Umano is a clothing company on a mission to inspire creativity and confidence in children. All the artwork featured on their stylish line of high-quality men’s and women’s t-shirts, tanks, sweatshirts and dresses, is designed and drawn by kids. For every product they sell Umano gives a backpack full of school supplies to a child in need.
Umano was founded by brothers Jonathan and Alex Torrey, who describe themselves as “maniacally, relentlessly, and zealously passionate about empowering kids to unleash their creativity.” The company has already given away more than 10,000 backpacks and has a goal of 20,000 for 2015. The “little backpacks for kids with big dreams” are filled with supplies like colorful crayons, pencils, rulers, pencil sharpeners, and notebooks.
The sons of two teachers, Jonathan and Alex were inspired to create Umano because of their passion for art education. Children who receive instruction in art are able to express their ideas more accurately, solve problems creatively, and collaborate better with others – after all, art is a universal language, and one that enables the viewer to understand and appreciate other cultures. The Torreys believe that art education is not really about learning to draw – it’s about learning to see.
With arts programs being cut around the US (in early 2004, a survey indicated that 25% of principals had cut art education from their budgets) Umano is driven by a belief in the unlimited potential of children’s imaginations, and that art can inspire kids to create their own path. Now, with more than 10,000 products sold and 10,000 donated backpacks behind them, the brothers are as fanatical about their mission as ever.
If you want clothing that not only looks great and feels great but also does great things in the world, check out the styles available from Umano. By treating yourself, you’re also giving back, and empowering a child somewhere to create their dreams in full color.
