Just a Few Days Left to Support an EARN Entrepreneur!

Somewhere nestled in the heart of San Francisco’s SOMA neighborhood, you’ll find a little space where dreams are coming true. Climb up a long, narrow flight of stairs, and you’ll start to hear the clamor of sewing machines mixed with music. Turn a corner to find Julian Dash, a passionate entrepreneur hard at work making denim clothing and teaching the next generation how to do the same.

Many years ago, well before this workshop existed, Julian was much like the youth he now mentors. He was overflowing with creativity and drive but had no positive role models to guide him in the right direction.

One night, Julian was out with a friend and fellow graffiti artist, tagging a wall in San Diego. Before he knew it, they were both surrounded by police officers with guns drawn. He knew he had to make a change.

Julian set out to fulfill his lifelong dream of owning a clothing company. EARN provided him with a matched savings account, meaning that for every dollar Julian saved, we provided $2 to match it. Along the way, he learned how to start his business and gained essential financial management skills to ensure that his enterprise would be successful.

Now, Julian both runs his own business and gives back by mentoring local youth.

Recently, EARN launched a fundraising project using Causes to ask our community to support the next generation of strivers and dreamers. We’re hoping to raise $500 to match the hard-earned savings of other low-income entrepreneurs like Julian. As of today, we’re more than half way towards our goal, and you can help get us to the top!

Check out our project, and if you’re able, donate $10. There’s just under a week left to give, so make sure you donate before the August 31st deadline! Your gift will be matched twice: once by an EARN Saver, and once by a matching grant EARN has received. And at the end of the day, you’ll have helped us get one more person like Julian on the path to prosperity. 

Until next time,

Matt Silva
Levi Strauss Storytelling Associate