This week I chat with Mark Donnelly, founder of the clothing brand HUH, standing for How’s Your Head? I’ve been following Mark’s journey with interest since he launched the business last year as he was a former retail degree student of mine. So, of course, I was delighted to see him braving a new business venture. The brand has really taken off over the last year so that now it really has created its very own brand community. In a chaotic consumer society, so many people more and more want to align themselves with brands that have a purpose or a meaning. The sentiment behind this brand is really compelling. But Mark also donates 10% of all his sales to mental health charities – that’s a very significant share and adds the feelgood factor to the brand. And as an added bonus, his jumpers are sustainably made, with the GOTS standard logo – Global Organic Textile Standard. I’m happy to report firsthand I invested in a HUH crewneck at the weekend, and I love it. Super-fast delivery, the jumper is like a big hug it’s so soft! And to top it all off they arrive with handwritten thank you notes, and a packet of Haribo jellies! What’s not to love about this brand?!In our chat, I ask Mark perhaps a controversial question about college, and whether he thinks 4-years of studying for a degree is necessary for someone who wants to go the entrepreneurial route. Maybe an awkward question given I was once his lecturer! And of course, I assured him I would not take his answer personally! But this is a question I am always curious to explore with graduates after they have left college. It can be hard to know why you are in college when you are doing the 4-year grind. So, I love chatting about this with graduates who have worked a couple of years and have had some time to reflect on their choice to go to college. Mark shares his take on this question during our chat. So in the vein of the HUH brand’s message, if you’re not already moving while listening to this, grab your earphones and listen in to our chat while you’re out getting fresh air, taking in nature, and getting your exercise in! Take care of your mental health this month of all months – May is mental health awareness month – a great time to lift the spirits with summer coming in, and lockdown restrictions lifting. Plenty to be hopeful for! TOPICS INCLUDES:A day in the life of a new start-up entrepreneur Why a mental health clothing brand?Becoming an advocate for mental health How the HUH brand can open the discussion - How's Your Head?The power of brand community - people buying into brand meaning, not the clothingTotally transparent journey showcasing the evolution of the HUH brand through social mediaThe pro's & con's of social media How Mark decided to "just go for it" with his business idea Dropshipping as a means to get your business started Leadership styles - how putting trust in your people will encourage them to thrive What do 4 years of college really teach you? Next steps for the HUH brand HUH Clothing website: https://huhclothing.com/_______________________________________________________Subscribe to Journeying YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/3jLTdaqRate & review Journeying podcast on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/journeying/id1529912826Like Journeying Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/33kp4bUVisit the Journeying website: https://journeying.me/Instagram: @journeyingpodcast

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