Case1

Initially, Janmates was a traditional e-commerce bookstore preparing to significantly expand its product catalog. 

To support their growth, we initiated a rebranding to redefine the positioning, create a compelling new identity, and lay the foundation for a vibrant community.

Challenge

Janmates struggled with minimal customer engagement, unclear brand positioning, and fragmented communication lacking any distinctive voice or theme. Without a clear differentiation, the brand had limited room to effectively expand its product offerings or build meaningful customer loyalty.

Our objective was strategic: introduce a memorable new brand name, craft a dynamic visual identity, and establish creative communication themes, all supported by a robust branding platform designed to engage communities and sustain long-term growth.

Insight 1

Books aren’t passive, they’re catalysts for deeper thinking and bold questioning. We realized that in an increasingly shallow world, our audience seeks literature that challenges their perspectives, ignites intellectual courage, and pushes beyond surface-level engagement.

insight 2

Our research also revealed a unique community that deeply values both physical discipline and cultural depth. Recognizing this compelling intersection of intellect and grit inspired us to position Janmates as a place where knowledge meets strength, fueling empowered lifestyles.

Insight 3

Customers want to stand out, but not merely for superficial appearances — they crave recognition for their intellect, resilience, and authenticity. Understanding this desire allowed us to cultivate a brand that champions personal depth, bold self-expression, and genuine character.

Strategy

Our strategy is based on a provocative fusion of culture and strength, expressed through the bold rebranding concept: Cultural + Brutal. We repositioned Janmates as more than a bookstore: it became a platform and a movement, empowering people to embrace intellectual depth and unapologetic authenticity.

Built for Badasses isn’t just a slogan — it’s a mindset. It speaks to those who push boundaries, challenge conventions, and embrace both intellect and strength with fearless authenticity.

We undertook a comprehensive rebranding process for toot, transforming every aspect—from clearly redefining the brand’s core mission and ambitious vision to reshaping its positioning around authentic and accessible style.

With a fresh, conversational tone and vibrant visual identity, toot evolved into a relatable brand speaking directly to younger, fashion-conscious audiences.

  • Naming

    The client became Janmates to reflect their bold, unapologetic spirit. The name combines two powerful elements: jan — representing soul & identity, and mates — symbolizing a community of bold thinkers, relentless doers, and unapologetic badasses. Together, Janmates embodies a mindset of strength, depth, and resilience.

  • We introduced the theme Intellectual Badass as brand’s heartbeat, highlighting the strength of character required to pursue knowledge boldly and unapologetically. Our core notion, Built for Badasses, shaped the creative direction of all our communications and product selection, emphasizing confidence, resilience, and relentless self-improvement.

  • Janmates was strategically positioned as Central Asia’s unique e-commerce platform merging intellectual depth, cultural richness, and physical strength. We expanded beyond traditional retail by offering not just books and lifestyle products but also curated content, thought-provoking events, cultural rave gatherings, creating a thriving community dedicated to intellectual growth and fearless self-expression.

  • We crafted a bold visual identity rooted in Cultural Brutalism—combining stark, impactful aesthetics with sophisticated cultural references. The aggressive typography & provocative imagery reflect both strength and depth. Simultaneously, we adopted a sharp, unapologetic communication style.

  • Our rebranding emphasized content as a cornerstone, delivering insightful, provocative resources that resonate deeply with intellectual badasses. By hosting diverse events from author talks and intense workshops to artistic exhibitions and energetic rave parties, we strengthened the Janmates community, turning passive customers into engaged participants and brand ambassadors, united by shared passions and intellectual curiosity.

Impact & Response

The rebranding of Janmates created a strategic foundation for growth, providing clear logic for expanding the product catalog with merchandise, curated content, and cultural events. This solid platform also enabled more impactful marketing campaigns and meaningful brand collaborations.

  • Sales increased by 35%, reflecting stronger customer engagement and interest.

  • The brand’s bold new identity and Built for Badasses theme resonated deeply with the target audience, driving positive feedback and stronger community ties.

  • Janmates’ distinctive style and cultural positioning attracted new collaboration opportunities, reinforcing its role as a hub for bold thinkers and doers.