My name is Bric Friesland, and I’m the founder of Eyes To The Horizon. Our mission is to create a platform that highlights communities in need by showcasing artists and raising funds through thoughtful, intentional, and original apparel designs.
This mission emerged from one of the most challenging times of my life—when Hurricane Helene devastated our Appalachian communities in and around Asheville, NC. What started as a response to chaos quickly became a way to inspire hope, forge connections, and rebuild communities.
The Storm That Sparked a Mission
Hurricane Helene was more than just a storm; it was a force that disrupted lives, homes, and the very foundation of our community. Like so many others, I was caught in a spiral of shock, denial, and confusion as the storm crossed the threshold of our mountain town.
Once the skies cleared, I knew I had to act. I went into “protection mode,” assessing the damage, adapting to each challenge, and overcoming obstacles as they arose. This left-foot, right-foot cadence became my rhythm—a constant reminder that the only way forward was one step at a time.
But survival wasn’t enough. As the days passed, it became clear that my role extended beyond protecting those closest to me. There was a bigger picture to consider: How could I help my community find its footing again?
“Grabbing roots and praying for vines”
-Josh gibbs
Turning a Mantra Into a Mission
The devastation of Hurricane Helene became the catalyst for a powerful mantra: Eyes To The Horizon. These words reminded me—and those around me—to stay focused on the future, even when the present felt impossible.
This mantra laid the foundation for a deeper understanding: “We’re all in this together, and brighter days are ahead.” What began as a personal pledge quickly evolved into a mission to help others rebuild hope, connection, and resilience.
From this vision, GiveWithEveryPurchase.com was born—a platform that turns intention into action, creating meaningful contributions for disaster recovery through thoughtful apparel designs.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Eyes To The Horizon is more than a brand—it’s a promise to stand with those in need, to foster connection, and to rebuild hope one step at a time.
Here’s how you can help:
- Shop with Purpose: Explore intentional apparel designs at GiveWithEveryPurchase.com.
- Share the Mission: Spread the word and inspire others to join us in creating brighter days.
- Stay Connected: Follow our blog for stories of resilience and updates on how your support is making an impact.
Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities to build stronger, more connected communities. Let’s keep our eyes to the horizon and move forward as one.
Finding Strength in Connection
To regroup, my family and I took refuge at my mother-in-law’s house. We found safety, rest, and care during a time of profound uncertainty.
We recharged our souls (and phones), cleaned our clothes (and ourselves), and felt the warmth of family love. They fed us, gave us a safe place to sleep, and even spoiled my son, Buck Rogers—a nickname earned for his resilience and adaptability.
Yet, even in their care, something was missing. That missing piece was connection—real connection—with my community. The physical distance created an emotional void that felt unbearable, like a weight pulling me into quicksand.
I kept thinking about everyone back home, the ones “grabbing roots and praying for vines,” as my dear friend Josh Gibbs once wrote. It wasn’t just the separation; it was the shared understanding of what we were all enduring. I realized that to truly feel grounded, I needed to be with the people who understood this experience firsthand.
Building a Platform for Resilience
Just as the storm carved new tributaries into the land, Eyes To The Horizon has created a new tributary of love, connection, and resilience within our community. This isn’t just about recovery; it’s about proving that brighter days are possible when we work together to create them.
Through our platform:
- Every piece of apparel tells a story of resilience and hope.
- Purchases contribute directly to disaster recovery efforts, helping rebuild lives and strengthen communities.
- We amplify the voices of artists and those impacted, fostering a deeper connection to the causes we support.
Eyes To The Horizon is a testament to the power of intention, creativity, and collaboration.
