Well…. I’m alive! I fell out of the practice of using this space as a means of escaping the stress of every day life, but I’m back now and will do my best to not let life get the better of me. I can think of no better way than to jump right back into sharing about a wonderful friend of mine and his passions, since my friends are one of my greatest sources of inspiration. Up today is Jon Shewchuk. You might remember him from my very first Beautiful Friends post about Jon and my dear lady babe, Maddie. Today we’re focusing on Jon and his newest creative venture- Local Cavalry! This brand is all about doing what you’re most passionate about and being adventurous- whatever that may mean to you! Go check out the website and instagram (@localcavalry)… it’s worth the time, I promise.
Jon is one of the kindest, most welcoming, supportive, and hard-working men I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. He is constantly showing our lucky friend group what it means to love others in the way that Jesus teaches with the way he treats us. One of the most inspiring things about Jon is how he pursues his creative interests outside of his career. For someone like me, where my career is health focused and not a traditionally “creative” path, I love seeing how others seek out ways to flourish in their creativity outside of their day job.
Check out Jon’s story:
While growing up I’ve always had a passion for the arts but I never pursued a career. My dream as a boy was to be a cartoonist for the Simpsons. Needless to say this goal was never achieved but now in my late twenties I have found myself with a career in sales. I absolutely love this path that has opened for me and I do feel called to be in the industry I work for. There are times when the highs and lows of sales can be tiresome and you need to focus your attention on something else. I wanted to have a second outlet where I can resurface those childhood passions of art. No I am not still drawing crude sketches of Homer Simpson but decided to try my hand in apparel design. I’ve created an adventure lifestyle brand named Local Cavalry.
I wanted to not only supply people with apparel that’s comfortable but I wanted to also showcase the passions of the person wearing the brand. Our society today is too often flooded with cynicism. I wanted an outlet to cheer people on while they explore what makes them truly happy. I love hearing what drives others. Even if that drive is something I’m not personally interested in or have zero knowledge about. Watching their body language or hearing the pitch in their voice change as they describe how they’ve created something with their hands or ventured to a land they’ve always dreamt of exploring. I want to flood your social media outlets with positive people. Those are the ones who inspire. The ones who spend countless hours at a job that adds constant stress and struggle through the monotony of life but still have the capacity to do what they love. Our passions are sometimes set aside in the many changing seasons of our lives. This is okay. There is comfort in knowing that the things you are most passionate about are waiting for you to make that single move and start at it again. I just want to encourage and challenge you to explore, grow and scare yourself. Maybe live a little differently.
Check out the different ways that the first Local Cavalry shirt design has been rocked so far! (The photo at the top is Jon and Maddie’s adorable pup, Linus, showcasing the newest shirt design)
Oh Hiraeth 