Meet Joe Gard of Uptown Hippie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Gard.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Joe. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
Of course! Throughout my life, I have always strived to uplift and brighten the day of all those I encounter. Whether that is by a simple smile, saying hello or holding the door open for someone. I wanted to take this lifestyle of mine and make it into a company somehow. I wanted a way for people to spread love, happiness, and positivity everywhere they went. It dawned on me a good way to do this is through your clothing.

I loved the idea of promoting a positive message on the clothing you wear because in my mind your clothing is basically your personal billboard. I believe all words carry energy and if I am wearing a shirt that says, LOVE, I believe I will feel loved and all of those who see my shirt will be positively impacted by the energy the word LOVE carries.

I know this sounds crazy, but trust me, the days I go around wearing a LOVE shirt I notice a significant positive increase in how I feel and I have many more positive encounters with all those I see throughout my day. I view Uptown Hippie as an extension of myself because I have put my heart and soul into it and I cannot wait to see how it blossoms and the beautiful impact we can all make as a community!

Has it been a smooth road?
There have definitely been a few “bumps in the road” along the way, but I don’t view any of these situations in a negative light. I am a firm believer that there is no such thing as failure… these are only beautiful learning experiences that help with my personal growth and that of Uptown Hippie.

One of my favorite quotes is by Winston Churchill, which says, “Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” I know that in business there will always be ups and downs and I will do my best to learn from the perceived negatives and be grateful for the positives.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Uptown Hippie – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I like to think of my “work” as an extension of myself; someone who wants to make the world a more loving place. Throughout my day I make a conscious effort to positively impact all the people I encounter. I carry this concept over into Uptown Hippie, and I call it the “ripple effect.” I feel that when you wear an Uptown Hippie product your vibration with rise and you will feel loved, more positive, and happy.

The idea of the “ripple effect” is that as you go throughout your day radiating these loving vibrations, they will spread to all the individuals you come in contact with. What starts out with a simple ripple from you can grow and create waves of change all over the planet. I’d like to think I specialize in love.

Whether this is by the love I put into the creation of each one of our products or by the love I share while processing orders and packing them up to ship, I believe what sets Uptown Hippie apart from others, and this is also what I am most proud of as well, is that I have created a company that truly cares about spreading love and positivity with each of our customers.

While also helping heal this beautiful planet we call home. For each purchase made we are helping heal the Earth by planting trees. I just think that’s so cool!

What’s your outlook for the industry in our city?
Yes without a doubt! I think Phoenix is a great place for Uptown Hippie to grow its roots and call home. Arizona is a place that has an abundance of individuals who are outdoorsy, loving, care about the Earth, are health conscious and are seeking a deeper spiritual connection.

I see Uptown Hippie being a light in this community for all to see… a light of love, of unity, and of truth. Phoenix is a city that holds the potential for Uptown Hippie to thrive in. I would definitely recommend someone starting out to launch their business in Phoenix.

Pricing:

• Tee-shirts are $35
• Hats are $20-$30
• Stickers are $3

Contact Info:

• Website:  www.theuptownhippie.com
• Email: hello@theuptownhippie.com
• Instagram: @uptownhippie

Image Credit:
Hannah Gard

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