This Man is Changing the Conversation on Mental Health [Q&A]
Lewis Edgar’s clothing line, Fandabby, encourages people with mental health issues to wear their heart on their sleeve.
Lewis Edgar is the founder of Fandabby (Courtesy of Fandabby)
Everything about Fandabby is loud and proud. From t-shirts adorned with purple unicorns, to tank tops with giant orange smiley faces, the clothing line aims to bring a topic that’s often taboo and parade it into the spotlight, front and center - mental health. Having personally experienced a mental illness and the stigma and isolation that comes with it, Lewis wanted to take everything about mental health - how people talk about it, view it, and treat it - and turn it on its head. His clothing line features uplifting, inspiring messages that encourage people with mental illness to wear their heart on their sleeve - not to mention, every single cent of his sales goes to mental health charities.
As May is Mental Health Month, we took this opportunity to ask Lewis 10 Good Questions about the message behind Fandabby.
1. What is your organization’s mission?
Fandabby’s mission is to end the stigma attached to mental health and to promote a healthier well-being.
2. What makes you guys different from the rest?
We love giving back - 100% of our profits are donated to our partner mental health charities, Rethink Mental Illness, and YoungMinds. Awesome right?
We also work hard to promote the use of social media as a positive outlet, for doing and feeling good. This is why we post positive and uplifting quotes to our Instagram. Take a look, they’ve been known to make people smile, even in the toughest of times.
3. What three words describe your organization?
Unique - we’re big fans of individuality!
Caring - we understand mental health, and how it affects people. We provide resources for those who simply need a chat and we’re partners with 7 Cups of Tea, who offer a listening service for people in need. We know it can be hard, but, if the situation ever arises, be brave and reach out. We believe in you!
Community - Fandabby believes community is very important. By sharing daily positivity and awareness, we are making the world a better place.
Driven - Oops, we went past the three word limit, but being driven is what has made Fandabby become what it is today! We also have loads of exciting plans for the near future, of which we hope you will be a part.
Fandabby's t-shirts are all adorned with colorful messages and funky designs that promote self-confidence and well-being (Courtesy of Fandabby)
4. What inspires you?
Personally, I take a a lot of inspiration from anyone seeking help for their mental illness. Mental illness is a global issue, affecting anyone. But it’s also mostly hidden or not talked about, usually for fear of rejection and stigma. Anyone who stands up to this fear is my inspiration.
5. Who's your favorite good doer figure?
Steve Jobs: “The ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.”
6. What is the best part about your job?
Fandabby is less so a job, and more of a movement! The best part about the Fandabby movement is connecting with great people, giving back, and sharing content to make this world a better place, both offline and online.
7. How do you measure success within your organization?
Fandabby measures success by personal achievements, change, and social impact.
Fandabby is a one-man team, and Lewis does it all (Courtesy of Fandabby)
8. Facebook or Twitter?
9. What do you want Goodnet users to know about your organization?
I created the Fandabby movement during my time as an inpatient at a mental health hospital in Aberdeen, Scotland. I found the experience very therapeutic and it was a great way to express my emotions at the time. After I was discharged my life took a tumble, but the one thing what kept me going was Fandabby!
The whole movement is run entirely by me, including social media and sales. I am still in recovery from my mental health challenges, but I have great plans for Fandabby’s future and my own. Want to know more? Read my story on our website!
10. How can people get involved?
We love it when people get involved with Fandabby! Stop by our website and spread the movement. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. You can also sign up to our newsletter to get tips and tricks to support recovery and a peaceful mind. If you are passionate about our brand, or want to partner with us for a project, feel free to get involved.
