“Notes From a Merch Rebel”

Hey friends,

Let’s get honest for a minute.

We all know the world doesn’t need more junk. Not in landfills. Not in closets. Not in our lives.

And yet—here we are, in the business of stuff. Branded merch. Swag. Giveaways. Gifts. Things.

But here’s the thing: at Mylo, we’ve never believed it was about the stuff. We believe it’s about the story.

It’s about intention. It’s about what you choose to put your name on—and who you choose to lift up in the process. That’s why this issue of Mylo Mag is entirely dedicated to Conscious Branding. Because we’re not here to sell tchotchkes. We’re here to help brands of all sizes show up in the world with purpose, with heart, and with a strategy that actually means something.

As a women-owned company, this work is deeply personal. We think about our communities. Our kids. Our planet. And we believe branding can be more than a moment—it can be a movement. When you choose fair labor, sustainable sourcing, ethical suppliers, and products that people actually want to use and share… well, that’s where the magic happens.

So in this issue, we’re going to show you what that looks like. From immersive client experiences with Cotopaxi and Osprey, to partnerships with brands like Denik, Chameleonlike, and Rupt—this is how branding gets better. This is how merch becomes something people post about, brag about, and remember.

Let’s stop settling for cheap and easy.
Let’s build brands that stand for something.

Thanks for being here—and for giving a damn.

With heart,
Angie
Editor, Mylo Mag & Co-Founder of Mylo Brand Studio

Ang, Sammie, Jackie & Cola taking a break from riding the RZRs through the mountains.

Do Better Together

At Mylo Brand Studio, we’re flipping the script on promotional products—infusing every project with purpose, human connection, and a whole lot of care for the planet.

Sound lofty for an industry often labeled “swag”? Maybe. But here's the truth: branded merch is powerful. It’s emotional. It tells stories. And it can either add value to the world—or add waste to it.

Guess which side we’re on?

This summer, I was reminded why we do this work in the first place. We took a family vacay in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains immersing ourselves in adventure. Surrounded by sky-high pines, dusty trails, and the kind of breathtaking views you only find in the wild corners of this beautiful country. We get to do things like this. We get to feel this earth, move through it, laugh and live in it—because someone cared enough to protect it.

You can’t stand in a national park, inhale that mountain air, and not feel the pull to do better.

We get to live on this planet. Let’s act like we love it.

And that’s why, at Mylo, we don’t just make merch—we make meaningful choices. Because every single product has the power to reflect who you are, what you believe in, and how much you give a damn.

Let’s Talk About the Impact

Promotional products don’t exist in a vacuum. They’re part of a much bigger ecosystem—one that affects our environment, our communities, and the people behind every stitch, seam, and shipment.

Every item you choose sends a message.
Every dollar you spend creates a ripple.

And the truth is: the “cheap and easy” path costs more than you think.

Here are a few facts to ground us:

The promotional products industry produces tens of billions of items each year—yet over 20% of that merch is tossed within days of being received.
The average American throws away over 80 pounds of textiles per year, much of it from fast fashion and low-quality branded goods.
Packaging waste alone accounts for nearly 30% of U.S. municipal solid waste.
Only 9% of plastics ever produced have been recycled.

Truly opening up our eyes to the skies! Brett, Cola, Jackie & Sammie (in background) Jake, Trevor & Colby

So yeah... it’s time to rethink what we’re making, why we’re making it, and who it truly serves.

As a women-owned, heart-led company, we think about the future constantly—our children’s world, the wellbeing of our communities, and the legacy we leave behind in the brands we help build. Our vision is about joyful, conscious living and creating merch that adds beauty and meaning to everyday life—not clutter.

We want to show that branding can be both responsible and remarkable. That it can reflect values, not just logos. That it can make life better—for the recipient, the maker, and the planet.

So yes, we still care deeply about the look and feel of the product. But we’re even more focused on its purpose, its journey, and its ability to create a moment that actually matters.

The world doesn’t need more stuff.

It needs more intention.

One Experience That Changed the Game

Getting All the Gear in Gear! Pre-setup in our Studio for the Client Event!

All In for the Win!

Not long ago, we got to design a fully immersive merch experience for one of our favorite clients. We showed up in-person, transformed their space, and created a boutique-style setup where every team member could choose between Cotopaxi and Osprey backpacks—brands built on sustainability, fair labor, and adventure-ready design.

And get this: most people there had never heard of either brand.

So we told them the stories: Cotopaxi’s bold commitment to fighting poverty through responsible sourcing, and Osprey’s legacy of quality gear that actually lasts (gasp—a bag that doesn’t unravel in a year?).

We wrapped the experience with on-site custom t-shirt printing. Everyone walked away with a bag they loved and a tee they actually wanted to wear. More importantly, they walked away with a moment—a connection to the product, the brand, and the purpose behind it.

