calmHEART
Interview by Rebecca Del Castillo
With so many clothing lines out on the market today, it takes a lot to stand out and Southern California based apparel company, calmHEART, does just that with a specific message and unique perspective. More than just a new clothing brand, this company is a new movement, out to make a difference. An idea that started less than months ago, calmHEART attempts to unite those who are currently going, or have gone, through depression and anxiety. The movement is driven by the idea of calm and focuses on helping people find it, and happiness, within their hearts. We talked with calmHEART creator, Shawn Nichols, about the drive behind his new apparel venture and how starting this company has been both success and struggle.
1. How did calmHEART get started and what moved you to launch it?
calmHEART started at a concert. Well, the drive to make it did at least. Nathan Mead of I, Of Helix reached out to his fans hearts and said a song was for their anxieties. It spoke to me. I knew people had gone through my stuff. I know people will go through it long after I’m gone. I just felt…. Connected. Like somehow I was finally at a place to be helped or help others.
2. What is the calmHEART message and how did it come about?
calmHEART has one and only one message; Be Calm. Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Bipolar disorder and day to day stress can crumble even the strongest parents, children, elders, and infants. calmHEART does not pretend to know the answers, we simply want to help you find them.
3. I know you donate 10% of sales to the ADAA. Why did you decide on that procedure?
Because reality still exists. Some people will put on calmHEART shirts and feel 10 feet tall and bullet proof; others will put on calmHEART shirts and feel just as miserable and self-loathing as they did when not in the shirt. The ADAA is our way of reaching out to a bigger, broader, more established audience.
4. Has starting this company brought any surprises, such as successes or struggles, which you weren’t expecting?
As far as succession goes, calmHEART is establishing itself and I am happy with its growth in the first month. A milestone for me was when we received an email from someone who WANTED TO HELP. They didn’t want anything in return, just to be part of the movement. As for struggles, money. It always will be. Growth depends on money. I work two jobs; I don’t need calmHEART’s money. calmHEART needs it.
5. How do you come up with the designs? What is your favorite design so far?
The first designs were just off the top of my head of calm things and things that I find to help. But I have started reaching out to calmHEART’s fan base and I now receive feedback on shirts for the future. Not unlike marketing.
6. What goals and aspirations do you have for calmHEART?
A few major goals are:
calmHEART Store
Warped Tour
Endorsing a band
7. What would you say has been the most difficult part of your career for you all personally and collectively?
Trying to build a company without asking people for help financially, probably.
8. How did you, or do you continue to, overcome these struggles?
One day/step at a time.
9. What is the ‘highlight’ of your career so far?
The outreach from people on social networks.
10. What is the one dream the moment at which point either personally or collectively you would be able to say yes I’ve achieved this, I’m living my dreams?
The day/second we open our first store.
