At Eastside Golf, we believe real impact often starts with something simple: a conversation, a shared space, a slice of pizza. That’s exactly what happened when we welcomed students from the Newark School of Fashion & Design to our office in partnership with the Look Good Feel Good Program.

Founded in 2017 by Martel and Syndi François (pictured below, center, with the Eastside Golf team), the program is dedicated to providing youth with the chance to delve into entrepreneurship and seek the empowerment to express themselves, shape their surroundings and aspire to achieve excellence. They infuse excitement within the students through fashion-industry learning, hospitality, personal development and more.

Furthermore, the Look Good Feel Good program is dedicated to upholding diversity, which creates an authentic bond between its mission and that of Eastside.

When they arrived at our office, the energy was undeniable. Students filled our workspace with fresh perspectives and unfiltered curiosity. They toured our office, joined us for lunch and offered invaluable insights about fashion and engagement – straight from the lens of young untethered minds. In turn, we pulled back the curtain on the operations behind Eastside Golf, sharing what it takes to build a brand with purpose and staying power.

This wasn’t just a one-way street, it was a full exchange. The students became a mini focus group, a burst of inspiration and a reminder that the future of fashion is bright, bold and full of potential. They left seeing what’s possible. We were left energized by what’s to come.

And maybe the best part? It didn’t take a huge production or a grand gesture to make a difference. Just mutual respect, shared space and some real talk. 

As Chantel Mack, our head of Social Impact & Analytics, said: “Eastside Golf made space for Look Good Feel Good to behold what they could become – and they gave us access to the brilliance of their students. Neither group will be the same.”

“COME ON, RECIPROCITY!”