OUR STORY

I grew up in the heart of Minnesota, where I spent most of my life on the track or basketball court. Being an athlete was my passion—it was who I was. But everything changed when a college injury sidelined me for good. Losing the ability to compete at the level I loved was more than just a physical setback; it felt like I lost a part of myself. I spiraled into depression, and anxiety became a constant companion. My identity, once so clear, was now a blur.

When I moved to California to finish school, I was all alone, far from the support system I knew. The loneliness only deepened my struggles. But I knew I had to find a way to cope, to conquer this new reality. I began volunteering at a mental health clinic that focused on helping kids and misguided youth. I saw so much of myself in them—confused, hurting, searching for something to hold onto. It was there, among those who were also struggling, that I found a new purpose. I realized that while I was helping them, they were helping me too.

At first, I’d give them stickers I bought online—small tokens of encouragement. But soon, I started designing my own stickers, creating messages that resonated with the mental health journey we were all on together. These stickers became more than just rewards; they became symbols of resilience and strength.

Seeing how much these small tokens meant to the kids, I started designing T-shirts and sweaters as graduation gifts for those who completed the program. What started as a personal project soon grew into something much bigger. I realized that these designs could inspire not just the kids I worked with, but anyone who has faced mental health challenges. They became a way to wear your journey, to be proud of how far you’ve come, and to remind yourself that you’re still here, still fighting. 

And so, Cope N' Conquer was born—a brand that stands for resilience, for progress, and for the belief that no matter where you are on your journey, you’re not alone and we can always find a way through. Today, I’m proud to share these designs with the world, and even prouder that a portion of every sale goes back to supporting youth programs and the mental health awareness community that continue to inspire me.

- Julia Marie