Social Movements for Good: How Companies and Causes Create Viral Change

Chapter 7Creating a Movement…Through Fashion and Goods for the Global Explorer

Shea Parton and Raan Parton

Co-founders, Apolis

Shea and Raan Parton created the lifestyle brand Apolis for a community of global enthusiasts who were interested in understanding the globe from a different and unique angle. As global citizens, we are exposed to the real beauty, unique challenges, and opportunities that exist for all of us to be an activist and supporter of global change. Through the Apolis brand of products for consumers, there is a creative element of activism and promotion of social issues that their community can support. But what makes them so unique compared to other similar type brands? It comes down to the creative activism approach embedded in the business model and their focused management style to growth.

As global travelers, the Parton brothers were able to see so many more things than their peers. From the inequalities to the lack of economic opportunity that existed throughout the world, they believed in the need to build awareness and to try to address the challenges through a business model. In essence, making the business become a force for good. But the plan wasn't to be intentional about a movement; the Apolis business was their personal life interest because of their values. As Shea stated in our time together:

Well we're going to do this for the next 40-plus years. We want to have something that really resonates with our quality of life, our kind of outlook on ...