Madhappy

Madhappy was founded by Joshua Sitt, Noah Raf, Peiman Raf, and Mason Spector in 2017.[2] Within its first year, the brand launched pop-up locations around New York City and Los Angeles with the intention to spread its optimist message in key local communities.[1] As the brand grew, Madhappy launched additional store locations in New York's Meatpacking District,[6] Aspen,[7] Miami, Los Angeles' Melrose Place, and Abbott Kinney.[8] In October 2019, Madhappy attracted the attention of LVMH Luxury Ventures, leading to a $1.8 million seed round for the brand.[9][10][11]

Throughout its history, Madhappy has collaborated with a range of partners such as Paris retailer Collette,[12] apparel partners including Columbia Sportswear,[13] GUESS,[14] and lululemon.[15] Footwear partners including Vans,[16] Salomon,[17] and UGG.[18][19] Entertainment partners including Pixar,[20] Curb Your Enthusiasm,[21] and Beats by Dre.[22] Restaurant partners including The Apple Pan,[23] MR.CHOW,[24] Roscoe's House of Chicken & Waffles, Courage Bagels,[25] and Jon & Vinny's.[26] Professional sports organizations including the Los Angeles Lakers[27] and the Los Angeles Dodgers.[25]

In addition to its products, Madhappy also launched The Madhappy Foundation, a non-profit organization, 501(c)(3) with a mission to improve mental health globally. Through The Madhappy Foundation, 1% of the brand's proceeds from every sale benefit efforts to raise awareness, fund research, and positively impact the mental health movement.[28] Madhappy has partnered with The Jed Foundation, Project Healthy Minds, and The University of Pennsylvania's Positive Psychology Center for conversations, research, and efforts centered on mental health.[5] Additionally, Madhappy announced the establishment of The Madhappy Foundation Pediatric Psychiatric Fund in partnership with Vanderbilt University Medical Center, managed by its Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, aiming to develop a childhood anxiety screener.[29] In addition to monetary contributions, Madhappy has launched out-of-home billboard campaigns for mental health initiatives including Mental Health Awareness Month[30] and World Mental Health Day.[31] In 2023, Madhappy launched a print magazine called "Local Optimist", that focuses on mental health awareness, wellness, and art.[32]

Since its launch, Madhappy has opened seasonal shops in New York's Meatpacking District,[6] Aspen,[7] Miami, Los Angeles' Melrose Place & Abbott Kinney,[8] The Grove,[33] Palisades Village,[34] and Rosewood Miramar Beach.[35] The brand plans to open its first flagship store in Los Angeles in Fall 2023.[25]