How is the new year treating you? How are you treating yourself? Have you noticed there’s a rise in uplifting brands in Detroit & beyond? Some have a personal story involved and others were inspired by the Detroit community’s collective voice. These brands and the brilliant minds behind them are unifying people through clothes, personal interactions, community involvement, and spreading positivity!
Detroitsitisit rounded up a list of wholesome and uplifting brands in and around Detroit.
RAINBOW CHOOSE KINDNESS T-SHIRT, PHOTO INKCOURAGE / FACEBOOK
INKCOURAGE
First up on this lift of uplifting brands in Detroit is native to Royal Oak. However, the name of this “Certified Women Owned Small Business” may sound familiar to Detroiters who saw the Inkcourage founder, Andrea Zelenak’s pop-up shop at the Downtown Detroit Markets this past holiday season or at least, got to witness the joyful reel highlight on Detroitisit’s Instagram. This bright idea began 6 years when the founder’s friend was going through a rough time. Shop HERE for their apparel and other unique products like temporary tattoos, which can be seen as a reminder to not lose courage. They also have buttons, hats, gifts, and more.
THE SMILE BRAND
NEW DETROIT GOOD GUYS CREWNECK, PHOTO THE SMILE BRAND / FACEBOOK
Fine Artist/Muralist, Phillip “Phil” Simpson has more evidence that change can happen through small actions and trust in the vision. Rocket Companies purchased the advertising space on Broderick Tower and commissioned Simpson to design an image of smiles that would temporarily cover Robert Wyland’s “Whaling Wall” mural. See how The Smile Brand is pushing the boundaries of streetwear while spreading joy. Shop their art and products HERE! Phil’s brand features apparel and accessories that are designed and manufactured locally. Find Phil directly on IG: @artbyphillipsimpson and @thesmilebrand.
NEW PEARL, GOLD, ONYX NECKLACES PHOTO @DETROIT_SMILE / INSTAGRAM
DETROIT SMILE
Uplifting brands in Detroit know how contagious smiling can be. Not to be confused with the previous brand by a Detroit artist, this authentic, home-grown brand is run by a long-haired dude with a simple idea that has gone a long way. Tune into the reels on the IG page: @detroit_smile. The impromptu interview-style approach to audience engagement shows off the local love in a fresh way. The bio says, “What makes you smile?” and that’s exactly what the “vibe creator” behind this offbeat brand has set out to ask every corner of the city. Stay updated on their website HERE. It’s mainly a social platform but there is an online shop. The site currently offers a small selection of hand-crafted, funky chain necklaces and hats.
DOS JEFES GARMENTS
Are you following @dos_jefes on Instagram yet? 19.7k are! Dos Jefes Garments is a clothing brand, A.K.A an “Earth-friendly art project” that aims to create new garments from old textiles. All garments are dyed, cut, and sewn in-house since 2020. If you get anything out of this Detroit brand, it’s that they have a myriad of patchwork, vintage prints, patterns, and more. Not to mention, they’ve currently recycled over one 1 ton of clothing! Stay updated on their website HERE for new releases and HERE for more of their fun and wacky clothing curations.
ROSEMARINE TEXTILES
ROSEMARINE TEXTILES FOUNJDER, MEGHAN NAVOY AT NEW HAMTRAMCK STUDIO, PHOTO
A list of uplifting brands in Detroit wouldn’t be complete without the emphasis on sustainability. Meghan Navoy is the mastermind behind Rosemarine Textiles. Meghan has a passionate background in exploring sustainable production and botanical color. RT has women in mind with their colorful silk scrunchies, socks, bandanas, and even silk velvet pillows. What’s more touching than a handmade gift with the intention of showing Earth respect? Shop HERE for everything that was plant-dyed and sustainably made inRosemarine’s Southwest Detroit studio and will soon be made in a fully-funded Hamtramck studio! Stay tuned for more personable community shopping.
DETROIT NOT SORRY CROPPED HOODIE, PHOTO NOT SORRY GOODS / FACEBOOK
NOT SORRY GOODS
Co-founders Dy-Min Johnson and Jess Minnick created Not Sorry Goods from humble beginnings. Simply put, this brand is a reminder to be yourself! Not only is the apparel sustainable and affordable, but the designs also focus on themes that intersect identity, culture, and current events. Their Everyday Activist Collection has printed on their beanies, crewnecks, and joggers. Click HERE to find other unapologetically cool pieces of clothing and accessories that are sparking a conversation.
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