Why Brighton Socks supports Odd Socks Day
When I launched The Brighton Socks Company on October 5th 2024, I did so with the sole intention of making a difference. In pledging to donate 100% of the profits to help solve the climate crisis, the business model I’m using certainly feels different. After I’ve paid myself a necessary, but capped, salary (in line with the Real Brighton Living Wage and a percentage of total socks sold), I really will be giving the rest of the money away. Some may think that sounds crazy. I’m just trying to be bold and brave.
Now, being cautious not to sound conceited, what I’ve found is that being bold and brave takes practise. It also takes a certain amount of courage, resilience and determination. It’s with this in mind that I wanted to support Anti Bullying Week and, specifically, Odd Socks Day. So to help raise funds, I put together the completely exclusive Brighton ‘Odd’ Socks, which were available throughout November.
Looking back, I’m happy to say I wasn’t bullied when I was younger. However, throughout my previous career in education I was acutely aware of the reality and regularity of bullying in our schools. To my surprise though, I do feel I’ve been bullied as an adult. A recent (non-education based) workplace experience with a colleague, whose management style was to bully their staff with criticism and intimidation, played a significant part in motivating me to set up Brighton Socks. It was a tough decision to leave the security of paid employment, especially as I’m a single parent. You might even say it was a bold and brave decision.
Of course, I’m well aware that being bold and brave doesn’t always come naturally. If I’m honest, it took me years of practise to develop my courage, resilience and determination. But why am I telling you this? I suppose I’m hoping it might mean something to someone. Maybe even inspire someone to try something new. At university I trained as a teacher. I was a shy and quiet 18 year old when I left home and headed for the bright lights of London. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to become the director of an ethical socks business at the age of 54!
So the moral of my little story is this: during the course of a lifetime, things change. Many things. And in ways you can’t imagine. So be bold. Be brave. Maybe even dare to be different. And in the meantime, whatever the day, wear your odd socks with pride.
Amanda xx
