Speaking of this project, walk with me if you will. Take a look at the first picture above. What do you see?

Maybe you would assume a few things about the person: pronouns, politics, even perhaps personality. But really, all you know is what you assume. And assumptions can miss the truth by a mile, right?

Now take a look at the second picture: Same person, similar smile, but now the person is TeeCLAIMING™.

There's a CLAIM with a QR code that links to online Share Space. One doesn't have to guess who this person is or what they stand for; one can see that the person is mission-driven and understand what that means in the TeeCLAIMER's own words.

Well, one can see that I'm mission-driven . Hi. I'm Jolinda, founder of TeeCLAIMING™. That's me in those pictures, and to look at me, one wouldn’t know that I'm a homeschooling mom, a former people pleaser, an ideas person, a pet sitter, or that I’m a breast cancer survivor. One wouldn’t know the struggles I’ve faced or the values I hold closest. But that changes when I Wear & Share™ while TeeCLAIMING, because suddenly, with the help of a QR code reader, one gets a glimpse of the real me and my story behind the TeeCLAIM. And here’s the beautiful part: what starts as my story doesn’t stay mine alone. It opens the opportunity for something I share to spark a connection, an awareness of common ground, a conversation without me initiating it.

It's the closest thing I can think of to walking in someone else's shoes. A chance to understand before judging, to connect before assuming. And it starts with something as simple as a shirt, because sometimes the best way to say something is to wear it. At least, that's what my shy self is out here trying to let people know with this little communication tool of mine.

Do you see the vision? Do you think the world could use more healthy communication, connection, and compassion? If so, I’d love for you to join me in TeeCLAIMING: wear your truth, share your story, and see what connections unfold.