Hidden Gems: Meet David Halvorson of Windy Willow Co. & Foundation

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Halvorson. 

David, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I really started off the same way as every other entrepreneur/creator. I was an undergrad at Michigan State studying finance as my primary major and entrepreneurship as a minor. I always had the itch to do something just a little bit off the beaten path. But I wanted that something to carry significant value. 

Around the same time, I had lost a couple of friends to suicide while slowly learning about the ugly side of depression, anxiety, and the different twists and turns life hits people with. For me, it did not seem meaningful to get a degree and launch myself into a job that didn’t carry some purpose. So, without a doubt, I wanted my “Why” to be focused around people. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think there is any such thing as smooth when creating. To create a brand or business that is meaningful, powerful, and simply put- different, you need to have volatility. Smooth is the absence of adversity, to which “different” becomes normalized. 

We’ve had plenty of struggles along the way. The classic example of developing a “why”. We started our brand as a proceed donation kickback. So, what. Anybody can donate money. I’m a brutally honest individual and saw little value in simply donating a portion of proceeds to a “hands-off” cause.” Developing the true value behind the brand is the biggest struggle of our identity and who we are today. Fast forward we’ve launched an affiliate nonprofit with the sole intent to be advocates, actionable, and provide access for the values of which we stand for. 

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Windy Willow Co. & Foundation are affiliated entities- one being a brand of clothing and the other an IRS-approved nonprofit which supports the value behind the brand. The company was founded in 2016 to support mental health awareness initiatives through a portion of our proceeds donated to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. In 2021, we launched our official Foundation. At the community level, we host a variety of events between Grand Rapids, MI, and Metro Detroit, MI with the goal of raising funds and support for our ‘Mental Health Aid Program’-financial aid for services targeted at kids, younger adults for gaps in coverage. We also partner with American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for education at the local level, awareness, and funding programs focused on adolescent mental health and suicide prevention. 

Our brand of clothing is meant to change the way nonprofits exist and thrive. By creating a brand and feel to the value of Windy Willow, we in essence, promote the nonprofit through the cultivation of community. “A brand that people love and support” vs. “a nonprofit our family gives to every year”. 

“Windy Willow Foundation is an organization working to provide access, advocacy, and action for mental health initiatives. The foundation is dedicated to destigmatizing the root challenges involved in mental health and wellness. Through intentional support, a community-oriented focus, and common cause, we push forward One Day at a Time.” 

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Grand Rapids is a relationship-based town. To anyone who does business here, lives here, or has experienced the culture- you’ll know that business and people are rewarded not by the amount of advertising. Not by the amount of outreach. Nor the amount of successes achieved. It’s about community. As cliche as that sounds, the city has a funny way of accepting those who care and creates roadblocks for those who try to bypass this normal. 

Grand Rapids is a city of opportunity. The people and professionals are willing to help. The coffee is great. The beer is better. But the opportunity to act on a passion is welcomed. It’s a great place to start a business, build a brand, or create a project from scratch. 

Pricing:

• Clothing: $20’s-$40’s
• Nonprofit Donors: No Minimums

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: WindyWillowCo.com | WindyWillowFoundation.org
• Instagram: @WindyWillowCoUSA
• Facebook: @WindyWillowCoUSA