Undeclared sophomore David Schwartz has a lot on his plate. With a full course load, an intern position at The Canopy Club, and all the time spent doing philanthropic work through his fraternity, it’s a mystery how he finds the time to do anything else. David is an entrepreneur, and his project (although he may call it an obsession) is budding t-shirt company We Are Lions, which will have its first pop-up shop exhibit later this month in Chicago. I got a chance to sit down with David to find out more about just what it is he does.
the217: What is We Are Lions?
DS: We Are Lions is a brand dedicated to improve the lives of those affected by developmental disabilities. I basically make and distribute t-shirts designed by individuals with disabilities. It’s a community of young, creative people who want to help those who can’t necessarily help themselves. The unique thing about We Are Lions is that the t-shirts are designed in such a way that the design covers 100% of the shirt, much like a painting. I consider the shirts themselves to be art. In order to maintain that “one-of-a-kind” feeling associated with a work of art, there are only a limited amount of each design printed.
the217: How’d you come up with this idea?
DS: I tried starting a t-shirt company in high school by sellng t-shirts that I designed myself, but that failed. One day I was in Starbucks and I saw a painting that I loved and it turned out to be the work of an individual with special needs. I contacted the organization that this artist belonged to, The Arts of Life, and pitched them my idea and they fully embraced and supported it.
the217: Where are your shirts made?
DS: My shirts are currently made in California, but the new batch will be made in my howetown of Lincolnwood, IL.
the217: Where do you get your artwork? Where can people send you artwork?
DS: I usually get my artwork exclusively from The Arts of Life. I just ran a We Are Lions workshop at a philanthropy event called Alley-Oops for Autism that was sponsored by my fraternity ZBT, Illiois Cha’bad and The Friendship Circle, a few weeks ago here in Champaign. A bunch of families came in, and I was able to use the art made at this workshop, with the consent of both the artist and his or her family, to make some more shirts. These new designs will be released at the We Are Lions pop-up shop later this month.
the217: What is a pop up shop?
DS: A pop up shop is essentially a store that exists for only a day or two; it’s a great way for up and coming brands to get their product out there. My pop up shop will be open for 2 days, and a workshop will be open during both days for those who want to participate and make art that could potentially become a t-shirt. There will be games, live music, exclusive t-shirts and even original paintings from The Arts of Life will be sold.
the217: Where is the pop up shop?
DS: It’s in Chicago on December 22nd and 23rd in a donated vacant storefront on the corner of Belmont and Southport. It’s right next door to Flat Top Grill and across the street from Schubas. A portion of the profits will go to The Friendship Circle, which is a non-profit organization benefitting children with special needs and their families.
the217: Where can people find more information and buy We Are Lions gear?
DS: You can check out my website at www.wearelions.org and you can also like the “We Are Lions” page on Facebook. T-shirts are available for purchase online and shipped anywhere in the US, but be sure to check out the pop-up shop for new and exclusive goodies.
