An Altar'd State of Mind

Altar'd State is a clothing company that was brought to life by two coworkers who worked for another clothing chain in Tennessee. After finding out that their jobs were in jeopardy after their employer filed for bankruptcy.

A shop that Ive been visiting for the last couple of years when traveling to Topsail Island, it always seemed like an ordinary store that sold the most recent trends in clothes, jewelry and swim wear. But this year I became aware of the uniqueness of this store.

Entering the store I was welcomed by a collection of rocks with a sign offering to allow you to write someones name on a rock who is battling cancer and to add them to a prayer collection that the store keeps. I thought this was awesome because it allows you to connect with the store as a human being with thoughts and feelings and not just a consumer with money.

While wandering the store looking at the small paintings and pictures they were all about God and religion. The store is filled throughout with clothing, signs, paintings, pictures of religion and Christian music playing. While this might make those who are non religious feel the need to turn away and find another store, I believe that the founders Aaron Walters and Brian Mason did what they set out to do, give a shopping experience like no other. They don't shove the religion down your throat and there is definitely not religious sayings or meanings on every single clothing appeal or accessories, but theres enough to where you know that they are owners trying to spread a message.

Another awesome part of the store was their prayer book that was located in the dressing room, these allowed you to write down anything you wanted for those who wanted to, to pray for you. They also have a sign saying that they were honored by the Step Up For Soldiers Organization for their support of their community and their soldiers.

After shopping and spending an ungodly amount of money in one store, the sounds of whimpering started to fill the store. I thought I was just hearing things or having an extreme case of missing my dog. To my surprise when I walked up to the door to leave, there were 3 golden retrievers sitting at the exit. These dogs were apart of Paws 4 People. A company that trains dogs to be assistance dogs for those who need them. Altar'd State gives 10% of all of their sales to Paws 4 People so that more dogs can be trained to help those live a more normal life.

Although this store's values and beliefs lineup with mine, I believed that they just genuinely care about those who shop at their store whether or not the customer supports their beliefs too.