Fashion
Representing Orlando with Secret Society Goods by Laila Silva
There ’ s a new online store that ’ s striking interest not only with artists , but also with the general public here in The City Beautiful — Secret Society Goods . According to the founder and graphic designer / illustrator , Sean Walsh , Secret Society Goods was born out of a few different passions of his . “ This came from a lifelong interest in the macabre , a hobby of collecting bandanas and pins , but perhaps most importantly , the desire to join the growing number of small business owners in Orlando , who are producing great creative work and making this city a place to live , work , and thrive .”
For a long time , Walsh felt that Orlando was treated as a transition city . People went to college here and then moved on . Now it seems that there ’ s this tremendous amount of civic pride . People are happy and proud to be here , and so is Walsh , so he decided to take a leap and start his business . But what is the meaning behind the name ?
“ The name , Secret Society Goods , was somewhat dictated by the subject matter I like to work with . But beyond that , I like the people who seek out and buy my products to feel as though they ’ ve stumbled upon something special . I occasionally refer to the products
Orlando Arts & Culture , v . 2.1 that I sell as ‘ artifacts ,’ and I like my customers to feel that by purchasing them , they are joining our secret society .”
At Secret Society Goods , you will fi nd tons of unique artifacts and accessories that you can incorporate into your everyday life .
“ I fi nd that people purchase pins and patches that they identify with and that refl ect their own interests or aspects of their personality . As for practical applications , a lot of people put their pins on backpacks , bags , denim jackets , and hats . I ’ ve had quite a few people tell me that they don ’ t have anywhere to put patches , but others have put them on laptop cases , sweaters , and jackets . I ’ ve even seen some people attach magnets to the back and put them on their refrigerator .”
Walsh strongly feels that Orlando is a growing city in the middle of establishing its own identity apart from the theme parks or colleges . “ I ’ ve seen so many small businesses sprout up and establish themselves as members of the community , and they ’ re proud to be here . I ’ m proud to be here , too , and I feel like I have a story to tell . I want to give my customers ways to show that they ’ re proud of our city . You can buy an Orlando shirt from any gift shop on I-Drive , but when a member of the
community makes it , it ’ s got a different meaning . It ’ s got soul , and it serves as a reminder to the Orlando residents that we have a lot here to preserve and cherish . At least , I hope it does .”
He expresses his love for the city through his pins and patches along with other artists . “ There ’ s literally a pin or patch for everything ! I ’ d love for people to check out the other brands in Orlando that are also making pins and patches , like Kill ‘ Em with Cuteness , The Uncool Crowd , Hellcats Inc ., and Horrorshow Goods . Even Lineage Coffee has pins now , and they ’ re great .”
If you want to check out more of Secret Society Goods you can visit them on social media @ secretsocietygoods as well as secretsocietygoods . com . Walsh will also be participating in a show at City Arts Factory on January 19th , starting at 6pm .
Photos by Garrett Jurss Photography
You can see more at : SecretSocietyGoods . com
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