Southern Strong: Southernality Owner's SoCal Visit Ignites Wildfire Relief Efforts

dmblain1
Feb 10
3 min read

Updated: Feb 25

Press Release

On the evening of Tuesday, January 7, 2025, Denise Blain, owner of Southernality®, boarded a flight from Orlando to Los Angeles for her first-ever trip to California. As the plane approached LAX, she glanced out the window and noticed an almost surreal, coral-colored cloud in the sky. "It was striking—unlike anything I'd ever seen," Blain recalled, "So I grabbed my phone and took a photo."

What she initially thought was a picturesque cloud soon took on a much darker meaning. After landing at LAX and catching the news, she realized that the picturesque cloud wasn't a stunning natural formation after all—it was the result of the Southern California wildfires that had ignited that very day and were rapidly spreading, wreaking havoc across the region.

The wildfires have tragically displaced countless families, destroyed homes and businesses, and left many in desperate need of support. Witnessing the devastation firsthand during her visit, Denise was deeply moved and felt compelled to take action. “The irony hit me. It seemed undeniable. Here I was, the owner of Southernality®, a brand built on Southern values with a fire icon as our logo, landing at LAX for the first time on the very day the fires ignited, watching Southern California literally go up in flames. I wasn’t there by coincidence. I was meant to be there, in that very moment, for a reason. I knew I had to help. After all, Southern strength and resilience isn’t just something we say—it’s something we do."

In response to the devastating wildfires, Southernality® launched a multi-faceted donation initiative aimed at supporting survivors, first responders, and animals impacted by the crisis. The brand provided essential clothing to fire-impacted areas, with distribution coordinated through local organizations directly helping survivors on the ground.

Additionally, Southernality® donated bags of their signature coffee to fuel the brave firefighters and first responders working tirelessly around the clock.

Recognizing the severe toll the wildfires take on wildlife and pets, Southernality® designed an exclusive, limited-edition Southern Strong hat. From now until March 31, 2025, 100% of the net proceeds from every Southern Strong hat sale will be donated to Best Friends Animal Society. This incredible organization is providing emergency assistance to animals affected by the fires, partnering with local animal shelter to distribute critical supplies and equipment to those caring for displaced animals. These exclusive hats are now available for pre-order.

"My first trip to Los Angeles sparked our initiative to support those impacted by the wildfires. It's a reminder that no matter where you are or the size of your contribution, every act of kindness makes a difference during times of crisis. While we may not have the scale of larger corporations, we have empathy and products—and that’s what truly matters. Our hearts go out to the families and communities impacted by this tragedy. We hope our Southernality® donations have, and will continue to, provide comfort and support to those in need."

Southernality® is committed to making a positive difference and stands in solidarity with those affected by the fires. Through the sale of Southern Strong hats and ongoing donations, the brand aims to help rebuild and restore hope in the wake of this tragedy.

Pre-order your limited-edition Southern Strong hat today to show your support, wear your strength, and make a difference—every purchase counts!