After being quarantined for a week in December of 2020, Emmett Bowman finally had the time and resources to start a business that he had been thinking about since middle school.
The Crawfordsville High School senior launched EveryBody15, a clothing brand focused on inclusivity and giving back to the community in December 2020. While this is still a relatively new business, Bowman makes it a priority to give 20% of proceeds back to local nonprofits.
“When you buy this brand, you’re helping more than just yourself, you’re helping your fellow brothers better themselves,” Bowman said. “And like, no matter what situation you’re in, everybody needs motivation or a push sometimes.”
Bowman hopes to be able to give to more nonprofits in Montgomery County and Indianapolis as his business expands.
One of the nonprofits Bowman has contributed to so far is Pam’s Promise, a transitional housing organization in Crawfordsville.
“Every dollar that we get is what helps us to keep running to help meet the needs of the people that we serve and without people giving, we cannot exist,” said Susan Zachary executive director of Pam’s Promise.
Bowman has always enjoyed designing and making things. While he developed the idea years ago, he hadn’t had the means to start it until 2020.
“I mean middle schoolers aren’t rich,” Bowman laughed. “So I waited and got a job in high school to acquire some savings to start my business.”
Bowman, with the encouragement of local businesses, entered Innovate WithIN, a statewide young entrepreneurship competition. He won the Region 1 Pitch competition in April and finished in the top 10 in the state last month.
Chanel Darby, owner of Choice Wellness, as well as members from Fusion 54 and The Collective, an organization that focuses on Black lives and innovation in the community, have helped Bowman get his business off the ground and served as mentors.
“Emmett is a great kid, he’s blessed,” Darby said. “I think you know, a higher power brings us together and gives us our gifts, and allows us to have great ideas and original ideas, and right now, I think he’s got the bug. And I’m very proud of him and I’m excited to see where he will go.”
When he’s not focused on running his business, Bowman likes to spend time with his friends and family. Bowman can also be found on the soccer field competing for the Athenians. After graduation he plans to attend the University of Evansville, or another college in the state, to study business and marketing.
To help Bowman and his startup you can find his merchandise at EveryBody15.com.
