Today we’d like to introduce you to Lex Williams.
Hi Lex, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Before launching Compassion The Brand, I started with a community initiative called CLEgivesback—which stands for Compassion, Leadership, and Empathy. Born and raised in Cleveland, I wanted to give back to the city that shaped me. My very first project was donating socks to the local men’s shelter. Socks are one of the most needed items in shelters across the U.S., yet they’re often overlooked when it comes to donations.
From there, I began organizing community drives, events, and collaborating with other local business owners who shared the same passion for impact. Pretty quickly, I realized that to give back on a larger scale, I needed more than just good intentions—I needed funding.
That’s what sparked the creation of Compassion The Brand. I wanted to create something meaningful..,clothing with a message, made accessible to everyone. A portion of every purchase goes directly back into CLEgivesback, helping us serve more people, and continue the mission of spreading compassion through action.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s part of what makes the journey meaningful. Starting out, I was passionate but had to learn everything on the fly—how to run a community org, how to fundraise, how to turn a brand into a business. One of the biggest challenges was figuring out how to sustain the give-back work financially without burning out or stretching myself too thin.
There were moments when I questioned if I could really balance both—running CLEgivesback and building Compassion The Brand. I also faced the typical growing pains of any startup: limited resources, learning to delegate, and trusting the process even when results weren’t immediate.
But every struggle taught me something and kept me grounded in why I started. The mission has always been bigger than the obstacles
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Compassion The Brand and CLEgivesback ?
Compassion The Brand is more than just a streetwear line—it’s a movement rooted in community, culture, and purpose. Founded out of a desire to create impact both style and socially, my brand is deeply connected to my community organization, CLEgivesback. For nearly a decade, CLEgivesback has served youth and families in Cleveland, Ohio through outreach, people who are less fortunate, and events that foster connection and support. On the clothing side, Compassion The Brand blends streetwear with storytelling. We specialize in statement pieces that not only look good but mean something—from our “Black History Legacy” tee to limited edition drops inspired by art, social themes, and community. What sets us apart is the intentionality behind everything we do. Every collection has a purpose, and every piece is designed to reflect the values we stand for. We’re not just selling clothes—we’re building a lifestyle rooted in empathy, empowerment, and giving back.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of how we’ve stayed authentic. Whether it’s through a drop that celebrates Black legacy or a hat inspired by classical art, everything is created with meaning. We offer limited apparel and community-centered collaborations that reflect who we are and what we stand for.
At the end of the day, I want people to know that Compassion is a brand with heart. I’m here to shift culture, tell powerful stories, and create fashion that fuels impact—one drop at a time.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I’d say authenticity, consistency, and heart have been the most important qualities in my journey. Staying true to my values, both in my brand and community work which has allowed me to build real connections with people. I’m not just doing this for aesthetics or profit; there’s real purpose behind it.
Consistency is another big one. Even when things got tough or I didn’t have all the resources, I kept showing up for my brand, for my community, and for myself. That dedication is what kept things moving forward, even during slow seasons.
Lastly, I lead with heart. Whether I’m designing a hoodie, organizing an event, or mentoring kids, I give it my all. That passion is what people feel when they support Compassion The Brand or CLEgivesback. It’s not just business, it’s personal.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://compassionthebrand.bigcartel.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compassionthebrand/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/compassionthebrand/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/shopCompassion
