The Power of Words
Deborah Sawaf (Founder and CEO)
Summary
The Power of Words is founded by luxury designer Deborah Sawaf and THALE BLANC in 2022. It is a purpose-driven foundation combining sport, fashion, and art to destigmatise mental health. Its mission is to provide tools for emotional expression, fostering connections and addressing the stigma around mental well-being. By integrating impactful programmes and ethically crafted fashion, the initiative aims to inspire change.
The foundation features a diverse approach through brand collaborations, an Impact Programme, and a podcast featuring leaders and role models advocating for mental health awareness. It activates its mission across multiple platforms, including sport, art, music, and fashion, under the belief that “fashion leads culture, culture creates change.”
Central to The Power of Words is its ethically made clothing line, designed to promote messages of empowerment. Twenty percent of all proceeds are directed to a leading mental health organisation, reinforcing its commitment to tangible support.
The Impact Programme focuses on building emotional intelligence through wearable EQ bands that foster self-expression and community. By addressing emotional suppression and loneliness, the initiative seeks to empower individuals to manage their emotions effectively. The project also supports mental health organisations through partnerships, donations, and events.
Key marketing efforts include collaborations with strategic partners and influencers, as well as a digital campaign launched in January 2022. Displays of the collection are strategically positioned at prominent locations, with proceeds supporting initiatives like “Stand Up for Mental Health.” Future plans include a travelling art show across the United States.
The Power of Words seeks to build inclusive communities, initiate conversations, and fund mental health organisations, creating lasting impact and awareness for mental well-being.
History
The Power of Words founded by luxury designer Deborah Sawaf in collaboration with THALE BLANC and a group of like-minded individuals in 2022. It is a purpose-driven initiative designed to address the pressing global issue of mental health. The foundation combines sport, fashion, and art to destigmatise mental health and promote emotional well-being. Its foundation rests on the belief that meaningful conversations, emotional expression, and community support are essential to overcoming the stigma associated with mental health challenges.
The initiative began with a clear mission: to create a platform for awareness, education, and tangible impact. Recognising the increasing prevalence of untreated mental health issues among adults and youth, The Power of Words was developed as a means to inspire change. According to 2023 statistics, 55% of adults and 60% of depressed youth lacked access to treatment. The foundation identified a reluctance to express negative emotions as a significant factor contributing to loneliness, anxiety, and emotional suppression. Addressing this gap became a core focus of the programme.
Central to the initiative is its ethically produced fashion line, featuring high-quality materials designed to last. The clothing incorporates empowering messages intended to influence both the wearer and the observer, aligning with the movement’s philosophy that “fashion leads culture, culture creates change.” 20% of the proceeds from sales are allocated to a leading mental health organisation, ensuring direct support for the cause.
In 2022, The Power of Words launched its Impact Programme, focusing on building emotional intelligence through the use of wearable EQ bands. These bands encourage self-expression, foster connections, and strengthen a sense of community. The programme’s simplicity and universality have made it an effective tool for addressing emotional suppression and loneliness.
The foundation employs various channels to amplify its message. Brand collaborations introduce the initiative to new communities, while podcasts feature leaders and role models advocating for mental health. Activations through sport, art, music, and fashion provide a dynamic approach to spreading awareness. Additionally, a digital marketing campaign launched in early 2022 included over 200 influencers in fashion, sport, and wellness. Displays of the collection were strategically positioned in high-traffic locations, with QR codes enabling easy access to the products.
The initiative has also gained visibility through key industry events such as New York Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week, where its collections were showcased. Future plans include a travelling art exhibition across the United States to further engage audiences and promote its mission.
Goals and Purpose
The Power of Words aims to destigmatise mental health by fostering emotional expression and community connections. Its purpose is to provide tools for individuals to build emotional intelligence, enabling them to manage emotions and improve well-being. Through fashion, art, sport, and music, the initiative creates meaningful conversations about mental health in an inclusive and approachable manner. It seeks to empower individuals across all demographics while supporting mental health organisations through proceeds from ethically made products. By promoting awareness and early intervention, The Power of Words aspires to create enduring communities focused on mental well-being and mutual support.
Impact
The Power of Words has made a significant impact by addressing mental health stigma and promoting emotional well-being through innovative approaches. Its programmes, such as the EQ Band initiative, empower individuals to express emotions and connect with others, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing loneliness. By incorporating ethically crafted fashion with empowering messages, the initiative influences cultural conversations and promotes positive change.
Through its Impact Programme, The Power of Words engages diverse audiences, including sports teams, schools, universities, and corporate teams, providing practical tools for emotional intelligence. Collaborations with mental health organisations ensure that 20% of product sales support vital programmes and services.
The initiative’s outreach includes digital campaigns, influencer collaborations, and events at major platforms like New York and Milan Fashion Weeks, raising awareness on a global scale. By creating inclusive, supportive communities, The Power of Words inspires meaningful conversations and contributes to lasting change in mental health advocacy.
References
- The Power of Words by Thale Blanc | Thale Blanc
- The Power of Words | Thepowerofwordsbrand
- Deborah Sawaf | LinkedIn
- About our founder: Deborah Sawaf | The Power of Words
- TPOW | Thale Blanc
- A mental health fashion line aims to raise awareness during NBA All-Star weekend | Ideastream
- Emotional Intelligence and The Power of Words | Opglobalevents
- The Power of Words Clothing Brand | Beverly Hills Magazine
Deborah Sawaf (Founder and CEO)