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Being “woke” is a concept embraced by young people these days. It makes them feel involved and responsible.

For these four wide-eyed entrepreneurs, it also means a bold taste in streetwear.

Melvin Dave Jordan, Ernest Macasil, Juan Lorenzo Rivera and Kurt Tecson are the founders of Movemen+ (read as movement), a Manila-based streetwear line.

“I love how streetwear represents hip-hop culture, and it’s inspiring how it has become a voice for different people,” says Jordan.

Starting a clothing brand has always been Jordan’s dream. His first attempt at putting up a clothing business was in junior high, but he ceased operations owing to conflict in his priorities.

“I really strived to get into a big university,” he adds. “Luckily, I was accepted at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), where I found like-minded people who share the same passion.”

Jordan and his partners met in senior high at UST. Their talks about dreams turned into a promising business venture: their major releases sold out in 30 minutes.

No ordinary streetwear
Movemen+ isn’t your ordinary streetwear. First, it’s run by incoming college freshmen. Second, its logo tees and hoodies highlight youth empowerment.

The plus (+) sign of the brand symbolizes how a positive attitude can make a difference in achieving one’s dreams, and how movements can bring progress in a society.

The 2017 UST Central Student Council Elections was among the driving forces of their creative entrepreneurship, after they witnessed Thomasians’ efforts to spark change through their votes.

Black Lives Matter and Pride movements count as inspirations, too.

On May 28, 2017, the guys officially launched their brand.

The journey isn’t easy for the young entrepreneurs as they juggle school work with their business commitments.

But that only challenges them to do better. “Since we are heavily outnumbered by the amount of workload, it gave us reason to polish our craft to keep our business going,” says Tecson.

Rivera adds that working with friends is the best part of the venture. It’s an opportunity for them to learn and have awesome—and profitable—experiences together.

Their advice to other young entrepreneurs?

“Start while you’re young. Establish yourselves first. Your age will not define your capabilities. Whenever you feel you’re dreaming too high and that makes you feel different, embrace that uniqueness.”

Visit facebook.com/MovementWorldwide; follow @MovementMNL on Twitter and @movement_MNL on Instagram. Call 09491218384.