I am AWARE: Guest Blogger Johnathan Hall

My name is Jonathan Hall and I am the owner of I Am Awear - a brand which seeks to actively encourage mental health through fashion, art and literature. However, I am also a millennial who had fallen victim to psychosis, and severe manic episodes leading to bi-polar disorder and the admittance into a mental health acute facility. These experiences are what shaped my decision to relaunch my business and subject myself to self imposed discipline as it has been said to be the surest way to increase the quality of your existence. 
   After my stay in the mental health facility I was given large doses of medication. I don't quite remember all of what I was given, however I do recall some names – Divalproex for one and the other I remember was Lorazepam. Every morning I would wake up feeling like a zombie. So after about 5 weekly visits to the mental health intervention clinic I stopped taking my medication and reverted back to meditation every morning and night. For a timeline, I was admitted in November, I was released in December and stopped taking my meds late January. As a result of these events I was able to attain funding to relaunch my business I Am Awear. This is where I am now, just a days away from relaunching my brand which means so much more to me now than it did a couple years ago. 
With I Am Awear I am striving to creatively empower the wearer by delivering an innovative experience through fashion, art, and literature. We focus on supplying products and services that will always promote positive thinking while expounding upon human potential. Most importantly, our intention is to gracefully shift the perception of self for the betterment of humanity and raise the consciousness level of our culture. 
   All products are designed to become a symbol of self-awareness, the Thinkin’ Cap is our first example of high-quality craftsmanship merging with entertaining and insightful literature. Every product from the OGC (Original Collection) comes zip- sealed with the latest issue of our ongoing comic series: "A Still City Story" 
    A Still City Story is an original comic books series which I have written and illustrated. The story is inspired by the surrounding influences in my community , my desire to find myself and the eye-opening events which took place before being admitted as an impatient to a mental health facility. I hope to inspire youth to seek within and find themselves, especially during a time like this. The one thing we can rely on is ourselves. 
I Am Awear launches at the end of May online at www.iam-awear.com and www.instagram.com/iamawear and as proud supporters, with every order we donate 5% to the Canadian Mental Health Association. 

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