Marla Garchik
CEO And Founder Marla Garchik Believes In Threads With A Cause
Can you make a difference by simply buying a T-shirt or tank top? One Highland Beach-based company says yes.
The company has an inspiring logo with a peace sign, a heart and a puzzle piece representing a simple message: “Peace Love Solve.” The passionate and fearless creator behind Peace Love Solve is founder and CEO Marla Garchik.
Made with love and compassion, the custom pieces spread awareness and acceptance for children and adults on the autism spectrum. A portion of sales is generously donated to Autism Speaks, one of the many charities Garchik supports as a philanthropist and advocate.To date, the Garchik family has personally raised an estimated $1 million for Autism Speaks. And Garchik isn’t stopping there.
The company has expanded to support more causes, reaching even more people. Garchik has also worked on designs supporting The Farrah Fawcett Foundation, Mass General Cancer Center, American Heart Association, Empty Bowls, Palm Beach School for Autism, The Achievement Center, Lynn Cancer Institute, Love Serving Autism and more.
“We can partner with anyone and give back a percentage,” Garchik says. “We want everyone to call us.”
Marla’s business partner, Tim Quinn, VP of creative artistry for Armani Beauty, is the force behind Peace Love Solve’s pop-ups at stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Alene Too. The company is now looking for a storefront. Garchik is currently working on a “charity-of-your-choice” shirt, where customers buy a shirt and choose a charity to which to donate.
Recently, Garchik created the Sit Up for Autism Challenge to raise awareness of the fact that, every 11 minutes, another family hears the words, “Your child has autism.” People can video themselves doing 11 sit-ups and then challenge others to participate using the hashtag #situpforautismchallenge and tagging @situpforautismchallenge on Facebook and Instagram.
Garchik believes in being kind to others. She created the Seashell Project to help others spread kindness in their schools, workplaces and communities.
“You can solve a lot with peace and love,” she says.
Marla was recently honored by Jewish Women International as one of their Women to Watch. She and her husband Steve, were also honorees at the 25th Anniversary Dinner for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Garchik has also been the recipient of numerous awards through her work with Autism Speaks.
Peace Love Solve is located in Highland Beach. For more information, call 202-255-5052 or visit peacelovesolve.com, theseashellproject.com or situpforautismchallenge.com.
Wonder Women Special Advertising Section