Our Kind of Brands: Rupt, Denik, Chameleonlike & More

We’re beyond proud to work with people and partners who get it—who are walking the walk when it comes to sustainability, transparency, and brand-aligned impact.

Take Jason and Mike at Rupt, for example—founders, innovators, and all-around good humans. Rupt isn’t making merch for the sake of it—they’re designing tech gear, drinkware, bags, power banks, and accessories that are built to last and made to matter. Their entire product line is crafted using recycled materials—from ABS plastic and stainless steel to polyester and polycarbonate. It’s a bold commitment to a greener tomorrow, and every item is proof that you don’t have to sacrifice quality or cool to reduce your ecological footprint. And let’s be honest—Mike and Jason are never going to bullshit you.They’ll tell it to you straight, with plenty of humor and a damn good story every time. They bring brains, heart, and just the right amount of swagger to everything they do—and we’re here for it.

Then there’s Denik—a journal company that turns creative expression into global change. Every notebook you buy helps fund education projects in underserved communities while spotlighting independent artists whose work might never have been seen on this scale. When we gift or recommend a Denik piece, it’s more than a branded journal—it’s a tool for storytelling, learning, and creating a more connected world.

Pierre Martichoux - Founder of Chameleonlike

And of course, there’s Chameleonlike, a certified B Corp that’s redefining sustainable packaging and notebooks from the inside out. Their designs are sleek and smart, yes—but what really inspires us is the leadership behind the brand. Our friend Pierre brings passion, care, and serious intention to every detail of the process - not to mention his kick-ass dancing skills—from how materials are sourced to how partners are treated. It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes integrity that most people never see, but we do—and it’s exactly why we keep showing up for them.

These aren’t just vendors. They’re movement makers.

They’re building better systems. They're pushing for fair trade principles, lower-impact supply chains, responsible labor, and more mindful production—not because it’s trendy, but because it’s right.

And that, to us, is the gold standard.

We believe who you work with matters. And when we choose to partner with people who lead with purpose, that impact trickles down into every single product our clients touch.

The Signs are Everywhere If You Choose To Acknowledge Them

The Real Talk: We’re Still Working On It

Not all of our clients are quite there yet—and that’s okay.

We’re not here to guilt anyone. We’re here to inspire better choices. To ask better questions. To suggest that maybe it’s worth reallocating your promo budget to align with your purpose and your brand story. Because when you choose conscious branding, you don’t just elevate your swag—you elevate your values.

We know price matters. But so does purpose. Take Fast Fashion - it’s a huge problem that most people aren’t considering at the time of purchase. They see price tags that match their budget or an urge they feel to purchase something online or in person. Fast fashion may move quickly, but its consequences are long-lasting—polluting waterways, overloading landfills, and exploiting people in the name of cheap consumption. Every year, over a billion new garments are made. Most won’t last. More than 85% end up in landfills or incinerators—while the industry pumps out nearly 10% of the world’s carbon emissions. That’s a lot to swallow and we all need a better earth for a better future.

This Is a Movement

This isn’t about slapping logos on random stuff—it’s about building brand legacies through intentional, value-driven choices.

At Mylo, we collaborate with companies of all sizes—from bold startups to globally recognized brands—to design branded experiences that are smart, strategic, and unforgettable. Whether it’s a one-on-one gifting moment or a 500-person activation, every piece we create is built to spark connection and carry meaning.

We’re selective about who we work with, and even more intentional about how we work. From supply chain to storytelling, we obsess over the details—because every product is a reflection of your brand’s integrity.

This movement isn’t about merch that’s cute.

It’s about merch that’s conscious.
Merch that moves people.
Merch that makes a statement.

We're here for the companies that want to do epic sh*t with their branding—and who believe that better choices today make for a better world tomorrow.

The Beauty of Art and Imagination Coming to Life on Denik Journals.

Final Nudge

This isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress with purpose.

Because let’s be honest: these aren’t just “items.” They’re tiny billboards for your brand. Little moments of connection. They tell people who you are before you ever say a word.

And when they’re done right?
People keep them.
Post about them.
Brag about them.
Use them again and again.

That’s not just smart branding—it’s sustainable storytelling.

But here’s the thing we can’t ignore anymore:
If your brand is talking about people, planet, and purpose—but your promo says “we just needed something cheap and fast”… there’s a disconnect. And your audience notices.

We’ve seen it—companies with full sustainability reports who still hand out throwaway swag. It doesn’t line up. And it doesn’t move the needle.

At Mylo, we believe that what you gift, share, or leave behind should reflect what you believe in. That your merch should speak just as clearly as your mission statement. That values don’t stop at the boardroom—they show up in the box.

So… was this the gentle wake-up call you didn’t know you needed today?

We hope so.
Because we’re here for brands that are ready to align, inspire, and leave a lasting (and lovely) impression.

Let’s do it differently. Let’s do it with heart.
And let’s make merch people actually love.

“Open Your Eyes - Look Up to the Skies & See!”