We had the good fortune of connecting with Lex Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Lex, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Before starting Compassion The Brand, I founded a community organization named “CLEgivesback”, an acronym which stands for Compassion, Leadership, and Empathy. I founded it in Cleveland, Ohio. My first “give back” was donating socks to the Men’s shelter here in the city I was born in because socks are the most needed donations but least donated throughout the USA. Other than hosting drives, I through events and collaborated with other business owners. I found out shortly that If I wanted to continue giving back how I wanted to then that meant I needed monetary donations. I started my clothing legacy in a way to spread positive clothing at a reasonable price and donated a portion of the proceeds to CLEgivesback to continue the mission -which was to give back and through more community events.
What should our readers know about your business?
My business is who I am and I speak through my art. I started Compassion The Brand for the simple fact of wanting to earn money to give back to the community. I didn’t want people just donating to CLEgivesback without gaining anything but a “thank you so much for supporting me”. Since then I lost myself as for the reason why I started my clothing brand in the first place. Moving forward I want to focus back on giving back and being there for the ones who matter. It wasn’t easy getting to where I’m at but why would I want something that was just handed to me? Hard work equals positive outcomes!
The one thing I’m most proud about this year is being apart of NYFW, I participated in my first ever fashion show in New York City for New York Fashion Week! I met so many amazing people, came across opportunities and had a chopped cheese for the first time ever too.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If we’re talking sports, of course we have to go see the Cavs play at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse (THE Q) then hit up a nice lounge area Downtown Cleveland for some nice music and get some food/drinks. If we’re talking going out then heading to The Flats or somewhere on West 6th in Cleveland is where you’ll like to go. Good eats though? Black Box Fix, Sora and Bourbon Street Barrel to name a few.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost I want to thank God because without Him i’m nothing, but with Him i’m everything. I also have to give thanks to my parents for always supporting my dreams and giving me the pushes I need to succeed in life in general. Last but for sure not least, growing up I had two mentors who names are Ms. Kris and Ms. Penny and they always supported my business ideas by giving me advice, giving me networking opportunities, donating, and so much more. So shout out to them!! #GEMNME
Website: https://compassionthebrand.myshopify.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compassionthebrand/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shopCompassion
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/compassionthebrand/