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Joan Maloney and her daughter Hollis are the founders of +E (positive energy), LLC. Joan, an award-winning graphic designer from San Diego, California has had her own design business, Studio 318, since 1997. Hollis, a high school senior, is a self-taught graphic and clothes designer.
Communicating messages that are relevant and that resonate.
Joan and Hollis felt that they had been blessed with the gift of being able to communicate. So why not communicate messages that help all of us through this life? Together they brainstormed ways to get messages regarding social and environmental causes that they were passionate about, into the mainstream consciousness.
Originally, they wanted to design and distribute newsletters or “did you know” cards to coffee houses and concert venues, etc., with information regarding the dangers of vinyl, the plight of much of the world’s population regarding the lack of safe drinking water, dangerous food additives that are approved by the FDA that are in common foods and beverages that are actually carcinogens, etc. Then Hollis suggested that instead of putting the messages on paper, which usually just ends up in the trash, why not put them on shirts?
100% Organic Cotton
Hollis had been a fan of American Apparel’s line of sweatshop free clothing since she first discovered them. When they introduced their 100% Organic Cotton line for adults and babies, she suggested to her mom that these would be the perfect “blanks” for their awareness messages. She came up with the name, “Awareness Apparel”, for the shirts. Joan thought of +E (for positive energy) as the overall name for the business and a company was born.
Giving Back
Because Joan has another business, +E serves as a place for her passions, not her primary paycheck. Not only is it a vehicle to help others but it’s also a way to “give back.” Hollis and Joan both feel that life is an opportunity to give our best everyday and to help each other every way we can, whether it’s with a kind word, a compliment, a helping hand or a monetary donation. There are so many people and places in need, they are trying to help, one step at a time, by donating 10% of their profits to three different charities with the hope that they can give more to more charities as they grow.
The Future
Joan and Hollis have also designed a line of recycled greeting cards and can create custom, eco-friendly invitations and announcements for events both large and small. They are also starting a line of children’s books on issues such as recycling, how our positive actions and kindness towards others has a ripple effect, and books on gardening and healthy cooking for children. Other apparel items are in the works as well and will be on their website soon. |
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