Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellen Honsa.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Working in the mental health field, it is apparent that stigma still holds a large impact on people obtaining appropriate services and the view toward mental health support in general. I started this company in 2020 with the mission to decrease the stigma surrounding mental health. Art has always been a passion of mine–drawing, creating, and connecting. Art was my self-care–a way to slow down–and this has immensely helped my own mental health.
Legacy, the Label was a way to transform my art into something bigger, something more meaningful. My company utilizes wearable art pieces to combat mental health stigma. Each design was inspired by the clients I see in therapy, hoping to capture both the challenges and triumphs of mental health that so many other individuals face every day. Mental health does not discriminate based on age, gender, race, religion, or culture…and neither do I. I believe in supporting everyone and hope to promote a culture of understanding, allowing us to support each other as our mental health evolves. Similar to the individuality of one’s mental health journey, I want to embrace an environment that celebrates the uniqueness of everyone.
Due to this, each piece is fully customizable and made to order. It is my hope that each clothing item communicates support and allyship to those experiencing mental health challenges. It is also my hope that each clothing item IGNITES conversations surrounding mental health, to educate and connect with a larger community. As mental health impacts everyone, we must lean on each other to promote change. #BurnTheStigma.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Oh gosh, I find myself laughing at this question. Thinking back to the beginning, it has most definitely not been a smooth road. I would largely blame this on the fact that I do not possess a strong business mind. Mental health? That is my jam. Business? That is where the learning curve has been tough. Being a graduate student at the time this company launched, it has been in continual trials and errors of how to build a brand, engage in appropriate marketing, and how to run this company in general.
Most of what I have done with Legacy thus far has consisted of zero paid advertising and only self-taught business principles. I think one of the biggest struggles has just been growing enough confidence in myself and my idea of what the company could become. It takes more confidence and fortitude than expected to continually fail and try something new. I truly feel that Legacy has helped me believe in myself… believe in my ideas.
I have been lucky to be supported by an amazing group of colleagues, friends, and family that has continually volunteered their time to help me with photoshoots, events, philanthropy, and other business aspects. Without them, I likely would not have been able to continue moving this company forward. In a sense, Legacy is really supported by the strong foundation of the community to even run on a daily basis.
As you know, we’re big fans of Legacy, The Label. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Fighting mental health stigma is our specialty. Aside from providing clothing items that promote mental health, we also focus strongly on philanthropy in order to support the mental health of the community. I think there are two things that really set Legacy apart from other companies: 1) the background I have in the field and 2) the process by which our clothes are made.
Having a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, I work full-time providing mental health services to the community. Having the appropriate training and education allows me to face first-hand the challenges within the mental health community (for both providers and clients alike!). In addition, I have expertise that allows me to share education and discussion with the larger community, aiding in increasing general mental health knowledge. As destigmatization is our main mission, this plays a large role in the work I do.
Our process of making clothes is also quite unique. We allow for fully customizable options for each design. This allows us to provide a clothing item that is sustainable, as we eliminate waste by only making clothes to order. We buy clothing exclusively from fair trade and ethical partners. Moreover, our fully customizable option allows Legacy to match the unique style of each individual. We acknowledge that everyone is different and want to promote an environment where being different is 100% the right choice.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Embrace the challenging days just as much as you embrace the successful days. Challenges are often a way to gain insight into yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wearyourlegacy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearyourlegacy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WearYourLegacy
