How Karma Turns into a Graphic Tee and Back Again
Have you noticed the spiritual shift that’s been happening over the past few years? Scroll through social media and you can’t miss a post about meditation, mindfulness or mala beads. Angela Fach and Heidi Davis noticed this as well. Both women created clothing brands based in positivity and good vibes for not only personal reasons, but also to address this shift in the people and communities around them.
Fach, who created Universal Architect in late 2014, says “I believe there is a shift in our consciousness, and people are seeking truth and authenticity and letting go of antiquated ideas.” Davis, who began Soul Food Mafia last year, thinks that “we’re realizing that there’s something bigger than ourselves. The [evolution] of social media is social awareness.”
Universal Architect and Soul Food Mafia are mostly based online. The two companies sell their items through their websites and use social media for marketing and to connect with their customers. However, both sell their merchandise at boutiques and host or attend pop-up events to get their brands in front of the public.
By creating positive brands with charitable aspects, Fach and Davis don’t break the internet. They leverage it to do some good.
Universal Architect
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Due to a challenge that affected her financially and psychologically in 2011, Angela Fach began to understand that she is responsible for everything she attracts into her life. Learning this, she wanted to empower others “to reach deep inside, discover inner strength [and] answers within.” She combined this newfound mission with her love for fashion and design to launch Universal Architect in 2014.
“Universal Architect is a movement, which encourages us to be the architects of our lives. I work from a place of inspired actions, and the energy I put into all of my creations comes from my heart.” — Angela Fach, Architect of the Vision, at Universal Architect
Universal Architect features clothing for men, women and kids. Shirts and tanks are emblazoned with quotes such as “Follow your heart, not the crowd,” “Free Spirit” and “Everyone smiles in the same language.” Based in Cleveland, Ohio, the brand doesn’t have a storefront. However, Fach plans “to create something unique and meaningful in the near future.”
For now, you can find their merchandise at boutiques and studios throughout the United States and the UK. Universal Architect has also created pop-up shops such as exclusive shopping events, yoga workshops and outdoor festivals. Fach says the “pop-up shops have been a great way to get out in the ‘commUNITY’ and connect with people on a deeper level.”
If you’re looking to find the next Universal Architect pop-up, keep your eyes on their social media. They also do marketing through word-of-mouth and events and by cross-networking with similar companies.
Photos courtesy of Angela Fach Photography.
Soul Food Mafia
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In April 2015, Heidi Davis went to a meditation circle. During the experience, she said “spirit guides showed me the way. When I was done I knew what I had to do.” Four months later, she launched Soul Food Mafia. Davis believes that “what we put into the universe comes back to us.” So she turned that philosophy into “The Good Karma Business Model.”
Soul Food Mafia supports eight philanthropic partners. (Eight is the universal number of karma.) The charities include Animal Rescue Aid, Rich Center for Autism and Operation Backpack. Davis says that giving back is why Soul Food Mafia was created; it’s in the DNA of the brand.
“It’s not just about making badass t-shirts, it’s about creating a movement.” — Heidi Davis, Founder & Creative Force, at Soul Food Mafia
Soul Food Mafia is based in Youngstown, Ohio and has a satellite office in West Hollywood, Calif. Owning a storefront is in the company’s five-year plan. However, they have partnered with six yoga studios and boutiques in northeast Ohio to stock their merchandise.
On the brand’s website, you will find necklaces, baseball tees, graphic tees and vintage-style hoodies. They have items for men, women, kids and babies that say “Soul Pretty,” “Peaceful Warrior” and “Spiritual Badass,” and may feature Gandhi or “The Funky Buddha.”
Davis explains that they’ve done fashion shows, business events and fundraisers. If the pop-up event is part of the yoga community, supports a charity, and/or involves cocktails, “We’re there!” By hosting a variety of pop-ups, Soul Food Mafia is able to increase brand exposure. “We love introducing our brand and our good-karma business model to anyone willing to listen.”
Soul Food Mafia mostly focuses on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to market their products and where to find them at events. Davis believes “social media is the new face of advertising.” They’re working on expanding their presence to Snapchat, Periscope and YouTube.
Universal Architect and Soul Food Mafia found ways to promote positivity, good vibes and giving back. Whether it’s through their websites, social media or pop-up shops, both brands are building a community of like-minded customers who are ready to change the world. We want to hear how your business is encouraging positive change in your community. Share with us in the comments!
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