00:00, 08 October 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
The latest collaboration between Life is Good and S.W.Smiley offers something more: the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
The “Future is Bright” tee is not just a clothing item, but it's a symbol of optimism, hope, and positive change, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Life is Good Playmaker Project. This limited-edition design aims to spread a message of possibility while funding initiatives that uplift children and educators in under-resourced communities.
The new tee for both men and women reflects the core values of Life is Good, a brand that has been a beacon of positivity since its inception. The philosophy behind Life is Good is simple yet powerful: optimism isn’t about ignoring life’s challenges; it’s about facing them with a mindset focused on the good that still exists.
The company was co-founded by brothers Bert and John Jacobs back in 1994 with a simple goal: to create a T-shirt that would offer a counterbalance to the flood of negative news that often dominates headlines. It then resonated deeply with people looking for a brighter outlook in a complicated world, and now they are partnering with S.W.Smiley to create a new tshirt that makes more of an impact.
This commitment to optimism is the driving force behind the Life is Good Playmaker Project, a charity initiative dedicated to helping children, particularly those who have faced adversity, see the potential for a better future.
At the heart of the Playmaker Project lies the belief that every child deserves a “Playmaker” – an adult who believes in their goodness, encourages their growth, and helps them overcome challenges. Founded by Steve Gross, the Playmaker Project was born out of his lifelong passion for helping kids feel safe, loved, and joyful.
As Steve explains: “None of us can control the fact that we were born. None of us can control the fact that one day we’re going to die. But we can control whether somebody else’s journey is better because we were there to help along the way.”
The Playmaker Project’s mission is not just about providing moments of joy, but about creating environments where children – especially those who have experienced trauma – can thrive.
Through the power of play, the project aims to build emotional resilience, foster positive relationships, and help children develop the confidence and optimism they need to navigate the world around them.
The philosophy of the Playmaker Project is built around four key elements. These pillars guide every activity and programme designed for children, ensuring they not only have fun but also gain important life skills along the way.
For the Playmaker Project, optimism is more than a mindset. It turns challenges into opportunities. As Steve from Life is Good explains, optimism means choosing to see the good in ourselves, others, and the world, even during difficult times. This outlook reflects Life is Good’s core belief: “Life isn't easy, life isn't perfect, but Life is good.”
But optimism alone isn’t enough – creativity is equally as essential. In the Playmaker Project’s view, it means problem-solving, building connections, and creating meaningful moments. Every interaction with a child is a chance to nurture resilience, confidence, and compassion.
As Steve explains: “Through play, we create moments where children can experiment, take risks, imagine, and discover their own superpowers. These superhuman traits, like compassion, courage, and resilience, are what help children navigate adversity and thrive.”
Creativity is equally essential. For Playmakers, it means problem-solving, building connections, and creating meaningful moments. Every interaction with a child is a chance to nurture resilience, confidence, and compassion.
As Life is Good’s founders Bert and John Jacobs say, what we focus on grows. By focusing on the good, we can help build a brighter, more hopeful future.
To learn more about the Playmaker Project or to get involved, visit the Life is Good Playmaker Project website, or follow on Instagram to see more at @lifeisgoodco and @lifeisgoodcoplaymakers.
And to purchase the “Future is Bright” tee and be a part of something truly transformative, they’re available online for women here and men here.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The Playmaker Project. The Playmaker Project is a grassroots initiative helping children overcome trauma through play, connection, and creativity. Working with teachers and frontline caregivers, it provides training and support to create safe, joyful spaces where every child can thrive with confidence and resilience. Find out more.
Bright Sparks. This London-based charity supports children aged 4–11 in underserved communities through creative play and wellbeing programmes. With after-school clubs, weekend workshops, and parent support sessions. Learn more here.
Roots & Wings. This is a youth-led nonprofit founded in Chicago in 2018, creating safe, playful environments for young people facing adversity. Through arts-based workshops, trauma-informed mentoring, and educator partnerships, it helps children build emotional strength, social connection, and the belief that their future is bright. Support them here.
