Cleveland-Based And Locally-Made, SOZO Produces Its Signature Tees In-House
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By Cassell Ferere originally published on Forbes.com
The new fashion brand SOZO has a mission to restore “American Made” here in the States. Founded in Cleveland in 2020, SOZO's motto is to produce garments with the highest quality fabrics while delivering the most comforting fits, keen to restoring American craftsmanship.
SOZO being short for Soteria, the Greek goddess of safety and preservation from harm, was born through the innovation of founder Todd Leebow and a diverse group of local Cleveland fashion enthusiasts and designers. Leebow, who is the president and chief executive officer of Majestic Steel USA, his family-operated Cleveland, Ohio-based, flat-rolled steel company.
During the pandemic, Todd Leebow saw an opportunity to help manufacture facemasks for essential workers. Additionally, in reversing a worldwide mask shortage, Leebow had a conscious moment that led him to strategize a sustainable fashion brand made in America. SOZO was born with the help of local artisans, and fashion designers were tapped for their abilities to help bring the brand to life.
“At SOZO, high quality and being a part of the local community are our core values,” notes SOZO founder Leebow. “We hire local sewers, pick out high-quality fabrics and produce as much as [possible] in our store. Our mission is to support the local economy while focusing on sustainability.”
The SOZO founding team consists of the leadership of Todd Leebow as its CEO and chief operating officer, Christine Rizk. Then there is the brand director David VanGieson, lead designer Danielle Pusateri, and brand ambassador Dean Ferguson, the in-house stylist.
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In most cases, you can throw on your safety gear, plan a route into the wilderness, and set off to locations unknown, and in most cases, be back in time for tea!