When Jay first introduced me to the idea of Fervor & Zeal, I was skeptical about it. No-barrier-to-entry businesses find it difficult to stand out. It would require effort above my capacity with an already hectic work and home life. Plus, it would take a financial commitment.

It still appealed to the designer in me. Rolling up my sleeves in creative work has always been my Achilles. The thought of building a new design-driven entity with a clear mission and working next to passionate partners who care about the impact it can have on organizations and people was too irresistible. Discovering artistic talent to guide and collaborate with was a massive plus. Several “fun” factors were growing but I wasn’t fully committed yet.

In March 2023, I saw a report on the city of Eatonville, Florida, the oldest all-Black town in the United States and one of the first self-governing municipalities post-slavery. It’s a historical town with decades of cultural relevance, but it was running out of money. The threat of a neighboring city buying the land and incorporating Eatonville into its municipality, thereby erasing its legacy, was becoming a reality.

It clicked. This is why Fervor & Zeal must exist. Skepticism was replaced with conviction, and I started to wonder: Can an apparel company raise money to help save a city? Can we help sustain an arts curriculum for at-risk youth? Can we help build community gardens for food-insecure communities? Can we do all this by selling t-shirts!? We’re about to find out.