Why I Started Evolve Supply Co. and What I Hope for It to Become

I’ve been asked a lot lately both online and at the Pop-Up Shops on why I started Evolve Supply Co., so I thought this week I’d share my journey. This isn’t just a story about a brand; it’s a story about my life, my struggles, and my passion for making a difference. It’s about turning pain into purpose and hope into action.

How It All Began...

In 2018, amidst the turmoil of my separation, I got the idea of Evolve Supply Co. as a watch company. Time had become profoundly significant to me after the devastating loss of my son, Jagger. His death shattered my world, and the trauma of witnessing it is something I carry with me every single day. Then losing my marriage, time, once a mere concept, became a symbol of precious moments lost and the urgent need to make every second count. It’s something we can’t stop or start or pause. We can’t reverse it or speed it up, and it’s the only thing we can’t make more of. I couldn’t access mental health when needed at either of those times so I wanted it to also be a brand about mental health awareness. Despite this deep connection to the idea, I couldn’t devote the time and energy required to make it flourish.

Fast forward to 2023: life took another harsh turn. I lost my job, found myself in a new city without a support system, and faced multiple mental breakdowns while languishing on a waitlist to see a doctor. Our mental health system is so broken, and in my darkest moments, I knew I had to act. I decided to resurrect Evolve Supply Co., combining my original vision with my passion for mental health advocacy and my lifelong dream of creating a clothing brand. I dedicated myself to building an online store with my own designs, pledging 20% of the profits to support mental health initiatives. I hyper focused on this for weeks which I look back on as a coping mechanism. Evolve has really always been my outlet and coping mechanism.

My Personal Struggles

Just as I got the online store up and running, I was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, ADHD, Social and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and PTSD. The diagnoses were a double-edged sword—both a relief in finally understanding what was wrong and a heavy burden to bear. Adjusting to new medications and balancing a full-time job left me with little energy to invest in growing the brand or marketing it.

January 2024 brought another major breakdown. This time, with the unwavering support of my loving boyfriend and family, we agreed that I needed to take some time off to heal. But I’m not one to sit idle. With my boyfriend’s encouragement and support, I poured whatever energy and money I had into transforming Evolve Supply Co. from a dream into a reality. Some days were harder than others but I pushed through all the self doubt and the lack of energy and mood swings. There were weeks I didn’t do anything because I was so broken. Once I started really investing myself into it, I started to realize that this is my purpose in life and that everything I’ve gone through was for this exact reason. I am so grateful for all of your love and support through the beginning of a journey of healing and helping others.

My Mental Health Journey

Living with undiagnosed mental health disorders for years was a nightmare. I endured toxic, emotionally and mentally abusive relationships that left deep scars. The trauma of sexual abuse, multiple suicide attempts, and self-harm episodes is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone. I always knew something was wrong, but doctors wouldn’t listen because they couldn’t “see” anything physically wrong with me. They kept saying I need more exercise even though I was extremely active which I later found out was ADHD and Anxiety. It took a major mental breakdown for them to finally start paying attention. That is NOT how our healthcare system should work.

My son Jagger’s death was definitely a turning point in my life. The pain of losing him, of seeing him die, is something that will always be a part of me. It’s a pain that drives me to make sure no one else has to suffer in silence or feel alone in their struggles. It has gotten easier over the years but it definitely will mess someone up for a very long time without getting the proper treatment.

The Brand’s Vision

I don’t want anyone to feel the way I’ve felt for 34 years. That’s why Evolve Supply Co. is more than just a clothing brand. It’s a platform for mental health awareness, a safe space where people can talk about their struggles freely and without judgment. I chose black and white branding because it symbolizes the stark, dichotomous world I experience with BPD.

Having struggled with my sexuality for over 30 years and facing the trauma that comes with being gay, I wanted Evolve Supply Co. to be a beacon of support for the LGBTQ+ community as well. Our brand stands for inclusivity, understanding, and compassion.

Affordable therapy has always been out of reach for me, and I don’t want others to face the same barriers. That’s why we donate 20% of our profits to Rise Above The Disorder, an organization that helps cover therapy costs for those in need. It’s a way to give back, to ensure that others get the help they need without the obstacles I faced.

My hope and vision for Evolve Supply Co.

I hope for Evolve Supply Co. to grow into a name recognized for its commitment to mental health awareness and support. My dream is to help as many people as possible who are struggling, raise awareness about mental health, and foster understanding among loved ones about what it’s like to live with a mental illness. One day, I hope Evolve Supply Co. will grow enough to establish its own mental health center, providing direct support to those in need.

Evolve Supply Co. is my way of turning years of pain, struggle, and loss into something meaningful. It’s a testament to resilience and the power of community. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Together, we can make a difference, one outfit at a time.

 

Xo Tyler