road.
The extreme poverty was a wake up call and considering he worked in a 5* hotel as a catering manager, where a lot of food was wasted, he decided to take matters into his own hands.
This inspired me to start (Feed Apparel back then) and that’s what I love about As-tu Mangé.
Yes, on the the outside it’s a luxury and ethical fashion that feeds people in need for every item sold but beneath it is a true example of the ripple effect which is super exciting as I’d like to think the brand is and will inspire others to do great things and make the World and better place for all.
Thank you for that insight. So can you tell us…What does your business do and where is your company based?
We’re UK-based, Surrey to be more precise and we feed people in need for every item of clothing sold. Our luxury and ethical line is available from our website (www.astumange.com).
Customers must not only choose their size and colour when purchasing but they must choose who they want to feed (current list of 7 countries).
Customers can also choose their preferred choice of print and embroidery of the logo on the garments to make it a personalised experience. We’re also a sustainable committed company meaning a lot of our range is made from sustainable fabrics such as organic and recycled.
We also have very simple packaging and don’t bother with plastic packaging every item in an order. People have called us a company that’s good for the planet and its people.
What’s the story behind your success? What led to your aha moment? how did you get to where you are now?
I’ve got a great team! My business partner Sam heads up our marketing effort and Ben is our Creative Director.
We all met at the University of Surrey and were brought together to make a positive impact on the World. I was keen to use my experience and contacts to build a sustainable business that was a vehicle to do good and give our customers the chance to actively make a difference.
Thank you for sharing that. What’s been your life’s biggest lesson so far?
It’s OK to not know everything and do everything. At the start I did everything from the website, social media, postage and packing etc etc. Now our small team has experts for the areas I don’t do as well and as a result we’re looking bigger and better everyday!
It’s OK to fail as it means you’ve tried something and hopefully learned from it.
If you were to go back in time, what piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
Get help and ask experts to support on the journey
We’re nearly halfway through our interview so it’s a great time to ask how does your business run. What three tools make your business run better?
Our website is built on Shopify (we were originally with WordPress but once Sam came on board he recommended we moved to Shopify – great move!).
You can find us on Instagram (@as.tu.mange) and soon on TikTok too! It’s our main marketing channel
Canva is fantastic for marketing collateral, visuals, product ideas etc. A must need!
What do you know now that you wished you had known before?
It’s OK to fail as it means you’ve tried something and hopefully learned from it.
What has been your greatest or proudest achievement or moment?
Surpassing 4000 meals across 6 countries. Something that started as an idea and concept that would hopefully feed 1 person is now slowly becoming more and more recognised and hopefully 1 day will become a lifestyle (#Feedwithfashion).
What future life goals do you want to achieve and why?
For As-tu Mangé I would love to run our own soup kitchens around the World so that every meal donated from a sale can be linked back to a customer.
To finish our inspire questions…”We believe that sharing inspiring words can inspire others.” If there was one positive thing you would say to someone to inspire and empower them what would it be and why?
Just go for it. Don’t overthink and learn as you do. There are millions of reasons why not to do something but you need to focus on your Why to ensure you overcome those thoughts and barriers for success.
Mine was to find a sustainable and creative way of providing meals for those who might not eat otherwise. During my downs I always remind myself why i do what I do and if I didn’t create As-tu Mangé I might have donated a few meals here and there but because I executed we’ve fed over 4000
“Thank you it has been great learning more about your founder story and As-tu Mangé”
To learn more about As-tu Mangé Visit www.astumange.com
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