We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Anthony Richardson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Anthony below.

Anthony, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me…” is one of the biggest lies ever told to me because there have been words said about me and spoken towards me that have been absolutely debilitating. And I know people saw me smiling and thought that everything was okay, but deep down I was reeling from the blows and deeply inflicted wounds incurred by these super hurtful words. And these words were not only spoken about me or said towards me by my school peers, and so-called friends, and co-workers…these same damaging and debilitating words were said about me by my close family members. People I was supposed to be able trust who loved me regardless of any perceived flaws they thought I had. The weight of their words began to crush my spirit. I went on smiling on the outside, but inside, I was deeply wounded by the negativity that surrounded me. It felt like the world had already decided my worth, and I was left questioning my own value.

I was told things like I was so ugly because I was so black…People would joke and tease me by saying things like I was so black that I probably bled chocolate milk. I was called the “grape ape” because of my dark complexion. Moreover, I was told I was dumb and stupid. I was told I was an idiot. People told me explicitly that they purposely did not include me in things for various reasons. I was covertly relegated over to being just a person who existed and that I would be included or respected only if others wanted to so kindly oblige.

What’s so bad about this is that those hurtful and wounding words and actions towards me early on in life were continually reinforced in me when I interacted in jobs. People ignored me. They didn’t take note of any ideas or thoughts I brought to the table. There were passive aggressive things used like subtleties about my dark complexion that was laced in question like, “Where are you from?” Which those conversation would often times lead to (after I told them I was born in Las Vegas) someone saying “Oh…I thought you were from Africa.” I would be told by females (that I may have liked) things like you’re too black or your lips are too big. I was teased by kids that said if you turn out the lights I would disappear. It was EXTREMELY hurtful. I remember a time in my life where I was buying skin lightening products to try to make myself brighter. It was so hurtful to be called stupid. And dumb. And an idiot not only by outside people, but by internal, close family members.

These words that were never supposed to hurt me (so I was told) so deeply wounded and cut me that it has taken me literally decades just to really get to a point to talk mainstream about the level of hurt those words have caused. And the reason I want to talk about it now (and the reason behind the brand’s mission) is because I wholeheartedly know that there are so many people that we see on a daily basis and interact with both inside of our families and outside of our homes that are smiling and laughing around us but (in the secret chambers of their own hearts) are deeply hurt, and severely scarred and wounded by the negative, demeaning and degrading words that others have said about them and/or the categories the world tries to put them in. And one of the driving elements behind me creating this brand is I know that there are millions of people right now who can relate to my story and know what I’m saying and have been fighting and fighting to overcome the same junk for years and years themselves.

And as I continued on in life, I began to realize that sometimes people don’t say these hurtful things directly to you, rather the culture tells you these hurtful things covertly when lighter skin is projected as preferred versus darker skin. When darker skin is projected as being violent or thugs. When skinny people are projected as being more preferred over others who don’t fit the skinny profile. When ivy school education is preferred above others. When longer, straighter hair is preferred over shorter curlier hair. When you are denied opportunities when you know you are well qualified. When you are ignored in meetings or in your family. When people tell you it’s just not your time. When people tell you to come back later. Try another time. This is the world saying to you that it rejects you…it doesn’t want you…you don’t have what it takes…you are not ready.

And all those negative words and experiences and interactions turned into negative feelings that we felt silently about ourselves. We’d think and say things to ourself like I’m not worth it. Why me? I don’t have enough. I don’t have what it takes. I’m too ugly. Or too black. Or too fat. Or too thin. Or too short. Or too tall. My head is too big. My ears are too small. My feet are too big. I don’t look like him. I don’t dress like her. I’m just too poor. My mom left me. My dad doesn’t love me. And on and on. And I am here, we are here, and as a result this brand is here, to tell you that you have what it takes. Those negative debilitating words, my friends, are complete and utterly ridiculous lies.

