Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Clark.
Joe, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As I entered my friend’s embroidery shop to pick up jerseys for a basketball league, he became earnest with me: “Joe, you gotta start selling a brand. You have the personality for it.” After discussing with him about the popular items in the clothing industry, we decided that selling hats to start would probably be the best way to go. The next step was simple for me: decide if it’s a go and determine a brand and image.
A few days later, I was driving in the car, and the Killer’s song “Smile Like You Mean It” came on, a song which I have loved for a long time. The depth of the meaning, the imperative questions that the phrase imposes, and the beauty of the saying all slapped me in the face. I drafted a logo, professionalized it, and then sent the work to my friend’s shop to be stitched into beanies. In February 2022, a lifestyle was born: Smile Like You Mean It.
Rooted in Cleveland, Ohio, Smile Like You Mean It aims towards an audience who strives to be stylish and confident in an attire committed to its cornerstones of purpose, positivity, and intentionality, three words that also perfectly encapsulate the city of Cleveland and its people.
Now, the apparel has expanded from just beanies to trucker hats and baseball caps, with crew neck sweatshirts in the near future. Shop with us and find your new favorite hat!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Anytime with a new endeavor, the path is an uphill battle because a business needs momentum to thrive. Fortunately, I have been blessed with incredibly supportive people by my side and opportunities to be at events to grow.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As someone who loves life and appreciates people, my degrees of English and Education have bolstered my understanding of others and of how to interact and communicate with them. Accordingly, because I love new experiences and taking advantage of as much as possible of what the great world has to offer, I find myself creating reflections (videos, podcast episodes, posts, writings, Smile Like You Mean It, etcetera) that embrace the innate beauty of life and making the most of it. When people think of Joe Clark, I pray that they think of me as someone who is happy and joyous and a positive presence.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck is a curious term because it’s ambiguous. As a person who believes that God created this world and instilled in each of us special talents and gifts, I recognize that “luck” is neither positive nor negative, and rather, that we as people either become closer to who we are called to be or further from that version of ourselves. The closer to who we are called to be, the “luckier” we are. Things fall into place when we do what we ought, when we treat others well, and when we work like someone’s chasing us.
Pricing:
- Beanies: $25
- Baseball/Trucker: $20
Contact Info:
- Website: smilelikeyoumeanit.store
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smilelikeyoumeanitapparel/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/clark12joe/
Image Credits
Will Lindsey
Natalie Kendrick
