From Classroom Idea to Meaningful Impact: Renbrook Alumni Launch “It Matters” Apparel
What starts as a classroom assignment can sometimes grow into something much bigger.
That is exactly what happened for Renbrook alumni Sadie Tulley and Mackenzie Toro, both members of the Class of 2022, who returned to campus today to share the story behind their nonprofit clothing company, It Matters Apparel. Their presentation took place during Mental Health Awareness Month and highlighted how creativity, compassion, and entrepreneurship can come together to make a meaningful difference.
Now graduating from high school and preparing for college this fall, Sadie and Mackenzie reflected on how their Renbrook experience helped shape the journey that led to their growing brand.
A Classroom Assignment That Became Reality
The idea for It Matters Apparel began during their freshman year of high school as an assignment in a leadership class. Students were asked to create a mock company and present it to the class. Instead of stopping there, Sadie and Mackenzie decided to bring their idea to life.
“We immediately decided to do something about mental health because that’s something we’re both very passionate about,” Mackenzie shared during the presentation.
The pair combined their shared interest in mental health advocacy with a love for fashion and graphic design. Together, they developed a logo, created original sweatshirt designs, built a website from scratch, and launched their nonprofit brand with support from family, friends, and their school community.
Today, their apparel is worn by students and supporters well beyond their hometown community.
The Meaning Behind “It Matters”
At the center of the brand is a simple but powerful message: It Matters.
For Sadie and Mackenzie, the phrase represents much more than clothing. It serves as a reminder that emotions, struggles, victories, setbacks, and relationships all matter.
Their hoodies feature encouraging phrases designed not only for the person wearing them, but also for the people around them. One sweatshirt simply reads “Mental Health Matters” across the back, offering a quiet reminder of support and understanding to anyone who sees it.
The founders explained that mental health conversations can sometimes feel difficult or uncomfortable, especially for teenagers. Their apparel creates another way for people to feel seen and supported without needing to speak openly about personal struggles.
Building Community Through Mental Health Awareness
One of the most rewarding parts of the project has been watching a community form around the brand.
Friends wear the hoodies at school, while others have brought them to college campuses and beyond. According to Sadie, the sweatshirts have become symbols of comfort, connection, and shared understanding.
The business has also made a direct impact through charitable giving. It Matters Apparel operates as a nonprofit, and proceeds from certain collections are donated to foundations supporting mental health initiatives.
Mackenzie shared that one sweatshirt collection was dedicated to a friend, with all proceeds donated directly to his foundation.
Learning to Take Risks
Sadie and Mackenzie credited Renbrook with encouraging them to think creatively and take risks.
During the presentation, they reflected on how teachers and mentors helped nurture their confidence and supported their ideas from an early age. What began as a simple classroom project became a real-world example of Renbrook’s mission of “Bringing Learning to Life.”
“Teachers here made us so creative,” Mackenzie explained. “They taught us to think bigger and take risks.”
Their story serves as an inspiring reminder that meaningful ideas can begin at any age and that young people have the power to create positive change in their communities.
Learn More About It Matters Apparel
To explore their designs and learn more about their mission, visit:
https://itmattersapparel.com/
Renbrook is proud to celebrate alumni who continue to lead with creativity, compassion, and purpose.