About

The mission of Plum Rd. is to cultivate a community of people who are willing to both celebrate their own mental health journey and be an ally for others'. We believe in the positive influence of support, everyone’s story is unique but when we come together we can empower each other.

We are starting the Plum Rd. story with a knitwear collection. We associate sweaters with comfort, classic-style, and (not to be to sappy but...) a warm hug. We hope wearing a Plum Rd. sweater will help you feel empowered, confident and supported.

“I feel clothes, by being so intimately connected to body image, self-esteem, and often also relationship dynamics, can affect how we feel and have a direct impact on our mental well-being.”

- Stephanie Madoff, Co-Founder

Plum Rd. was born out of personal experience. I struggle with OCD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Depression. I often look back and wonder why I didn’t confront my symptoms head-on when they started. Why did I allow myself to go through so much suffering? My conclusion to this question are the three most harsh feelings I struggled to overcome. Guilt, shame, and loneliness. I felt guilty that I had a family that would do anything for me, a family that had provided every form of support I could ever ask for and now I had to go back and ask for more. I felt ashamed that I was lying in bed all day unable to find the motivation or ability to start my day. And I felt lonely, I didn’t know anyone else struggling with OCD, anxiety or depression. It felt as if I couldn’t relate to anyone. Without confidence, pride, and connection...

I felt worthless.

Through admitting to myself that I was not ok and needed help, I was able to overcome these feelings. I still have days where my mental health consumes me and I need friends or family to understand that; however, through treatment, I developed the skills, knowledge, and relationships to manage my mental health so that I can live a healthy, productive lifestyle.

Our goal with Plum Rd. is to combat these feelings. To show people that we can turn our adversity and struggle into strength. I am a big believer in the idea that vulnerability empowers connection. It is a sign of strength to ask for help, to seek knowledge, and to lean on others. I cannot overstate how important my family and friends were in bringing me back to enjoying life. That is why our brand is not just for those struggling with their own mental health, but for the parents, the friends, the siblings, the coworkers or anyone who wishes to express their standing as a person of support, understanding, and community in regards to the importance of mental health.

- Joey Katz