 By Lajeune Hollis In November of 2022, after the pandemic had finally started to wind down, 18-year-old James Judkins of Hartford, Connecticut was looking for a meaningful way to spread positivity into the world. He made the discovery with the opening of his online clothing brand of street gear he calls Free Therapy. “If you have an idea, take a leap of faith,” said Judkins. “Don’t let your fears overcome your success. We are a community – we are one. We are all here for a reason and you just have to find your reason and do it. This is Free Therapy, made from nothing but love.” Wise words spoken from young entrepreneur James Judkins—or “Jay J”, as he likes to be called. Judkins is committed to maintaining positive messaging and culturally-oriented designs through his brand. His online store—easily found at itsfreetherapy.myshopify.com—features five catalog subsections: Essentials by Therapy are calm and relaxing matching duos of positive-scripted hoodies, sweatpants and sweatshirts. Vintage by Therapy are vintage-inspired t-shirts featuring famous celebrities. They are all 100% cotton and blend well with any street gear. Hoodies by Therapy are comfortable, warm and feature meaningful words to live by. Tees by Therapy are 100% cotton t-shirts that combine comfort and fashion with pivotal life messages. Free Therapy home décor products work to bring out good vibes in any home or home office. Posters, journals, candles and jewelry boxes all come with signature messages of love and positivity.
“Don’t let your fears overcome your success. We are a community – we are one. We are all here for a reason and you just have to find your reason and do it. This is Free Therapy, made from nothing but love.” Judkins’s mission is to spread as much positivity into what he calls “a negative world”. He reasons that “the inspirational messages found on my clothing could potentially captivate future generations on what to teach their own children.” When asked what keeps him up at night, Judkins shared that he ultimately always wants to be the best person he can be and reach his full potential. “Every day I push harder than the day before,” he shared. “By my pushing, it will honestly make me a better person. This also relates to my clothing brand, Free Therapy. We reach out to local businesses as well as up-and-comers and help to build them up. We are built on love and growth and the desire to push towards a better tomorrow.” His primary challenges since opening last November of 2022 are driving traffic to his website and brand awareness. Judkins has navigated these challenges by offering the opportunity to become Free Therapy Brand Ambassadors for anyone who visits his Instagram page, which is also linked to his online shop.
Judkins shared that he will always work to support local businesses, spread awareness and network with individual businesses to create collaborations. For those who are looking to open their own business but not certain where to start Judkins says, “Don’t let that stop you from doing something great, have a business plan but make sure you are open to change and open to new things. And I will gladly share any knowledge I have about it with you.” Speaking of business plans, in the next five years Judkins’s goal is to open a brick-and-mortar store for Free Therapy and also take his Free Therapy services worldwide. For now, you can find Free Therapy online at @itsfreetherapy45 on Instagram, email Judkins at freetherapy45@gmail.com or visit the Free Therapy shop at itsfreetherapy.myshopify.com. BROWSE THE SHOPBLACKCT DIRECTORY:
1 Comment
9/19/2023 05:23:10 am
The idea that we can wear our positivity on our sleeves (literally!) is both inspiring and uplifting. Leave a Reply. |
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