Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jc Swoopes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
JC , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Crazy stuff happening is almost as certain as death and taxes – it’s technically “unexpected” but something unexpected happening is to be expected and so can you share a crazy story with our readers
One of the craziest and most impactful experiences I’ve had with Free Spirit Apparel (FSA) was co-hosting a back-to-school event with a few friends and supporters. We aimed to provide backpacks, school supplies, food, games, and prizes for kids from under-resourced communities. I’ll be honest – I didn’t have much financially at the time. I barely had two nickels to rub together, but I had passion and belief that we could make this dream a reality with a little faith and purpose.
This event wasn’t just about giving away supplies; it was about showing these kids that they’re seen, that they’re supported, and that their dreams are possible. By co-hosting and making FSA part of this effort, we were saying, “You can become anything you want to be,” regardless of your circumstances. We didn’t just want to hand out supplies – we wanted to give hope, encouragement, and a vision for what they could achieve.
In the days leading up to the event, we realized a lot of the kids wouldn’t be able to make it to the event venue. So, instead of letting that deter us, we rented a truck, loaded it up, and drove through lower-income neighborhoods to bring the supplies directly to them. I’ll never forget the look of relief and gratitude on the parents’ faces or the smiles on the kids’ faces. Seeing how much this meant to them made every obstacle worth it. This was a powerful reminder of what FSA stands for: making a real, tangible impact on people’s lives.
Reflecting on this experience, I see it as one of the wildest, most meaningful moments of my journey as an entrepreneur. I wasn’t in the financial position I would have wanted to be in, but everything somehow fell into place. I truly believe God showed up in that moment, helping me and my team make an impact far beyond our resources. It’s experiences like these that fuel my passion to keep building and expanding Free Spirit Apparel. This brand’s story is just beginning, and we’re working hard to create a brighter future for homeless youth and underserved communities nationwide.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m JC Swoopes, the founder of Free Spirit Apparel (FSA), and my journey into entrepreneurship began back in the sixth grade. Growing up in Decatur, Alabama, in a poverty-stricken community with few resources or opportunities, I learned early on that if I wanted a different life, I’d have to create it. Even as a kid, I felt driven by big dreams and a vision of a better future. But it often felt like no one else saw what I did or believed in the possibilities I imagined.
At first, I thought football would be my way out. I had interest from SEC and D2 schools, and I truly believed God had blessed me with a gift that would change my life. But right before graduating high school, I received life-altering news. I was diagnosed with a heart condition, and my heart’s functionality was down to only 56-57%. Doctors told me that my life would be short & that I might not be able to live a normal life. In that moment, I felt like everything I’d worked for was taken from me. I was devastated, confused, and struggling to understand why this was happening.
Still, I trusted that God had a purpose in all of it, so I pushed forward. I decided to go to college despite my family’s concerns, with little money, no clear plan, and only my faith to guide me. It was in 2015, while I was in college, that I started finding joy again in creativity. I began by tie-dyeing socks for fun, and that small act of expression sparked something bigger. I soon received a vision from God to create Free Spirit Apparel—a brand that would bring together high-quality streetwear with a mission to help others in need.
But the early days were incredibly tough. I was juggling two jobs, walking to work and school most days, just to scrape by and make rent. I tried everything I could think of—building apps, selling CBD products, flipping cars, working as a banker, leasing apartments—anything to make a way. And although none of those paths stuck, one constant remained: people always noticed how I carried myself and my style. Looking back, I can see God’s hand in shaping me for something greater.
In 2021, I started a trucking company, and for the first time, I experienced real business success. I had access to over $500K in funding, and revenue was flowing in. But after a few costly mistakes, the company started to unravel, and by early 2023, it had failed. Everything I’d built over the years was suddenly gone, and I found myself sinking into depression, losing the passion that had driven me for so long. I stopped doing the things that used to define me—like working out and dreaming big and slipped into a dark mental space.
Then, three months ago, in the middle of my darkest time, God showed me a new vision for Free Spirit Apparel. This time, the calling felt more powerful and more clear than ever, reigniting a fire in me. Now, I’m all-in on rebranding FSA, committed to making it the best luxury streetwear brand it can be. Our new vision includes high-quality hoodies, T-shirts, jeans, athleisure, accessories, and more, with the goal of standing alongside major fashion houses. But most importantly, we’re here to make an impact.
FSA is set apart by our purpose-driven mission. Through our “One Purchased = One Donated” model, we’re not just selling clothing; we’re giving back. Every purchase helps us donate essential items like socks, underwear, and seasonal clothing to homeless shelters and youth organizations, supporting people in vulnerable situations. Ultimately, I envision FSA growing to help homeless youth directly, creating safe spaces and opportunities for them to thrive, so they too can see there’s hope and a future for their lives.
I’m proud to say that FSA isn’t just about style—it’s about bringing hope and possibility to those who need it most. I want people to know that our brand is dedicated to quality, creativity, and a purpose rooted in faith. This is only the beginning, and I’m grateful for every supporter who joins us in this mission.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
When it comes to funding Free Spirit Apparel, my approach has always been self-funded. From the start, I relied on my own resources, working multiple jobs to earn the money I needed to fuel the brand. Every paycheck, every side hustle—it all went straight back into the business. But as you can imagine, this approach comes with challenges. Without outside funding, growth has been limited, and scalability has been hard to achieve. Every new phase of FSA has meant long hours, sacrifices, and stretching every dollar to its limit.
The reality hit even harder after the challenges with my trucking company. That experience taught me valuable lessons about finances and resilience, but it also left me in a position where I needed to rebuild my credit before I could seek out significant investments. So, I’m taking the time now to carefully reestablish my financial foundation and build a strong business model that’s scalable and justifiable on paper. My goal is to be fully prepared to present to potential investors who are focused on numbers and clear ROI.
Throughout this journey, I’ve met people who are interested in supporting brands like FSA but only if there’s a solid business case to back it up. I get that; they need to know their investment will pay off. That’s why I’m committed to taking the time needed to create a model that shows our potential for impact, scalability, and financial success. Once that’s in place, I believe we’ll be ready to bring in investors who understand our mission and see the growth opportunity FSA represents.
For now, I’m focused on refining the brand, developing quality products, and proving our potential. It’s been a journey of persistence and patience, but I believe it’s setting us up for the right partnerships and investments that can take FSA to the next level.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
The best source of new clients for me has always been Instagram, along with building genuine connections in person. On Instagram, I’m able to share Free Spirit Apparel’s story, connect with people who resonate with our mission, and showcase our products in a way that feels authentic. Especially through Instagram Reels, I can document my journey, sharing the highs, lows, and behind-the-scenes moments that bring people into the story of FSA. I post these updates on my personal page, @fsa.jc, to give followers a closer look at what’s happening in real time.
In-person connections have been just as impactful. Meeting people face-to-face creates a level of trust and authenticity that’s hard to replicate online, and I’ve found that sharing my vision directly often turns conversations into loyal customers or online supporters.
Right now, my focus is on expanding this reach while staying true to what works. I want to maintain authenticity as we grow, so I’m working on creating more engaging content that lets people see the real story behind the brand. This combination of social media presence and personal connections has laid a strong foundation, and I’m excited to see where it takes us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.freespirit.store
- Instagram: freespirit_apparel
- Facebook: freespiritapparel
- Other: personal Instagram. @fsa.jc
