Fashion with a purpose can transcend the tangible limits of fabrics, creating community, national and global movements that positively propel cultures forward. A Connecticut transplant with roots in New York City, Able Made is an innovative clothing brand launched in 2012 by Suzanne McKenzie. This sustainable clothing brand manifested a unique blend of fashion and philanthropy inspired by the loss of McKenzie’s husband, who passed away due to sudden cardiac arrest while playing the sport he loved most: soccer. Today, Able Made is on a global mission to catalyze change.
Leveraging her connections to New York City and Connecticut, specifically West Hartford and Hartford, McKenzie endeavors to nurture a globally-minded brand while staying locally engaged. Able Made relocated its base to Connecticut, a move made for more than just logistical convenience. This relocation emphasized the brand’s commitment to a community that has supported and helped shape the brand’s identity and operations.
Able Made actively engages with their surrounding Hartford community by hiring local talents and partnering with Connecticut-based organizations like the CT Art Directors Club. With a commitment to continuous contributions to the Hartford community and economy, Able Made has built partnerships with Hartford Athletic and the production of the Purposely Podcast. McKenzie stated that “Able Made is deeply committed to the Hartford community. We’ve brought in local talent for various roles within our company and partnered with Hartford-area institutions for events on fashion and social impact.”
The heart of Able Made was created by establishing McKenzie’s youth soccer foundation, Ucal McKenzie Breakaway Foundation (UMBF). The partnership between these two marked a pivotal moment for Able Mind. Suzanne McKenzie stated, “The partnership between Able Made and the Ucal McKenzie Breakaway Foundation was born from a deeply personal tragedy. After the sudden loss of my husband to cardiac arrest during a soccer game, we founded UMBF. Created to support UMBF’s mission, Able Made raises funds and awareness through our soccer-inspired apparel and accessories. Every piece we sell features our signature soccer heart, symbolizing our connection to our cause and reminding us of our ‘why.’ ” Together, these two have been making philanthropic footprints toward making a positive difference.
Now, as CEO of Able Made and EMBF executive director, McKenzie helps to ensure that the fashion brand embarks on charitable adventures that align with the community’s needs. The two brands have helped fund educational programs with Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and other efforts that demonstrate their dedication to a personalized philanthropic approach that helps address Hartford’s youth’s specific needs. Today, Able Made and UMBF have helped create affordable and accessible soccer and health camps, empowering Hartford’s youth with enriched programs that hope to inspire healthier lifestyles.
With funds from Able Made sales, children can attend a week-long camp focusing on soccer and health education for a nominal fee. “We pride ourselves on offering content that rivals much more expensive programs, featuring guest appearances by professional and collegiate soccer players and sessions led by leading health professionals. Our ultimate aim is to empower campers to make informed lifestyle and well-being choices,” remarks the founder.
Empowering youth through community engagement has become a part of Able Made’s culture. McKenzie says, “I personally volunteer at all our camps and clinics, and so do many of our staff. This engagement is not only motivating for our team but also encourages our customers to contribute to UMBF, whether through donations or purchasing Able Made products. It’s a testament to the strong connection between our brand and our community impact.”
Locally, Able Made has built meaningful connections with Boston, Hartford and New York City communities through UMBF’s established programs. The brand has worked toward expanding its educational programs and hosting pop-up store events and meetings with the Hartford Athletic pro team and former World Cup players. This charitable and philanthropic journey highlights the obstacles and victories of the brand’s endeavors to balance its global goals and local commitments, ultimately paving the way for future successes.
To further these local commitments and global goals, Able Made improves and enhances its philanthropic strategies through community feedback. Past successes have helped to raise funds for various causes through the brand’s sale proceeds and partnerships. Developed using the community’s feedback, Able Made’s new programs and events address the community needs and desires that Able Made and UMBF serve.
“Community feedback is crucial in directing our charitable efforts at Able Made. Over the years, our contributions have supported various causes, from raising $30,000 for music education with VH1 Save the Music Foundation to sending 120 children to school through Pencils of Promise. Our current focus on the Ucal McKenzie Breakaway Foundation is deeply influenced by the insights we receive from youth programs, Hartford Public Schools, and the families we work with. This feedback shapes the development of our camps, clinics and educational sessions,” McKenzie explains.
Together, Able Made and UMBF have exciting plans for future soccer and health camps and foster community through events and pop-up stores, positioning Able Made to make a more significant positive impact. Able Made’s success and inspiring contributions to helping UMBF succeed highlight a brand that can balance its global ambitions while maintaining meaningful local relationships.
Expertly executed by Able Made is the balance of local commitments and global dreams, which has the brand facing obstacles like securing working capital. However, the brand’s resourcefulness and powerful partnerships have helped them overcome any challenges they face. Reflecting on Able Made’s journey, McKenzie reflects, “The success we’ve achieved stems from our never-give-up attitude and the dedication of our team. They’re not just committed to the success of Able Made and UMBF but are also passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we reach.”
The fashion industry’s landscape shows rapid development and change. Still, Able Made has broken from the pack and become a model for other businesses across different industries on the potential and success of social responsibility. Able Made is not just about outer appearances but also about making a global impact for positive change.
In the evolving landscape of fashion and philanthropy, Able Made stands out as a model for socially responsible business. Through its innovative collaborations, community engagement and commitment to making a tangible difference, Able Made dresses its customers in style and purpose, proving that fashion can be a force for good.
The news and editorial staffs of the Hartford Courant had no role in this post’s preparation.
