It never ceases to amaze me how inspirational and driven my dearest friends are. Heatherjean is one such person. I’ve mentioned Heatherjean and her socially-focused, entrepreneurial mission – Proxy Apparel – before in a previous post.

It has been humbling to witness her navigate such a life (and world) changing journey, continually standing by her convictions, only to find herself at such a critical and defining juncture. Read more and join Heatherjean’s journey (@proxybird):

Dearest Friends and Family,

Today is a historical day in the life of Proxy Apparel. As you have all provided me with immense personal support in my efforts to translate Proxy from a dream to an investor ready, scalable business, I write to inform you that Proxy is ready for its debut. I wouldn’t be here without you.

After two years of diligent research and data collection, field visits to cooperatives and completed design and product development, I have created a bootstrapped go-to-market plan that includes the 2010 launch of Proxy’s Spring and Fall signature collection. The signature collection Hummingbirds, designed specifically for Gen Y/X women, features fashion-forward blouses, dresses and accessories produced by women-owned cooperatives in the Americas. As you know I have invested the time necessary to develop strong partnerships with Proxy’s production partners as well as put in place a talented team of individuals to bring this plan to successful fruition. Proxy’s development is the accomplishment of many incredible people.

I am currently seeking to secure $30,000 in start-up capital to bring Proxy to market. These funds will be directly invested into the design and development of Proxy’s ecommerce website; the production, launch and promotion of Proxy’s signature collection; and the development of resale relationships with other fair trade/eco brands. The Simmons School of Management will continue to incubate Proxy by offering free office space, and the Proxy team will continue to build the business full-time without salary. Based on our conservative sales projections from the signature collection, Proxy will be a positive cash generator by the end of 2010 and my intention is to reinvest all of the profits into the future growth of the business.

I pursuing a grassroots approach to raise these funds, in the form of low-interest loans to be repaid by the end of 2012 at an 8% accrued rate of interest. Proxy is accepting initial investments as low as $200.

Please take a moment to look over Proxy’s attached solicitation letter and pass it along to potentially interested parties. I deeply appreciate your continued support of the Proxy mission to empower and employ women around the world.

With Gratitude,
Heatherjean