Because at OutsideIn, we’re all family.

If you’ve visited our page recently, chances are you’ll have seen the line “STRANGERS, MADE SOMEONE.” floating around someplace or another. And while it may have a nice ring to it and sound pretty cool, this is so much more than just a catchy trio of words.

STRANGERS, MADE SOMEONE. is our way of telling the world that no matter who you are, where you’re from or what you’re going through - you mean something.

It is also the name of a very special upcoming collection that our team has been hard at work on over the last few months. The initial idea for this collection was to create something that would be applicable to anyone and everyone, and to create something that in essence would encapsulate the very thing that unites us all - our humanity.

As we thought about what it means to be human, we continued to find ourselves stuck on the word ‘someone’ and the hidden meaning behind this deceptively simple word. But how much meaning could seven letters hold…? Evidently, quite a lot!

As we studied the idea of what it means to be someone, we discovered that this word holds great power over both how we see ourselves as well as how we see others. What we found is that ‘someone’ isn’t merely a word we use to refer to just anyone but rather, it’s a word we use - even if only subconsciously - to give worth, to offer value, and to say to its recipient, you belong. And in a time where disconnect seems to lurk everywhere we go, belonging is a thing that can be difficult to come by, and yet it’s one of the things we all desire most.

Since it’s something we all hope for, search for and long for, it’s exactly the thing we aim to create with this collection - a real sense of belonging for everyone who wears, sees, or simply even hears about it.

So, this is STRANGERS, MADE SOMEONE.

This is the collection for everyone.

MEET THE FAM - THE OI FAM

 

At OutsideIn we believe in family. So much so that we created our own: the Oi Fam. It’s our tribe, our pack, our crew. In the Oi Fam, everyone is welcome. Yes, everyone. 

For our STRANGERS, MADE SOMEONE. collection we wanted to introduce you to some of the Oi Fam. With a collection all about finding the someone in one another, we didn’t want anyone to feel like a stranger!

So, get to know us, your Oi Fam, a little bit better!

We’re all so different but hey, isn’t that the best part?

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DAVID

 

1. What is your name?

David.

2. Where are you from?

Ballymena, Northern Ireland.

3. What word best describes you?

Dreamer.

4. What makes you feel special?

Gotta love a hug (well used to). I’m a huge fan of words and their impact so definitely a word of encouragement/appreciation.

5. What do you think it means to be a stranger?

When I think of this word it gives me that feeling when you are on edge and you can’t settle because you don’t belong. Like when you arrive in a new city at night time and you’re lost, everything seems so foreign/unwelcoming.

6. What do you think it means to be someone?

Someone is in the uniqueness that makes you...you! I think that when you realise you were made to be different and that being different is good, you see that to be human or to be someone is simply to be uniquely yourself.

7. At OutsideIn we are all about bringing the outside of society in. Why is this so important to you personally?

At work we always talk about treating others the way we would like to be treated. This can’t be more true when we look at those we get to help who are experiencing homelessness. So often they feel marginalised, outcast and isolated in cities they rightfully should be calling ‘home.’ I think if we use that phrase as a way of life and use it to instill hope to those who need it, whether it be people living on our street or people in our day-to-day, we can transform lives through the simple mechanic of words and action.

 

MARC

 

1. What is your name?

 Marc Wiliamson.

2. What word best describes you?

Fun - I think? 

3. What’s your weakness?

I would say confrontation - I hate confrontation and will do anything to avoid it lol.

4. What is your biggest fear?

Being isolated from friends and family.

5. What makes you feel special?

Having a day with no plans at all and doing whatever I want!

6. What do you think it means to be someone? 

Being someone means being connected to other people through something. Whether that’s a conversation, a friendship group, or a shared interest.

7. At OutsideIn we are all about bringing the outside of society in. Why is this so important to you personally? 

It’s so important to me because I know that I’ve been welcomed in. For me personally it’s being welcomed into God’s family and knowing that I belong there. It’s so important to belong to something, and if at OutsideIn we can create something that makes people feel like they belong, then I’m game.

 

DANI

 

1. What is your name?

 Dani Harrison (Danielle Lynne Harrison). 

2. Where are you from?

Winchester, Virginia, USA 🇺🇸

3. What word best describes you?

Advocate.

4. What is your biggest achievement?

Having a beautiful marriage. It’s not perfect by any means but it has taught me so much and continues to teach me and grow me everyday. It truly has been the hardest but most satisfying 1.5 years of my life.

5. What is your biggest fear?

Losing family.