When people see The Greater Good Apparel Company Logo, it says that whatever room you walk into…whatever place you go…no matter who you interact with…no matter where they’re from or what school they went to or what race they are or what position they hold, or what high level of status they’ve obtained, or the car they drive or the amount of money in their bank account, that you are at the very minimum equal to them.

You have what it takes. You’re not too fat…you’re not too skinny…you’re not too tall…you’re not too short…you are not dumb…you are not stupid…you are not an idiot…You are smart. You are an intellectual. You are intelligent and wise. You’re a catalyst. You’re approved. You are super intelligent. You are prepared for this moment and you can do it no matter what past circumstances you have endured or the past hurtful words that anybody has ever said about you…

The sticks and stones that broke your bones (those lies and hurtful words that others said about you or towards you) are reversed by our logo and the healing power of these words and expressions in the other designs in this brand. You can disregard what they said or did, because when you see our logo, you know and it reminds you that you are at the very minimum equal to them. No matter your background. No matter your socioeconomic status. No matter your past failures or the neighborhood you grew up in, you are at the very minimum equal.

But what makes one greater (not better, because greatness is a measure of volume and impact) is tapping into our internal inspirations and breathing those inspirations back out into the world. What’s also important to know is that you are SO loved that sacrifices have been made to overtly tell you that you are enough and you have what it takes. You came into this world with the right equipment. The correct skin color. The correct hair and size and height and intellectual capacities and intelligence. You have the right skills and natural proclivities. You have everything you need to make a positive, indelible impression on this world and this world is better because you and me are here. Our logo and and the designs in this brand is to you and me a visual reminder and a bold expression of all of this, and that’s why this brand exists. So Breathe.™

**Our Mission:**
At The Greater Good Apparel Company, our mission is to empower individuals from within to positively change the world. We believe that true transformation starts with embracing one’s own power, passions, and inspirations. Through our unique designs, sustainable practices, and commitment to social responsibility, we aim to create a community of like-minded individuals who breathe in positivity, embrace their authenticity, and exhale limitless potential. Together, we strive to make a meaningful impact, ignite change, and foster a world where empowerment and compassion thrive.

**Our Vision:**
Our vision is to be a global leader in empowering individuals to create positive change. We envision a world where every person is inspired to pursue their passions, embrace their uniqueness, and contribute to the greater good. Through our apparel and community, we seek to ignite a movement of self-discovery, unity, and collective action. By fostering a culture of empowerment, sustainability, and inclusivity, we aim to create a ripple effect of positive transformation that resonates throughout society. We aspire to be a catalyst for meaningful change, inspiring individuals to believe in their own potential and join us in shaping a better world for generations to come.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

About Us Welcome to The Greater Good Apparel Company, where fashion meets purpose. Our mission is simple: to empower individuals from within to positively change the world. Derived from the profound significance of inspiration, our brand celebrates the transformative power that lies within each of us. We believe in the power of breathing life into our passions and exhaling positivity into the world around us. Through our unique designs, sustainable practices, and commitment to social responsibility, we strive to create a community of like-minded individuals who are driven by a shared vision of making a difference. Join us on this journey of self-discovery and collective change, and together, let’s breathe inspiration and create a better world.

Who we are (The Greater Good Apparel Company)
We are a mission-driven, luxury apparel brand sent to inspire positive change in the world. Through our thoughtfully designed fashion and sustainably made apparel, we strive to empower individuals to express themselves authentically while looking good and making a meaningful impact in and on the world around them. We are committed to social responsibility, inclusivity, and quality craftsmanship, creating a more conscious and stylish future. We are a luxury brand where fashion meets purpose, and together, we can make a difference for the greater good.

