Halcyon, a professed “Lifestyle Artist” is the host of one of the longest running online video broadcasts, Hug Nation.
For 3 years, reverend Caleb Shikles (aka Grandpa Caleb) was the Hug Nation Co-host. 15 Years after his death, Caleb is still an integral part of Hug Nation (and featured on several of the shirts in this store.)
For more about magical Grandpa Caleb and the history of Hug Nation, watch Halcyon’s TEDx talk.
Halcyon currently hosts a free live LOVE MORNING broadcast every day around 9:00 am and daily GRATITUDE CIRCLES in Zoom twice a day (also free). Learn more!
Why I make t-shirts:
Long ago I decided I was not going to flaunt corporate brands on my clothing if I could avoid it.
I don’t care how comfy it is, I’m not going to wear TOMMY HILLFIGER across my body.
Don’t get me wrong, I definitely had my years of showing off my tags.
But now I try never to buy clothing with a corporate brand on it, no matter how soft or comfortable it is. If it won’t ruin the garment, I’ll cut off exterior tags or use a Sharpie to black out the brand. On backpacks I try to pin a button on top of a logo.
Making the brand a visible part of a piece of clothing design turns it into an athletic jersey.
It is saying, “I’m on this team.”
Or, “I agree with what this brand thinks is cool.”
But, even if I’m in alignment with thier, “JUST DO IT,” vibe, I don’t want to be on “Team Nike.”
I’d rather not confuse my identity with their marketing efforts (or their corporate policies, environmental impact, etc.)
(**NOTE: There are some brands that I *would* want to be on their team. Like, Dr. Bronners & Patagonia.)
Thankfully, we live in an era where we can have high-quality, print on-demand, customizable things. So, why not say EXACTLY say what you want to say -without any allegiance to a corporation?
That’s why I started designing shirts with the Hug Nation lessons and phrases that helped me most.
It costs a few bucks more, but it’s priceless.
Wearing a Hug Nation shirt makes every walk around the block an artistic statement – instead of a marketing campaign.
It’s also a beacon for like-minded people. A conversation starter. It’s a way to silently ask, “Are you a fellow Love Ambassador?”
Check out my shirts and see if there are any messages you’d like to spread. Or go to printful.com (or any number of custom printing companies) and make your own!
Or wear whatever you want. I’m on your team.
Love,
Halcyon
Welcome!
Over the years I have collected a toolbox of mantras to recalibrate my mindset. Earlier this year I printed some t-shirts for myself to wear. So many people have asked “where can I get one?!” that I decided to open this shop.
It fills me with immense joy to know that beyond the digital vibrations I’m sending out that people are donning Hug Nation gear in the world.
If you buy a shirt, you’re not a customer, you’re an ambassador!
Thank you for spreading the love.
Wearing something that resonates with you is a teeny-tiny bit of activism. It is an artistic statement. It puts a thought in someone’s mind for a moment. And with the avalanche of “you’re not enough” messaging that drives our consumer culture, these simple flashes of love are important.
When I see a clever or insightful t-shirt, it gives me a little bump of happy. The person wearing it gave me a little gift. So, the goal with Hug Nation Gear is to give a teeny-tiny gift to everyone you pass.
But be prepared. Sometimes teeny tiny gifts turn into long term friendships, dogma shifts, or romantic relationships. I’m just saying.
– Halcyon