WHY WE LOVE SERENGETEE:
Serengetee is a brand that appeals to younger crowds by means of bright fabrics, hip designs, and popular products, but its ability to simultaneously encourage these budding humanitarians to be globally minded is what makes it an exemplary business. Aside from offering cool products, Serengetee brings awareness to, and invests in, human rights organizations, agricultural development projects, educational groups, HIV/AIDs prevention initiatives and many other philanthropic, non-profit organizations in 32 countries around the globe. Shop by fabric, design, or cause, whichever way, a purchase from Serengetee means you’re supporting local artisans, communities, and economies.
THE MISSION:
“Wear the World, Change the World”
Serengetee’s main aim is to empower grassroots organizations and strengthen local economies. Every fabric that Serengetee uses is paired up with a cause from the same region and since every design is also made by local fabric makers, all purchases directly benefit these artisans and their affiliated cause.
THE FOUNDERS’ STORY:
Serengetee was launched out of a dorm room by students Jeff Steitz and Ryan Westberg in 2012. Alums of the University of Virginia’s Semester at Sea study abroad program, Jeff and Ryan were inspired to create a brand that would give back to the developing communities they had visited and the hardworking people they had met.
Since their initial idea took shape just over two years ago, Serengetee has expanded from a t-shirt startup to a full blown clothing and accessories brand selling shirts, sweatshirts, pillows, earrings, backpacks, hats, headphones, and more. The company has given back over $100,000 and stars like Tyler Posey have even come out to collaborate with and campaign for the brand. His line—Posey’s Paradise—supports the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
PRODUCTS WE LOVE:
Crew Shirt $30
Toiletry Case $28
Cardigan $36
BIGR Headphones $129
Prices are approximate, they vary depending on the fabric. All products are made to order and shipped from LA.
Feature photo via Serengetee
About the Writer
Chelsea Stuart is currently finishing up her degree in Writing, Literature & Publishing at Emerson College in Boston. After living on a ship for four months and visiting 15 countries with the study abroad program Semester at Sea, she’s presently dealing with some intense wanderlust. Aside from travel, she enjoys reading, writing, photography, thrifting, and drinking an absurd amount of coffee. She hopes to one day (soon) pursue a career in publishing and try her luck in The City that Never Sleeps.
