(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- While spending time with her mother during the pandemic, Megan Rae Banias says she was introduced to embroidery and the Black Lives Matter movement.
"I was compelled to figure out a way to invest in communities in a more sustainable manner," she tells WBBM Newsradio. "I thought that maybe starting a clothing business with the purpose of giving back would be something that could last."
Since mid-2020, Banias says Chicago for Keeps – an embroidery and clothing business -- has lasted and given back to local non-profits.
"We give a portion of each sale, so everybody wins," she says. "The business has been able to sustain itself, and we've been able to take a portion of each sale to donate. Since then, we've been able to donate about $10,000, maybe a bit more."
Banias, who is Filipino-American, says what sets her products apart are love -- and representation.
"I cater to a Filipino culture conversation. I make some of my pieces to be designed after some symbolism in Filipino culture, but not too overt where maybe somebody who is not Filipino would feel uncomfortable wearing it," she explained.
Banias says a physical store could be on the way.
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