About the Founder
As the founder of The Greater Good Apparel Company, I am driven by a deep passion for words and their transformative power. I believe that words are one of the most potent institutions we possess on this Earth. It was my personal journey that sparked the creation of this brand. Words spoken about me once served as impediments, sowing seeds of doubt, lack of confidence, and disbelief. However, when I embraced the truth of my own equality and tapped into the inherent power within, everything changed. I discovered that the words we choose to believe and speak have the ability to shape our lives. The Greater Good Apparel Company is a testament to the belief that empowerment begins within. Our mission is to to empower individuals from within to positively change the world. Together, we can create a world where words empower, uplift, and bring about positive change.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

My wife Monica and I, as founders of The Greater Good Apparel Company, consider ourselves a dynamic duo bound not only by love but also by a shared vision to empower individuals from within and create a positive impact on the world around us. We began the journey by following our inspirations and a commitment to turn our dream into a reality. However, like many aspiring entrepreneurs, we faced the challenge of finding the necessary capital to launch our venture. Undeterred, we decided to invest our own hard-earned money into the business.

Both Monica and I are still working full-time jobs, and it’s from these earnings that we found the initial capital for our venture. We used that capital to charter our business, build our initial website, conduct our initial photo shoot, and create and manufacture our our initial inventory. We knew that building a brand centered around inspiration and empowerment required a strong foundation commensurate with sweat equity, and we were determined to get this vision off the ground by funding it from our own pockets.

Our story is a testament to the power of perseverance. It demonstrates that turning a dream into reality requires sacrifice, but the rewards are immeasurable. Our journey may not have reached critical mass just yet, but our business is slowly growing steadily, thanks to the reinvestment of our hard-earned profits.

Our passion for making a difference and our belief in the transformative power of inspiration have guided us every step of the way. We believe we exemplify the true spirit of entrepreneurship – driven not only by financial gain but also by a genuine desire to create a positive impact on the lives of others. We believe our journey serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere, reminding us all that with determination, dedication, and a belief in our dreams, anything is possible. We hope that our journey and this brand inspires us all to pursue our dreams and make a difference in the world. Together, we can create a brighter, more empowered future for the greater good of everyone.

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

When we started The Greater Good Apparel Company, we were passionate about creating products that not only inspire but also make a positive impact on individuals’ lives. Manufacturing our products played a crucial role in bringing our vision to life, and our journey has been filled with valuable lessons and exciting milestones.

At the inception of our brand, we didn’t have prior experience in manufacturing. However, armed with determination and a clear vision, we embarked on a quest to find the right manufacturing solution. We knew that partnering with a reliable vendor was essential to maintain the quality and integrity of our products.

The process of finding the perfect manufacturing partner wasn’t without its challenges. We searched tirelessly, exploring various options and vetting potential vendors to ensure they aligned with our brand’s values and commitment to sustainability. It was crucial for us to work with a partner who shared our passion for ethical practices and quality craftsmanship.

Through networking, industry events, and extensive research, we finally found the right manufacturing partner. We were thrilled to collaborate with a vendor that not only understood our vision but also shared our dedication to empowering individuals through our products.

As we navigated the manufacturing process, we learned valuable lessons that have shaped the growth of our business. Communication emerged as the key to success in this realm. Open and transparent dialogue with our manufacturing partner allowed us to align our objectives and make sure our products met the high standards we envisioned.

Additionally, we quickly understood the significance of fostering a strong and trusting relationship with our manufacturing team. By maintaining clear channels of communication, we were able to adapt to any challenges that arose, ensuring that our products consistently reflected the heart and soul of our brand.

Moreover, we grasped the importance of sustainability throughout the manufacturing process. Striving to minimize our ecological footprint, we sought eco-friendly materials and production practices that aligned with our brand’s mission of positive change for the greater good.

As we look back on our journey, we’re grateful for the opportunities that manufacturing has provided us. It has been a transformative experience that has allowed us to bring our designs to life and make a tangible difference in the lives of our customers.

We have found that manufacturing is not just about producing goods; it’s a collaborative and creative endeavor that binds us with our partners and amplifies our shared purpose. Our journey continues, filled with continuous learning and growth, as we remain committed to empowering individuals through our products and contributing to a more inspired and positive world.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thegreatergoodapparel.com
• Instagram: @gr8rgoodapparel
• Facebook: @gr8rgoodapparel
• Twitter: @gr8rgoodapparel
• Youtube: @gr8rgoodapparel