On the Ground – Spreading Love One Message at a Time
Mark Feinberg wants you to imagine a world grounded in hope. A world where every single person recites key positive affirmations to themselves and those around them, daily. And then he wants you to take it a step further, seeing a world where people wore or surrounded themselves with those messages so that they would consciously and unconsciously be reminding themselves of those affirmations all the time. This hope is Mark’s mission. That’s why he founded On the Ground.On the Ground is more than just a place to buy t-shirts, socks and beanies. It is a place to invest in a product that reminds you and others constantly to love, connect and nurture. On the Ground features products like shirts that say “Your Feelings Are Valid”, “Needing Help is Normal” and “It’s OK…to Not Be OK”. Mark truly believes that these messages not only remind you to live gently and with grace, they make a connection to others who see them. “Messages and affirmations help to ground at the internal level as well as help form connections with the external. I’ve learned the messages build connection with oneself and others. That is the foundation for who are as humans,” he says. “It would be really amazing if we all had more connection. We need it so bad. It’s all I want.”
Mark Feinberg, Founder of On the Ground
Mark understands that need for connection and understanding deeply, having suffered from mental health issues since he was young. In fact, one such issue, depression, gave him the impetus to start his company. Mark was supposed to record a podcast one day and his depression was so bad he could barely get out of bed. He texted his co-host Elaine and said, “Here are the options. We either cancel the show or the show is going to be very real about my own struggles...” The show ended up going forward and at one point Mark said, “Some days, like today, I just celebrate days where I put my feet on the ground.” Elaine replied, “I sure wish I had socks that said On the Ground.” And the idea for the brand On the Ground was born.Mark has also connected with others through his products, as he dreamed he would. “Recently there was a gentleman who went through a debilitating rehab after a bad accident and he posted going to the gym wearing our ‘I Put My Feet On the Ground Today’ shirt. I know the merch helps me live my day so to know it’s helping others the same way really just warms my heart.” Mark is often seen wearing ‘Breathe’ on his shirt and is stopped and thanked for the reminder. Simple but effective.Mark’s ultimate dream for On the Ground? “Love. Lots and lots of love. I have a vision of being a global brand and platform known for bringing love to the world. My title is Chief Love Spreader. And On the Ground is just an extension of that.” And he doesn’t want to stop with products. “I actually view the product brand being a foundation for a lot more. We want to launch On The Ground Experiences & Retreats (focused on personal growth, connection and love), podcasts, a Youtube channel, children's/adult's books, coaching and consulting and more. All geared towards creating and enhancing self-love and love for others, and creating connection with oneself and others. I view us as one giant massive love bomb with a goal to #MakeLoveViral.” It’s a worthwhile goal that we can all have a part in, building that connected world of love and hope.