#blofish

Kelly and I at some Yelp activism showing off our BLoFISH clothing. Kelly is also on the executive council for Uspiritus’ Ambassador Council.

Two “Yelp Art In Actions” ago I met a young man at a clothing booth.  I was wearing a t-shirt from BLoFISH and he asked me what I thought about it.  I really liked the shirt but the only thing I could say that wasn’t positive was that the shirt was so soft that people couldn’t keep from touching me when I was wearing it.  The long-sleeved, hooded t-shirt is a must have for what passes for winter in Phoenix. When I was getting ready to go to Phoenix for Elf a few weeks later I went to BLoFISH again and realized the young man talking to me about the clothes and soliciting my feedback was the owner of the company, Logan.   

Listening him talk about his company, what their mission is and his passion for helping other people was the genesis in my mind that I needed to do more to help others.  When I was a teacher my life was all about other people and their needs and that was even before I got to my students.  I don’t miss the foolishness that goes with being in the classroom but I do miss that sometimes you help other people.  I also really like the clothing – no matter how soft the shirt is my personality will always shine through.   

One of my great opportunities here in Louisville is to be a brand ambassador for BLoFISH.  It’s a company that gives ten percent of their proceeds to charity, online purchases go to a national nonprofit and local in-store purchases go to something here in town.  The clothing is made here in the United States and much of it here in Louisville.  It’s a Louisville original, it’s local, and it’s helping people beyond the research-proven benefits of buying local.  I have a mantra that “I can complain about a problem or I can fix it.”  Honestly, I do both but my complaining is my problem-solving incubating.  Logan has that attitude as well and it why I like him so much and bring him ice cream when Louisville Cream feels like being open.  

BLoFISH has a motto, “All of All.”  It’s about everyone.  The clothing line is for everyone, everyone benefits from charitable work that they do, and everyone is included.  Using their social media they amplify voices we’re not hearing and showcase causes that need more eyeballs on them and real estate in our hearts.  I’m really excited to be a small part of that as a brand ambassador.  

The other great opportunity (and this kids is why we Yelp) came from my friend Kasen.  Kasen is ubiquitous with Louisville Yelp right after Mademoiselle Hagedorn.  You don’t go to an event where Yelp is and not see and hear Kasen.  He won’t let you.  I wrote in my review of Yelp (how meta is reviewing Yelp) that it was like Tinder but for platonic friends.  Yelp is Kasen’s side hustle, his main deal being working at an organization called Uspiritus.  

Uspiritus is an organization that helps vulnerable youth here in Louisville and across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  The Commonwealth provides for the basic needs of the children in Uspiritus’ care with support for things that go beyond the basics like special treats at holidays, a cake on their birthday, or a haircut.  We can debate the role of government and the responsibilities of the Commonwealth to our most vulnerable citizens AND greatest natural resource but that’s a fruitless endeavor.  My father always espouses that you can measure a person’s character by how they treat people they have nothing to gain from.  Also, I can complain about a problem or I can fix it.  

Kasen gave us the opportunity to join a newly formed “Young Professional Ambassador Council” which would raise awareness and funds for the children in Uspiritus’ care.  My friend April chair’s the council and I serve as the secretary.  While the title of “executive secretary” sounds impressive it has so far been an excuse for me to write words in Moleskine notebooks although I have gotten some generous donations from BLoFISH, Cardinal Spirits, and other places here in town.  As much as I enjoy working with April and writing the words down I felt I needed to do more.  

I set a goal of raising $4000 for Uspiritus in 2018 and talked to Logan about BLoFISH having Uspiritus as their nonprofit in March (my birth month, I wear four fish and Logan knows what I already own) as a part of this.  When April and I stopped by doing Christmas shopping she deftly moved that up to December so we garner the benefit of holiday shopping and the fact that they had a store in the Mall and not just in NuLu.  

This was a great partnership for the Ambassador Council because it raised both awareness and much-needed funds for Uspiritus.  At least three of the people on the Executive Council are also brand ambassadors for BLoFISH.  Logan’s passion extends beyond his company or causes that impact his own life but to the needs of others.  Whenever I talk about Uspiritus and what the Ambassador Council does I always get polite responses from people and usually enthusiastic offers of help – Alison at Cardinal Spirits made me feel like we were doing her a favor. Logan?  He shared my gall at the idea that haircuts and birthdays aren’t basic needs.  He went right from, “this isn’t right,” to, “how do we fix it.”  

Birthdays are when we take time out to celebrate the individual, let them know they’re valued and important to us.  Who needs that more than the kids being cared for at Uspiritus?  How a haircut doesn’t fall under the umbrella of basic hygiene I’ll never know but I am not the only person who can tell you that a good haircut can really lift your spirits.  

We could grouse about it or we could roll up our sleeves and do something.  Logan is a go-getter and a person of action and this extends to BLoFISH as well.  It has benefitted Louisville and non-profits around the country as well.  The biggest thing that he’s accomplished though has been inspiring other people to get out their and help others and to amplify voices we’re not hearing.  Even if we only made $8 from the presents people got me for Christmas that’s two cake mixes or a haircut for some kid out there.  

I’m really thankful for Logan and BLoFISH’s generosity.  

You can learn more about Uspiritus here.