6. What do you think it means to be someone?

Being someone is just living - you mean something to someone and you mean something to yourself. That you are seen for who you are. I believe that this should start with you. You have to know you have value, have a voice, and are loved. You are always someone, just believe it and know it.

7. At OutsideIn we are all about bringing the outside of society in. Why is this so important to you personally?

I have always been one to fight for the outsiders or the people that didn’t fit in. I never felt like I fit in or had a place growing up and I didn’t want others to feel alone because I knew how it felt. I was raised in an environment where we fought for the underdogs and we treated people like they were someone - because they are.

 

JACK

 

1. What is your name?

Jack Willoughby.

2. Where are you from?

I am from the South West of England from a Town called Swindon.

3. What word best describes you? 

Ambitious.

4. What is your biggest achievement?

I feel like I have lots of great achievements I feel proud of! The last 2 years have held the biggest changes though. I moved countries, successfully completed my Masters whilst holding down a full-time job, and I just moved into my first home with my girlfriend.

5. What is your biggest fear?

Not feeling fulfilled and becoming static. I love to learn, develop and push myself to new levels. I'm also not a fan of heights either haha.

6. What do you think it means to be a stranger?

Something or someone that is unknown, makes us feel uncomfortable or fearful of what's going to happen. However, the word stranger doesn't scare me, it's a person or something I am just not familiar with yet. 

7. At OutsideIn we are all about bringing the outside of society in. Why is this so important to you personally?

Making people feel worthy and part of the community provides a sense of achievement to myself. We can all do more and offering support in any shape or form can go a long way. Treat people well and you will be treated well.

 

GED

 

1. What is your name? 

Ged.

2. Where are you from?

Belfast.

3. What’s your weakness?  

Cheeseburgers.

4. What is your biggest fear?

 Not accomplishing what I set out to do.

5. What makes you feel special?

People appreciating the little things you do for them.

6. What do you think it means to be a stranger? 

 Someone whose story you haven't yet heard.

7. At OutsideIn we are all about bringing the outside of society in. Why is this so important to you personally? 

Being previously an outsider and knowing how it feels, I want to do what I can to help those in a similar situation. Afterall, we're all only a single conversation away from becoming something to someone.

LUCY

 

1. What is your name?

 My name is Lucy.

2. Where are you from?

I am from just outside Lurgan in County Armagh which is NOT as bad as people think. Just a side note. I currently live in Belfast part-time as a student.

3. What’s your weakness? 

I am one of the worst procrastinators ever - I will do anything to get out of doing an essay or tidying my room until as far away as possible. I also can get wayyyy too attached to things and so when I have to move on I find it really difficult. 

4. What is your biggest fear?

I have a really illogical fear of people walking too close behind me. I also fear falling so I try to avoid situations where I fall, of which there are many. My long term deep-and-personal fear is that I won’t be happy with where I end up in 20 years - I feel like a lot of people share this fear with me.

5. What makes you feel special?

If you know about love languages, you’ll know that there is one called “Words of Affirmation”. I feel special when someone tells me I’m special, or when they tell someone else I’m special. Words mean so much to me and hold so much power and so I feel like I’m the type of person who needs to be told that I did a great job, or that my new haircut is really nice. I don’t know why but it just means a lot. 

6. What do you think it means to be a stranger?

I think for someone to be a stranger they have to be completely unknown to you. The word also conveys a bit of mystery and possible danger (due to all those “Stranger Danger” talks in primary school) and so sometimes I feel like a stranger isn’t someone who we would be comfortable with. 

7. What do you think it means to be someone?

To be someone means to be known, to be identifiable. Whether that’s from how you look, how you speak or how you perform. It’s all about people hearing your name or seeing your face and immediately recognising who you are. 

 

CHRISTABEL

 

1. What is your name?

 Christabel.

2. Where are you from?

Belfast, NI.

3. What word best describes you?

Chaotic.

4. What’s your weakness?

Saying yes to everything :)

5. What do you think it means to be a stranger?

I think it's about the unknown, the unexpected or fear of what is a mystery. A strange place, or a new person.

6. What do you think it means to be someone?

To have meaning to someone else.

7. At OutsideIn we are all about bringing the outside of society in. Why is this so important to you personally?

No one deserves to be judged or separated based on their circumstances or background. Whether that be someone in your family, friends or a complete stranger. Being a part of a company who actively challenges those false stereotypes and bad behaviours makes it so easy to come to work everyday.

 

REBECCA

 

1. What is your name?

Hi my name is Rebecca.

