We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimberly McGlonn and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kimberly, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I founded Grant Blvd in Philadelphia in 2017 after watching the documentary “13th” by Ava Duvernay. We’ve now the very first Black-owned B Corp in the fashion space in North America. We’re on a mission to construct bold, sustainably sourced garments & home goods produced in Philadelphia. Even better? Our team supports women who are formerly incarcerated through job training and living wages. In addition to designing directly for consumers, we also partner to design textiles for the hospitality sector to produce textiles for restaurants. We believe that if we demand more, if we think differently about not only what we buy, but who we buy from- we have the power to challenge not only the social issues exacerbated by mass incarceration, but to more meaningfully address the climate catastrophe. One way to do this? By wearing your values and by crafting partnerships with impact in mind.
I firmly believe in the power of optimism, and I also believe that when we demand more, when we think differently about not only what we buy, but who we buy from- we step into our power to challenge not only the social issues exacerbated by mass incarceration, but to more meaningfully address climate change. Grant Blvd is more than just an apparel brand- it’s an organic response to a recognition of the kind of innovation and transformation that climate catastrophe & centuries of marginalization required of this moment. And I think, for those of us who believe that there’s another way forward, it’s time we wear our values and to curate sustainable, ethical closets.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a business leader, I’ve learned so much about the power of the arts to create positive social impact. For us, sustainable fashion design is the vehicle. My journey is an unconventional one and that’s part of its beauty. I’ve learned so many lessons along the way and I’m excited to share them in my new book, “Build It Boldly: How Great Leaders Can Drive Change & Save the Future”. It’s the story of how I became an award-winning founder and activist, Beyond that it, it’s the memoir of my life and my journey to become a recognized brand architect. The book is a tender tale of a Black American family and its collapse, but beyond that, it is a beautiful invitation to business leaders brave enough to reflect and then to become agents of change. The focus of my art is all about exploring bold new practices, especially approaches which center the best interest of people and the planet. Ultimately, it’s about the value of relationships, mindsets, storytelling, fundraising, and wellness for other artists and entrepreneurs who are disheartened by the clear consequences of business as usual. I hope people are inspired by Grant Blvd’s artful work to use fashion design to address poverty and the climate catastrophe by supporting the formerly incarcerated.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Philly is the coolest city on the east side!! I’d make sure we got in a visit to the Barnes Foundation for some world-class art & culture. Then, we’d have dinner at either the Fitler Club or James Beard award-winning, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. We’d be sure to support incredible small businesses like Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee Shop & Bookstore and Trunc Artisans. Then we’d wrap our time catching live music at City Winery!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Ava Duvernay deserves recognition for her effort to tell the full story of mass incarceration and Books Through Bars, a nonprofit in Philadelphia deserves recognition for their effort to make sure that folks who are incarcerated have access to literature!
Website: www.grantblvd.com/www.blkivythrift.com/www.builditboldly.com
Instagram: @grantblvd/@blkivythrift
Linkedin: @kimberlymcglonn
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icG5_sy7cCk
Other: Interested in my new book? Stay tuned for pre-order details at www.builditboldly.com.
Image Credits
Katie Lynn Hale Photography