We are CLE

The city of Cleveland can mean a variety of things to many different people. To some it is known as “the mistake on the lake,” to others it is “believeland,” but to many it is just plain home. Recently, this city has seen a strong sense of pride return. Between raising the world’s best basketball player of his time, LeBron James, to the several movie shoots that have taken place here in the past couple of years, the variety of different restaurants and much more that downtown life offers ― Cleveland has certainly grown a bit bigger in the eyes of America.

Along with these recent glimpses of fame on a national scale, Cleveland also finds a large amount of pride within its own city limits. With the recent resident-deemed motto “All-In”, Cleveland has been stressing the sense of unity that comes from living in this underdog town. Many Ohioans agree that this Northeastern metropolis hasn’t always had the best reputation in the past, but what city doesn’t have its flaws? With the ups and downs of the city’s local sports teams, crime-based areas, harsh weather conditions and problems dealing with pollution, many have been blind to the beauty that Cleveland truly has to offer.

Although this city may have a few defects, it’s not all that Cleveland is known for. The chief town was created on the shores of Lake Erie in 1836 and evolved to eventually share the most mesmerizing pieces of history that Cleveland still holds today. It possesses the country’s largest performance center outside of New York — Playhouse Square — and holds the title as the “Home of Rock ‘n Roll” — birthing the careers of many rock ‘n roll icons and sharing musical talents with not only Cleveland, but the world. This city is filled with art, history, diverse cultures, breathtaking geography, and many features that other cities may have.

What makes the city of Cleveland so unique and different from other U.S. cities is the unity and spirit of its citizens who are brought together by its standout features. The citizens have built Cleveland for what it is today and continue to make it prosperous. Much of the city’s growth is created by the local businesses and artists that often team up to make even better products together. A great example of a local business that truly represents Cleveland and works hard to give back to the city that raised it is the Cleveland Clothing Company.

Cleveland Clothing Company, also known as CLE Clothing Co.(CLE), was established in 2008 by two lifelong friends, Mike Kubinski and Jeff Rees. One, an aspiring t-shirt maker, and the other an entrepreneur. One day the two decided to band together and print a few Cleveland-oriented t-shirt designs. Within a year, their success was on a rapid incline and because of it they have continued to win much recognition and awards since. What started as a digitally-based clothing store soon turned into an entire storefront of its own, with its first location off the corner of Euclid Avenue and E. 4 St. The company grew so quickly that they soon had to open two other branches. CLE Clothing Co. can now be found in downtown Cleveland, at its second branch in University Circle, Native-Cleveland, and online.

“I love this city, and that’s part of why I decided to put in my application here when I was looking for a job,” said Cleveland Clothing Co. sales associate Matt Bryson, 25. “This company does a really great job at bringing pride to the residents. I see it whenever someone walks through the door.”

Customers of all ages get excited when they are able to wear their favorite Cleveland-themed attire, with images like the historical monuments or significant places of Cleveland and our local sports teams, or depicting the holidays and heritage with CLE’s unique style on a t-shirt or pair of socks. “It’s exciting to see your hometown on a cool-looking shirt. I think it gives others a different idea on how Cleveland is viewed by its people,” Bryson said.

Almost anyone from the Cleveland area will readily tell you it’s a city that has its downsides, but overall, you’ve got to love it. When talking to local businesses, it’s easy to see why. The company brings many people in from not only Northeast Ohio, but from all parts of the state and country to express their love for the city of Cleveland.

CLE does its best to give back to the community whenever possible. “We’re involved in a lot of different projects like R.A.K.E. (Random Acts of Kindness Everywhere) – a Cleveland-based organization to promote the act of “paying it forward”– and the Cleveland Food Bank. Actually, when the West Side Market caught fire a couple years back, we designed a t-shirt and part of the proceeds went toward the reconstruction,” Bryson said. Other notable charities that CLE is involved with are the Cleveland MetroParks, The Gathering Place, Cleveland Big Wheel Relay and Business Volunteers Unlimited.

“In just these past couple of months, we ran an offer where if you bought a hoodie or beanie, another was given for free to someone in need--we do a ton of little things like that whenever we can to really better our community. Seeing Cleveland at its best is what is most important to us,” said Bryson.

Along with donations and fundraising, CLE Clothing Company also sponsors many local events. “We have been a sponsor for a variety of events and festivals in the Cleveland area. Some well-known ones being the Gay Games, Brite Winter Fest, the Cleveland TED talk, CLE rocks NYE and Cellar Door Music and Arts Fest. We enjoy doing sponsorships because both parties benefit,” Bryson said. “In order to communicate better with Cleveland citizens, we like to set up stands at local Cleveland events to spread awareness of the work we do inside and outside of the store, and to make it easier for people to reach us.”

The company’s involvement with the community brings a sense of unity and togetherness towards all of the citizens. “All citizens have one thing in common and that’s the city of Cleveland. The people of this city appreciate our amazing home for what it is, and because of that, they’re the reason why the city is on the map. There is no other place like it,” Bryson adds. “Any chance we get to bring the community together and help with any organization for the better of the city, we feel accomplished.”

The company is not only a fashion-forward organization, but they also use unique advertising tactics that include Cleveland pride and give off a sense of authenticity and rawness. “All of the models you see in our clothing are actually co-workers. They’re real people of all shapes, sizes, and ethnic backgrounds. They’re not photoshopped or manipulated to look any differently than they do in person,” Bryson said with a smile. “We also put on our tags that if the customer takes a picture wearing one of our products and sends it to us, we will give them 20% off of their next purchase. Our owners feel that the best way to show who and what Cleveland is, is by letting Cleveland show itself off.”

Cleveland is a city on the rise again. The rest of the country may not see all the greatness within this surprising town, but they will soon. Help spread the awareness by stopping into Cleveland Clothing Co. today! Pick up a hoodie, t-shirt, mug, magnet or other Cleveland moniker items and, as the CLE Clothing Company slogan says, “Wear Your Pride!”