2. Where are you from?

I’m from Rathfriland, Northern Ireland.

3. What is your biggest achievement? 

I personally believe that my biggest achievement was in primary one when I won a “Harry and his bucketful of dinosaurs” book for my outstanding colouring in My second biggest achievement is probably surviving the chaos at OutsideIn this far (all good chaos)  

4. What makes you feel special?

I feel special when someone remembers something small or specific about me or when someone tells me that something reminded them of me, it’s kinda sweet  

5. What do you think it means to be a stranger?

To me, being a stranger means that I’m unknown to the other person. That they don’t know me, they haven’t met me, or they haven’t noticed me yet to see me as anything other than a stranger.

6. What do you think it means to be someone?

I think that everyone is a someone. Whether they have a person that knows them well and cares strongly about them or not, they’re still a someone with feelings, ambitions and goals.

7. At OutsideIn we are all about bringing the outside of society in. Why is this so important to you personally?

I don’t think that anyone should be made to feel like they are less than anyone else. Everyone should feel like they belong in society and no one should feel like an outsider. That’s what I love about OutsideIn, not only are we helping others physically, but we’re teaching people to change their perspective and to look past their fears and to see everyone as an equal.

ALEXIA

 

1. What is your name?

Alexia Demetriades (It’s a mouthful - I know).

2. Where are you from?

Sunny South Africa. 

3. What word best describes you?

Hmm. Enigma. 

4. What’s your weakness?

One word, six letters - S.T.R.E.S.S. 

5. What makes you feel special?

Words, words, words! There’s a term called ‘logophile’ which means a lover of words (there’s another called ‘logomaniac’ which means obsessed with words and that may just be a bit more accurate!) and that’s precisely what I am. For me, words are the key to my heart and a surefire way to win me over. If anyone takes the time to write me a card, send me a letter or shoot me a long text, they will surely make my entire day. And most likely make me sob (not kidding).

6. What do you think it means to be someone?

There is so much hidden meaning to this word. In some shape or form, I think everyone desires to be a ‘someone’. Someone rich, someone famous, someone special and at its simplest level, someone to someone. With this in mind, to be ‘someone’ must mean that we hold some kind of significance in the life of another. And as I’m sure you’d admit, to know that you are valued, noticed and understood by another is a feeling few things can measure up to. 

7. At OutsideIn we are all about bringing the outside of society in. Why is this so important to you personally?

I’ve always felt like a bit of an outsider myself and if you have to - let’s be honest, it’s NOT easy. In my own life, to have people see and choose to know me for who I am despite my differences, quirks and flaws (and there are many), is an incredible feeling. What I love about OutsideIn is that even the name itself declares that we are all about the outsiders. When you’ve experienced what it feels like to be on the outside yourself, this meaning becomes personal. As a foreigner with a very eclectic background, a total introvert, and often the odd one out, I know what the outside looks like. But the more you know, the more you can relate and it’s that relatability that helps people feel like they belong. OutsideIn is a place for all to experience this - true belonging.

 

GARETH

 

1. What is your name?

My name is Gareth Montgomery.

2. Where are you from? 

I am from Ballyclare, Northern Ireland.

3. What word best describes you? 

I’d like to think I could be described as “creative”.

4. What’s your weakness? 

Lack of confidence to pursue my own ideas.

5. What is your biggest fear? 

The future, I don’t have a plan for that. I’m just kind of winging it atm. 

6. What makes you feel special? 

Friends. Love ‘em. 

7. What do you think it means to be a stranger? 

I think being a stranger means not knowing someone’s past. You can meet someone at the bus stop but they are still a stranger until you really get to know them. So a simple conversation is what makes a stranger, someone.

 

LAUREN

 

1. What is your name?

Lauren Patchett - no middle name because my parents couldn’t be bothered ☹️

2. Where are you from? 

Antrim, Northern Ireland.

3. What word best describes you?

Quirky or nonconformist? 

4. What is your biggest achievement?

I was chosen as a godparent for my little cousin Cara. Being trusted enough to have that responsibility meant a great deal to me.

5. What is your biggest fear?

With COVID looming over this year, I have thought more than ever about losing friends and family. An inevitable outcome, but a fear all the same. 

6. What makes you feel special?

Because it’s the holiday season, one of the things that came to mind was that every year my granny buys me a decoration for the tree. I’ll have a grand total of 23 this year. It makes me feel so loved 😊

7. At OutsideIn we are all about bringing the outside of society in. Why is this so important to you personally?

Being from Northern Ireland, I think it means a lot to be able to tangibly help people that you may see, know or speak to. Creating that connection and recognising what you can do within your own community has been something I’ve loved being a part of here at OutsideIn.

