By Amanda Molitor

Using Fashion as a Platform for Change

You can often tell a lot about a person by the clothes that they wear. The colors they choose and the styles they embrace are an important form of self-expression. It’s because of the impact that fashion has on both the individual and our culture that it has become a medium that is ripe for taking a stand and communicating a message—or at least that’s the way that Julian Donaldson, co-founder of Be A Good Person, sees it.

The Denver-based clothing brand, Be A Good Person, was started in 2015 by Julian and his co-founder, Darian Simon, when the two were hanging out with friends and having a meaningful conversation over a bowl of pho. During the discussion, the phrase “be a good person” kept resurfacing. This notion of putting compassion, empathy, and goodwill ahead of everything else seemed to be a key component of the solution to many of the world’s problems. Both coming from creative backgrounds, Julian and Darian took this simple, yet powerful statement and turned it into something bigger: a motto that people can adopt to remind them to choose kindness every day. Thus, one of Denver’s most recognizable clothing brands was born.

“I think it’s a powerful brand because it’s a powerful message. It’s the most basic concept—the most basic form of humanity,” explained Julian.

Since its inception, Be A Good Person has become one of the most popular local brands in Colorado, with murals and merchandise proudly displayed throughout Denver and beyond. What started as a small business being run out of the founders’ families’ basements is now a distinguished brand that has collaborated with major players in the fashion and music industries – such as Lululemon and DJs including Said The Sky, Marshmallow, and Lil Jon – to spread Be A Good Person’s message to the world. All these strides have been made with the intention of starting more conversations about how each of us can make an effort to be our best selves every day.

The well-crafted street wear brand is stylish yet unpretentious and humble by design. Built on a foundation of high-quality products aimed at making positivity a fashion statement, Be A Good Person is imparting sage wisdom onto the world one t-shirt, sweatshirt, or pair of socks at a time.

Julian joked, “When you know, you know,” meaning that people who support the brand are in a way unofficially initiated into a club of community members who share the belief that leading by example and acting from a place of love is a priority. During a time when there is so much polarization in the world, approaching each interaction with an open mind, willingness to listen, and bias towards seeing the good in people is something we should all be practicing.

“Our mission isn’t to change the outlook of the whole world,” commented Julian. “Our mission is to change the way people look at themselves. That’s why it’s not ‘Be A Perfect Person.’ People make mistakes, we’re all human.”

This level of accountability and commitment to holding oneself to a higher standard is part of what makes Be A Good Person such an influential brand. Although the brand’s goal is to provoke change on a very personal level, it has also accomplished a larger-scale impact on our Colorado community and beyond.

The brand has made very generous donations to charitable organizations and participated in community improvement projects that make a difference. “One of the most important things that we’re focusing on this year is community projects. It’s about listening to what the community needs and trying to meet that need, because we are the ones who need to provide opportunities for a better future – even if the effects aren’t immediately seen,” said Julian.

From donating branded school supplies to local students and teaming up with Lululemon to breathe new life into a community basketball court, to supporting an effort to bring water filtration systems to families in Flint, Michigan, Be A Good Person is using its influence to bring light everywhere it goes. Julian recalled that one of his brand’s favorite projects that the brand executed was the “Wishful Dreamers” limited edition t-shirt collection, in which 100% of the proceeds were donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Additionally, the brand has worked with Mountain Vista Highschool and other local schools to raise money for the foundation through the Wish Week program. To date, Be A Good Person has helped raise more than $1.25 million for the Make-A-Wish foundation and helped grant wishes for dozens of incredible kids.

In addition to the community involvement projects, Be A Good Person aims to inspire people to become the best version of themselves by mentoring young people and those affected by the hardships of homelessness, substance abuse, and incarceration. Through its work with Mile High Workshop, an employment and job training program, and the brand’s own commitment to investing in the continuing education of its team members, Be A Good Person is creating brighter futures for Coloradans.

“My vision for Be A Good Person is to create a broader network of opportunities for education and mentorship. I want to be a resource for those who need it,” Julian commented.

With kindness at the core of every move it makes, exciting opportunities for expanding Be A Good Person’s platform are well on their way. What can you do to be a good person today?

To shop the latest collection from Be A Good Person, visit the brand’s flagship store in Denver’s RiNo arts district or visit beagoodperson.com