Jedidiah Clothing | Working to Change the World
Written By: Jeremy Seick

wareness is key. We must continue to look beyond our own lives or else we become closed off to the things that are happening around us and change ceases to exist. We truly are the answer for change in our world. Impress that on your mind. Jedidiah Clothing has been helping us to stay aware of global social injustices since 2001 and helping to facilitate change in a very practical way.

We must all clothe ourselves, this is life. Why not spend your money on a company that is giving away a portion of their proceeds and helping to create awareness about humanitarian issues instead of on a company that is enslaving the very kids that we hope to set free? Until recently I knew the name of Jedidiah Clothing but never really knew what they were about. With one cruise of their website I was hooked. Not only by their product line, but by their mission as a company and the actions that they have put forth. Jedidiah is creating change in our world and inviting us to move forward with them. Read through this interview and then be sure to check them out first hand at www.jedidiahusa.com!

How long has Jedidiah Clothing been around and how did you get your start?  Has humanitarian work always been at the forefront of Jedidiah Clothing?

Kahana Kalama: The concept behind Jedidiah was started in 2001, but it didn’t really develop into a collection until 2004.  It was right around that time that I started riding (as a sponsored surfer) for them.  One of the things that has always appealed to me about the brand is that although it was initially birthed as a surf brand, it’s always had a passion for art, music and, most importantly, humanity.

5% of your time, sales and clothing are going to your new Surfing the Nations program.  Tell us more about that program.

KK: Actually, by the time this article comes out its more likely that 5% of our sales will be going to Compassion International’s work in Haiti.  In September of 2009 we traveled to Haiti with Compassion to learn about how their different programs work and how we could help tell their story.  The 5% that we will give them will go toward their Leadership Development Program that helps train and prepare children for real life jobs.

What can readers to do get involved?

KK: The best way for readers to get involved would be to visit Compassion International’s website (http://www.compassion.com/) and to seriously consider sponsoring a child. They can also purchase Jedidiah apparel from July through September 2010 and 5% of our sales will go directly to Compassion.

In the past you guys have teamed up with organizations like Compassion International and Invisible Children to help raise money.  Why are these organizations important to you?  Talk to us briefly about these Campaigns…

KK: It is a way for us to put our words and mission into action and over time, it has become the foundation of the brand and is really the reason we exist. As a result, over $375,000 has been raised for our what we call “Hope Collection” partners (Invisible Children, Compassion, etc.).

As far as style in the clothing itself, what sets Jedidiah apart?  Who does your designs?

KK: Jedidiah clothing is truly made with care. There is intentionality and purpose behind every piece we create. Every season, we choose a charitable partner to team with. We gather inspiration from their field and we create apparel and graphics based on this inspiration. Our Fall 2010 line is actually inspired by our experiences in Haiti.

The entire brand was formed with the intention of making a measurable difference in the world and we have an amazing team of artists and designers creating art that inspires people.

Tell us about some of the bands that you guys sponsor and what role they play in the Jedidiah family…

KK: Jedidiah has an amazing family of bands, from a wide range of genres. We have purposely kept the group small, as we want to work with artists who care as much about the causes as they do the clothing. We work with a wide variety of locals, but on a national level; Anberlin, Switchfoot, As I Lay Dying, The Classic Crime, Secret & Whisper, Haste The Day, Ace Enders and Ivoryline have all been extremely active and positive people to have involved. Just like our surfer and artist ambassadors, the musicians’ place is really to cultivate interest to help others and tell the story of Jedidiah and its partners.

When you think about Jedidiah 5-10 years down the road, where would you like it to be?

KK: Ten years from now, I’d love to be able to look back and see the effect that our customers have been able to have on the world.  We’d love to have quality relationships with even more non-profit partners, and we’d love to be able to have helped them achieve their goals.  We would love to have helped create a community of good neighbors: people that not only see the need throughout the globe, but that have the vision to see the need within our domestic borders.

What sort of encouragement would you give to those that have a desire to do what they love to help create change?

KK: The biggest encouragement we can give would be to just never stop doing what you love. When your heart is in anything for the right reasons people will notice and it is then that you will be able to affect others. We’d also really encourage getting involved in some sort of community that shares the same ideals, beliefs and goals as you do. We’ll all be able to make a bigger difference when we’re working together.

Is there anything that readers can start getting excited about that is coming up in the near future for Jedidiah?

KK: We’re currently in the midst of designing our Spring 2011 line, which is geared around raising awareness and support for World Vision’s anti-trafficking efforts in Cambodia, Thailand, and India.  In a little over a week, Kevin Murray (Jedidiah Owner) will be flying out to Cambodia with Aaron Chang to document their efforts and to gather more inspiration for the graphics in our 2011 Spring line.

Also, in about a week, I’ll be flying back to Haiti to reconnect with a family that we’ve been supporting through Compassion International. The trip will be for a show on Fuel TV and we’ll be creating a few shorts for our website, www.jedidiahusa.com.

As far as this summer goes, we’re really looking forward to the Switchfoot Bro-Am that takes place in San Diego every year.  This surf-contest/beach concert will again benefit the San Diego and Oceanside chapters of StandUp For Kids, a national non-profit volunteer outreach organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of at-risk, homeless and street kids. It’s a great day for the community to come out and connect with the Jedidiah family and all the guys in Switchfoot while checking out some amazing live music performances, beach vendors and live mural art.

As far as the music side of things, there are some big things coming down the line for late summer, but we can not announce them yet, maybe if you come back and interview me again in a few months we will announce them exclusively through Hopecore.com! I can say there are some awesome events being planned in different places around the US, events that mix together every aspect of Jedidiah. The best thing to do is keep an eye glued to jedidiahusa.com for announcements.

Great, we can’t wait! Thank you guys for all you are doing to create change in our world!