Anthony Boyd has been building toward this moment for a long time. Now it’s time for him to hit the gas pedal.
Boyd’s Buffalo fashion house, Anaghe Atelier, makes custom sweat suits, shoes and sneakers. In recent years, he has found a ready market in a new generation of online consumers who want a specific look.
“We found that Gen Zs and millennials want luxury sportswear that matches what they’re wearing right now,” Boyd said. “They want clothing that actually matches their sneakers.”
That work has kept him busy at the sewing machine. His participation in the Launch NY Founders Go Big program will allow him to focus on building a scalable business.
Anaghe Atelier recently received the first investment made through Founders Go Big, which seeks to support high-growth potential businesses from underserved communities. Among other programs, Founders Go Big’s customer discovery workshops offer hands-on work and peer-to-peer interactions. The Founders Go Big program is funded in part by a $300,000 grant by JPMorgan Chase announced in February 2020.
Launch NY’s $25,000 investment will support Anaghe Atelier as it seeks a showroom and production space in Western New York and adds employees to speed up production and accept new orders faster. Through tech-enabled customer discovery and e-commerce, Boyd says he expects to employ up to 100 workers within five years.
“I feel like I’m just getting the opportunity to show the world what I’m capable of doing,” he said. “I’m getting the opportunity to spread my wings.”
Boyd has been working with attorney Deb O’Shea through Launch NY’s Entrepreneur-In-Residence program. He credited that mentorship in clarifying his business goals and preparing Anaghe Atelier for a seed investment. His company also offers CAD/CAM design services and sample-making for the sewn-product industry. He plans going to pursue contracts with the military and to expand into bags and other types of clothing. The goal is to seek additional investment as the business hits milestones along the way.
Launch NY leaders hope Anaghe Atelier is a beacon for other talented designers from the East Side who are looking to grow their businesses.
“Through innovative collaborations, unique designs and intricate workmanship, Anaghe Atelier is proving that businesses don’t need a NYC address to disrupt the fashion industry,” said Marnie LaVigne, Launch NY president and CEO.
