story by Jordan Pupa
Carlson Gilman is a senior at West Florence High School, the senior class president, and on the varsity soccer team. He may seem like your average teenager, but he also takes on the role as business owner. After visiting Duke University, he brainstormed with his father on how he could stand apart from other college applicants. The idea of starting a sock business that would give back to those in need, along with the idea of promoting living right in words, deeds, and fashion was formulated. Ethix was born.
Ethix is a company that creates products that aid expression in thought and deed to live out morals and ethics in a cool and different way. They have created wearable clothes such as socks, hoodies, t-shirts, and hats that encourage others to think big and dream bigger while always striving to do what is right. Ethix products are reminders to those that wear them and those that see them to stay strong and keep on track. Their brand slogan ‘Live Right’ is on the bottom of every apparel piece as a constant reminder that living right is all about conscious actions. Socks with a message are their focus. Most popular sock designs include “choose wisely”, “change the world”, and “express love.” What better messages can be worn and shared?
Ethix believes in helping others and giving back and their products have an impact on many lives. A percentage of every sale is donated to the Foot 2 Book, a charity foundation created to help, educate, and support underprivileged children of India. Ethix works with established Government credited schools across India to serve an entire population of people believed to be and treated as “contaminated” from their births. These people are called Dalits which is the lowest of the Indian Caste System. Despite laws to protect these innocent people, they still face ruthless discrimination from others who are considered to be socially higher, more respected, and of more value than the Dalits. While the Dalits and other backward castes and people groups are in need of so much help, Ethix believes the right book in the right hands can lead to enriched lives, instill hopes and create a world of change. Ethix is helping to empower the children by opening their minds to a whole new world, starting with literacy and education.
Carlson thinks Ethix will be a great way to help support himself throughout his years in college. “I believe that with the help and support of my parents, the brand will continue to flourish. It’s really about finding a cool product that resonates with you, and you tell someone else, and they tell someone else.” Orders have been coming in from all over the country and Carlson believes social media has played a big role in getting Ethix nationwide. “It’s really like free advertising, and I’m really able to show the quality and assortment of the product. But, the coolest part to me is that words and pictures I want to wear and promote for positivity and change, really does change the lives and futures for children in India!” Carlson’s advice for someone who desires to start a business at a young age is to seek advice and act on that help and guidance all along the way.
For more info, www.ethix.co or @ethix.co