Saving the world is a feat we all want to partake in. Lucky for us, visionary genious and philanthropist Mary Fanaro is making it easy for us. In 2007, in the midst of battling cancer, she launched OmniPeace, a fashion label and lifestyle brand at the ultra-swag L.A. boutique Kitson. With 25% of all proceeds contributing to the support of education, peace, human rights, and ending poverty in Africa she is in it to win it. With help from Millennium Promise and Building With Books she has teamed up with Kitson to build OmniPeace/Kitson Primary School; the first school in the village of Longhor, Sengal in over 40 years. The clever logo of the African continent merging into a peace sign has become the signature item though you can also purchase OmniPeace cashmere, hats, yoga gear, and more. Top celebrities like Common, David Beckham, and Eva Longoria have all been sighted rockin' the awesome tee. We checked in with Mary Fanaro to get the goods on this awesome venture.
OmniPeace took place during a difficult time in your life. How did these two major events coincide with one another?
The launch did take place in a very difficult time of my life. However, it was exciting to be fighting cancer and poverty all at the same time while also launching my brand, instead of just having my whole life become all about me and my fears. OmniPeace gave me something to fight for that I was deeply passionate about.
What was the inspiration behind such a phenomenal idea?
It all came down to a chocolate bar. I was brainstorming ideas for a company while I was watching Live Eight, a string of benefit concerts promoting the relief of African debt. I knew I wanted my company to support Africa in some way. So one day, I got a craving for chocolates while I was over at a friend's house where I was introduced to "Endangered Species Chocolate Bar," a brand that donates 10% of its proceeds to protecting endangered species. I thought that was a pretty cool idea so I asked myself: "Why not produce a chocolate bar that donates proceeds to Africa?" An old friend then came up with the name "Peace of Chocolate," while another friend came up with the logo. Shortly thereafter, I read about Jeff Sachs and all his good doings in Africa. All the pieces came together and OmniPeace was born. However, it wasn't the chocolate bar but a high end t-shirt line that ended up being the first OmniPeace product.
How did you come up with the OmniPeace logo?
Joe Petruccio. He was a friend of a friend of mine. He was told of my idea and came up with the OmniPeace logo in one day. He's a genius, a great guy and an amazing graphic artist. Obviously, he's no longer a friend of a friend but a good friend of mine. I owe it all to him.
Do you plan to expand the line beyond what exists today?
Absolutely. We are currently working on several new partnerships with various retail companies to expand the OmniPeace line into many different categories.
For more check out the OmniPeace Web site at www.OmniPeace.com as well as their new Web series found on iTunes by either searching "OmniPeace" atwww.apple.com/itunes.
