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

Keyon, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Our mission is to spread love and kindness to our fellow neighbors. To empower, inspire and motivate others to make a difference in their communities by giving back to the less fortunate.

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 was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA from very humble beginnings. I remember my mother struggling to raise my siblings and I almost consistently, day in and day out. There were plenty of nights where I had no idea where my next meal was coming from. I unfortunately loss my mother to cancer in 1989. I then relocated and moved with my grandmother who passed away just 6 months after my mother. The losses were devastating as an 11 year old kid. I never knew my father and was raised by my Aunt. Things took a turn for the better for my siblings and I, finally.

Fast forward to 2010, I suffered another crushing blow as I lost my Aunt to lung cancer. It took a long time for me to even get back to being myself afterwards as I struggled at home as well as at work. With family support, I was able to march on.

In 2013 I created my first design, Dream Dreams. It was catchy and good for all ages. Shortly after, I created M.A.D.E. which is an acronym for Making A Difference Everyday. I finally found how I can honor my mother and Aunt. It was just 4 letters with the meaning below it but it spread like wild fire. I mean I was a one man operation and could not keep up with the demand. I shut down operations in 2015 until I came up with a solution and help that could keep up with the demand.

I relaunched MADE in 2019 with assistance as well as a business line and website. The website is designed specifically to honor my loved ones. The teal color represents cervical cancer while the white represents lung cancer.

MADE has allowed me to give back to my communities with helping those in need. My history and childhood allows me to see each person’s individual struggles without any preconceived notions.

My aunt explained to me as a teen and young adult to always give because YOU want to. So regardless if people think the guy on the side of the road is a drug addict, I’d still give him something because even a drug addict has to eat. We never know what day things can change for them. I’d like to be apart of that change.

What most people don’t know about MADE is that each purchase helps the community. Our products include t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, socks, tote bags, hats etc. Part of the proceeds of each purchase helps fund our community events.

Since the relaunch, we have fed over 100 homeless, created lunch boxes for elementary school kids, had a tech giveaway for middle school kids where we provided monitors, mice and keyboards. We also gave funds to YES (Youth Emergency Services). We provided toothpaste, toothbrushes, wash clothes, towels and clothing to a men’s shelter as well as the partnering women’s shelter.

I want our customers and followers to know that they are purchasing our products with a purpose. Their hard earned money is well spent and put back into our communities via MADE. I want people in tough situations to know that there are people out there who care. We’re listening and hope with the continued support we can continue to pay it forward.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to learn to not judge others at first glance. We are all imperfect people with our own vices. There were times where I would judge panhandlers and assume they’d use drugs or alcohol until I actually was able to converse with a gentleman one afternoon. He explained that he was injured at work and was released. He never fully recovered and lost everything. Just trying to climb out of a huge hole, he needed some assistance with just making to the next day.

As a kid I was always reminded to share. Whether siblings or strangers, I continue to share with my fellow neighbors, brothers and sisters. One hand washes the other. If I can help 1 of 10, I’m satisfied. We hope that the one can progress and continue to help others along the way.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Growing your business is constant and never ending. For a new business you must budget and account for marketing and promotion. Even after, I have to continue to find innovative ways to keep the audience engaged and interested.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.officially-made.com
• Instagram: _officially.made_
• Facebook: @madeofficially