Local man creates clothing line to give back to veterans and first responders
On this Veterans Day, many companies are offering promotions for the men and women who served our country. But one local man started a business that gives back year-round. An Amesbury native created ‘Just Freedom’, a clothing line that donates with every purchase.
“It’s unique, but it’s simple,” said Nick Mele, the founder of Just Freedom.
And the same could be said about Nick. A simple guy, trying to come up with a unique idea to start his own business.
“I wanted to do something creative,” said Mele. “I wanted to kind of utilize that creative aspect of my mind because I wasn’t happy in the corporate world.”
Nick worked in the supply chain logistics industry and was tired of focusing on the analytics—and instead wanted to use his creativity to benefit a specific group of people—veterans and first responders.
“I’ve always had a huge respect for those people,” said Nick. “These are people that are literally sacrificing their lives for our freedom and our safety. I can’t think of anything more selfless than that.”
On Veterans Day last year, Nick launched his company—Just Freedom.
“Freedom is just such a powerful word,” said Mele. “And that’s what these veterans and these first responders are fighting for.”
What makes this business simple, yet unique—is how the money is spent. Every time someone buys a Just Freedom product, at least 15% goes to the charity of their choice that Nick has partnered with.
As part of his partnership with Concerns of Police Survivors, Stop Soldier Suicide and Freedom Service Dogs, Nick goes to some of their events to get his logo and the mission behind it—front and center.
“My message is I just want to help people,” said Mele. “I want to do something that is more focused on others than it is myself. I can figure out ways to make money. I can figure out ways to support myself.”
Until he scales up his business, Nick is a one man show doing it all--and he admits it’s not easy.
“You know, there’s certain months, certain days where my bank accounts crying,” said Mele. “So, you know, but that’s all part of it. I mean, it’s part of starting a business is being willing to jump off that ledge. And sometimes it’s a soft landing, sometimes it’s a hard landing. But I would rather experience a hard landing than experience the mystery of never finding out.”
Nick says he feels the gratification of supporting people like his brother, uncle and grandfather—and he hopes others will feel the same by wearing a logo that gives back.
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