For Damon Baz Redd, kindness is key. It was kindness that inspired the 2008 inception of Redd’s clothing and design company, the aptly named Kind Design, and it runs like a river through his every interaction and endeavor toward an admirable end goal: “...to spread kindness towards the earth and others, simple as that.”
Of starting Kind Design, Redd relates: “I was living in Vail, working ski patrol in the winters and raft guiding in the summer. Then, I met the girl of my dreams. With all that inspiration in my life, I wanted to start a business that could help conserve the playground we lived on and support a family one day.”
From humble beginnings in Redd’s garage, Redd and his wife Kristen have grown Kind Design into a thriving company boasting an array of styles, including the brand’s signature "topo clothing" line: one-of-a-kind designs created using topographical maps of national parks, ski resorts and rivers around the world.
As he explains, “I really loved the intricate patterns that mother nature created, and I wanted to isolate those...and use them on clothing and art.”
Together, the Redds have overcome staggering setbacks—including losing everything in 2013’s devastating “100-year-flood”—thanks to their perseverance and the incredible support of their community, who rallied to revive Kind Design from the ruinous fallout of the flood.
As Damon reflects, “My mind was blown by the support I received following the flood...when something this bad happens, people will amaze you.”
Beyond simply looking good, Kind Design’s products are doing good, with profits supporting a number of noteworthy non-profits, including Western Resource Advocates, Protect Our Winters and the High Fives Foundation.
According to Damon, the most rewarding aspect of Kind Design is “seeing what I can do if I put my mind to it, helping to support my awesome family, working with non-profits and making the world a better place.”
Now, 12 years and three children later, Damon and Kristen have cultivated a brand that is a powerful force for conservation and community, utilizing the beauty of nature as a vehicle to protect it, and spreading kindness along the way.
KindDesign.co | @kinddesign
How Kind Design Gives Back
Protect Our Winters (POW)
ProtectOurWinters.org | @protectourwinters
POW receives $2 from the sale of any ski area topo print and a portion of Kind Design’s upcoming base layer collection.
Western Resource Advocates (WRA)
WesternResourceAdvocates.org | @westernresourceadvocates
WRA receives $2 from the sale of any board shorts, river topo prints, hoodies or leggings.
High Fives Foundation
HighFivesFoundation.org | @hi5sfoundation
Kind Design devotes most of its philanthropic time to High Fives, through fundraisers, donations, pro-bono design work, and more.
“With all that inspiration in my life, I wanted to start a business that could help conserve the playground we lived on and support a family one day.”
