We were lucky to catch up with Saundrea Sampson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Saundrea, appreciate you joining us today. What can you share with us about the story behind how you found your key vendors?

I was very fortunate to find Turn90. It is a non-profit print company that provides therapy and job placement for men formerly incarcerated. I was immediately sold and knew this group would be my primary t-shirt printing company. My favorite part about working with Turn90, is each man who prints the t-shirt signs his name on the tag. That is such a great takeaway piece and reminder of the difference that is being made by supporting a great cause like Turn90.

If you are in needed of a purpose driven print job, tell them Embodied Apparel sent you! :)

Saundrea, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am the CEO and Founder of Embodied Apparel. Embodied Apparel launched May 1, 2021.

I maneuvered into this line of business because I knew I wanted to create an intentional entity that was purposeful and impactful. Grassroots organizations often lack funding to make the necessary changes in the world. Embodied Apparel’s goal is a stand in the gap and help support civicly engaged organizations through donations.

I am most proud of the impact the brand has been able to make in the first two years and so excited to see how it will continue to evolve. It has been a beautiful journey and I truly enjoy seeing others feel inspired by the mission of Embodied Apparel.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to *quickly* learn to ask for help. Reaching out for help for a pop-up, to run an idea by a loved one, and deciding to hire interns were a few hard pills to swallow.

I’ve learned that asking for help certainly does make you weak. I’m glad that I have a great support team who I can lean on when I’m in need.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe the brand’s mission truly spoke for itself. “To be embodied is to be expressive through civic engagement; truly live out the responsibilities of activism; socially, emotionally and financially; to encourage self-love and Black joy.”

Once someone reads the “brand’s vision” on the shirt, they usually are able to completely resonate. It’s always beautiful seeing a new customer connect to the message. I hope and pray this connection continues to blossom.

Contact Info:

• Website: embodiedapparel.com
• Instagram: @embodiedapparel
• Facebook: @shopembodiedapparel
• Linkedin: Saundrea Sampson

Image Credits
-RomeoMadeIt, Eric Jordan II, and Sean Vito