 

PIPPA

1. What is your name?

Pippa, well actually Philippa Joy, or like my mum used to say, “Filled up with joy”.

2. Where are you from?

I've spent most of my life on a little island on the south coast of England - Hayling Island.

3. What word best describes you?

Optimistic. I was once dubbed 'Positive Spin Pippa'.

4. What’s your weakness?

I'm quite a practical person so often I'll try to come up with a solution to other people's problems rather than just listening to them. But I'm working on it.  

5. What makes you feel special?

Seeing people use and love something I have made. Yes that includes all those hats I've sewn for you all.

6. What do you think it means to be a stranger?

When I hear the word stranger I immediately think of 'stranger danger' as that is what is taught to children. But I'm realising that this is not necessarily a helpful view to have.

7. At OutsideIn we are all about bringing the outside of society in. Why is this so important to you personally? 

I believe everyone should have the opportunity, freedom and resources to be who they are, and do what is important to them.

 

LOUIS

 

1. What is your name?

Louis Arnold.

2. Where are you from?

England.

3. What’s your weakness? 

I’m a bit cynical.

4. What is your biggest achievement?

19-0 KD in Search and Destroy.

5. What makes you feel special?

Jesus chooses me.

6. What do you think it means to be someone?

A person who is understood by another person.

7. At OutsideIn we are all about bringing the outside of society in. Why is this so important to you personally?

Every single person is worth more value than we can actually show them and community is the one thing we should all have plenty of.

 

MATTHEW

1. What is your name? 

Matthew Johnston.

2. Where are you from? 

The wonderful village of Cullybackey.

3. What word best describes you?

Calm.

4. What makes you feel special? 

Spending time with people who make you feel special, such as my friends, girlfriend, family and my dog, Harvey.

5. What do you think it means to be a stranger?

To have no sense of belonging within your community and to have no personal connection or relationships established. 

6. What do you think it means to be someone? 

To have people make you feel loved, respected and appreciated for who you are. To have someone care about you and take an interest in your life.

7. At OutsideIn we are all about bringing the outside of society in. Why is this so important to you personally? 

People are only on the outside of society if that's how we view them and also treat them as someone who is inferior to us. We can help bring those from the outside of society in by changing our attitudes towards these people and recognising them as an equal and a someone who needs love and respect.

 

 

MIRANDA

 

1. What is your name?

Miranda Pacheco.

2. Where are you from?

New York City.

3. What is your biggest achievement?

I wouldn’t necessarily say I have one big achievement, it's the small ones that brought me to the place where I am today that I am most grateful for.

4. What is your biggest fear?

I am a natural over-thinker so instead of having a biggest fear, it’s more like small momentary fears that I sort through and thankfully aren't long lasting. 

5. What do you think it means to be a stranger?

Growing up in very diverse and social environments I was always encouraged to make the most of encounters with new people. I was taught that everyone has a story and we can always learn from them. The word stranger was actually meaningful because the opportunities were endless. This person could be my future best friend, a new addition to my family, or a significant person at any given time in my life.  

6. What do you think it means to be someone?

I believe ‘to be someone’ has a shared meaning. The first is this amazing opportunity given to us by others where we become someone who is a friend, a sister, a daughter, etc. Second, the person we choose to be everyday. Choosing to be someone who is kind, generous, loving, and patient. 

7. At OutsideIn we are all about bringing the outside of society in. Why is this so important to you personally?

I believe everyone deserves a second, third, and fourth chance. Just because someone is found on the outside of society doesn’t mean they need to be deemed hopeless. Everyone’s story is unique and none of us have reached a level of perfection that allows us to say that we are deserving of being on the inside. Bringing those on the outside of society in is simply human beings bringing other human beings back where they belong: a place of comfort, love, and connection. 

 

ELLA

 

1. What is your name?

Ella Melvin.

2. Where are you from?

Bournemouth.

3. What’s your weakness?

 Overthinking.

4. What is your biggest achievement?

 Living and teaching on a poverty stricken island in Fiji for a summer with Think Pacific.

5. What makes you feel special?

Family and friends who support me.

6. What do you think it means to be a stranger?

To be someone unknown or unfamiliar.

7. What do you think it means to be someone?

To be cared for by someone else.

 

All illustrations by the lovely Lucy - our go-to artist!