Wilfred L. Lee Jr

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Wilfred L. Lee Jr. I am the founder of The Winners Circle. The Winners Circle is a pioneering fashion startup dedicated to empowering designers by offering a unique, zero-waste, made-to-order manufacturing model. We help emerging fashion designers launch their own brands with custom sizing and no minimum order quantity (MOQ) requirements.

Using CLO 3D technology, designers can create digital apparel that we tailor to their customers' exact size after purchase. Our vertical manufacturing infrastructure ensures that only one item is produced at a time, reducing waste and keeping costs low. We’re passionate about providing sustainable solutions for the fashion industry, allowing designers to thrive without the challenges of overproduction.

What did it take/how did you get started?

The Winners Circle was founded to address two major problems in the fashion industry: wasteful overproduction and the barriers that emerging designers face when trying to launch their own brands. Fast fashion has led to massive environmental waste, with unsold clothing piling up in landfills, while independent designers struggle with high minimum order quantities (MOQs) and limited access to manufacturing infrastructure.

Our "made-to-order" model ensures that only what is sold gets produced, eliminating waste and empowering designers to create custom-sized garments without the financial risks of overproduction. We’re solving both sustainability and accessibility issues, giving designers the freedom to innovate without compromising their values.

What does the future look like for you and your business?

The future of The Winners Circle is focused on revolutionizing the fashion industry by expanding our made-to-order, zero-waste model to a global scale. We envision a world where independent designers from all corners of the globe can create and sell their designs without the constraints of traditional manufacturing. By continuing to integrate advanced technologies like CLO 3D and expanding our vertical manufacturing infrastructure, we aim to set a new standard for sustainability in fashion.

Our long-term goal is to make custom sizing the industry norm and help designers build profitable, eco-conscious brands that appeal to the growing demand for personalized, sustainable fashion. We see a future where fashion is not only innovative but also responsible, inclusive, and accessible to everyone.

What drives / motivates you on a daily basis?

At The Winners Circle, we are driven by the desire to transform the fashion industry into a more sustainable, accessible, and inclusive space. We’re motivated by the potential to eliminate waste through our made-to-order model, ensuring that every garment is crafted with purpose and precision. The opportunity to empower emerging designers, giving them the tools and infrastructure to bring their visions to life without the financial burdens of high minimum order quantities, keeps us energized.

Ultimately, our passion lies in reshaping the future of fashion—creating a system where innovation, sustainability, and individuality coexist. Seeing designers succeed, consumers enjoy custom-made clothing, and the industry reduce its environmental footprint inspires us every day.

What advice would you give someone interested in doing what you do?

For anyone interested in doing what we do at The Winners Circle, my biggest advice is to embrace innovation while staying committed to your core values. The fashion industry is evolving rapidly, so leveraging cutting-edge technology like CLO 3D and embracing sustainability is key. Focus on solving real problems—whether it's reducing waste, empowering independent designers, or offering custom solutions for consumers.

Don’t be afraid to disrupt traditional systems, but always remember that success takes time, patience, and a strong belief in your mission. Build partnerships, listen to your customers, and stay adaptable in your approach. Most importantly, stay true to your vision, even when the road gets tough. The impact you can make on the industry and the world is worth the effort.

What has been the hardest part of your business journey?

The hardest part of starting The Winners Circle has been navigating the complexities of building a sustainable fashion model while challenging traditional industry norms. Convincing designers and manufacturers to adopt a made-to-order approach, especially in a fast fashion-dominated world, has been a significant hurdle. Overcoming resistance to change from both the industry and consumers, who are used to instant gratification and mass-produced clothing, requires continuous education and strong advocacy for sustainability.

Additionally, building the infrastructure for custom sizing and no MOQ manufacturing, while ensuring quality and scalability, presented logistical and operational challenges. Securing the right partnerships, implementing advanced technology like CLO 3D, and managing production to align with our vision of zero waste have required perseverance and creativity. Despite these challenges, our commitment to transforming fashion keeps us moving forward.

How have you managed burnout thus far?

Managing burnout has been a challenge, but I’ve learned to prioritize balance and self-care while building The Winners Circle. One key strategy has been surrounding myself with a supportive, passionate team that shares the vision. Delegating responsibilities and trusting my team has allowed me to focus on the bigger picture without getting overwhelmed by day-to-day tasks.

I also set aside time for breaks, whether that’s stepping away from work to recharge, staying connected to my personal interests, or traveling. Having a clear purpose and being deeply connected to the “why” behind the business helps me stay motivated, even during stressful times. Lastly, celebrating small wins and recognizing the progress we’ve made keeps the momentum going and reminds me that the journey is as important as the destination.

What are a few resources that you'd recommend?

The Business of Fashion Podcast – This podcast gives insights into the fashion industry, trends, and sustainability. How I Built This by NPR – Listening to other founders’ stories is a great way to learn from their challenges and successes.

The STATS

List the founders‍

Wilfred L. Lee Jr. James C.B Gray‍

How many hours a week do you work on this hustle?‍

105‍

# of Employees?
0‍

When did you start?

January 2 2024‍

How much did it cost to launch?‍

$10,000‍

What were your funding methods and ballpark amount raised?‍

My tax refund and Mom and Dad‍

Annual revenue?‍

0-30,000‍

Projected revenue?‍

$82.5M‍

What's the #1 thing you need right now?‍

Raising money