Flint Company Makes Trendy Eyewear and Proceeds Benefit Youth Affected by the Water Crisis [VIDEO]

Once again, Flint citizens prove that we are more than our water, and that we take care of each other! Article One is a local company that not only makes awesome glasses, they also support a cause that will greatly improve the future of our youth!

Wes Stoody is a graduate of both Powers Catholic High School and Eastern Michigan University who was motivated not just to make sweet eyewear, but to help children suffering from vitamin A deficiency. This deficiency can cause blindness and even death, and although it may not be a very well known topic, it is fairly inexpensive to treat. Stoody discovered that a whole years worth of suppliments cost less than one dollar. He took action. For every pair of glasses sold, Article One donates $2 to Helen Keller International, and so far has raised enough money to help 12,000 kids! That's where the story begins, but definitely not where it ends.

Article One is a company that truly and genuinely cares about Flint. They just introduced "The Flint Collection" and get this: ONE HUNDRED PERCENT (yes, 100%) of the proceeds go to the Flint Childhood Health & Development Fund, the organization dedicated to finding solutions for the health and development of our youth at a time when they need it the most. Your purchase of a pair of glasses from "The Flint Collection" will contribute to their goal of raising $40,000 for our city! Just writing this gives me the happy chills!

Pictured below are just a few of Article One's Flint role models, modeling the frames in The Flint Colection.

I did a phone interview (below) with Stoody, and he invited me down to check out the collection in person. I'm so glad I did! I tried on a few pair and took a few selfies, and found that my favorite pair is one from "The Flint Collection"  You can check out all of the handmade (watch the other video below about how the glasses are made) products at www.ArticleOneEyewear.com.

His company began with funding assistance from family and friends, and also using the money he earned in the food and drink industry wisely. The very first run was produced in his senior year of college! While living in Chicago, he was inspired by the energy there, and it reminded him of his hometown. He decided he wanted to bring his spirit, and his company back here. Their headquarters is located downtown in the beautiful Dryden building on the corner of Saginaw and Second Street. The company also consists of his best friend as the director of sales and his sister as the marketing director, in addition to a few U of M Flint grads. If you're wondering where you can go to get a pair with your prescription click here.

I, personally, am a huge fan of the city of Flint, and the people here. There is just a certain passion, culture and delight for all things artistic and no matter what our problems may be, we keep on moving and supporting each other. In an article on Fashionista.com, Stoody said;

"Flint has obviously had its massive problems, but one of the amazing aspects of Flint is the diverse culture that exists here," Stoody explains. "For a city of 100,000 people, it's just so tight-knit. You get to hear about all these amazing things happening in this neighborhood and everyone wants to support anything positive coming out of this city."

There is so much more involved with this story, and it seemingly just keeps getting better. Support local talent, art, children, businesses, and love. Check out Article one at ArticleOneEyewear.com or on their Facebook page.