Eighteen-year-old Sammy Grossman of Philadelphia found his lifeline in a simple smiley face. After years of battling depression and anxiety, he discovered that therapy was a vital first step—but creating a clothing brand called Project Spread Smiles was his true breakthrough. Each item features a green smiley face with a semicolon for an eye, symbolizing the choice to keep going instead of ending one’s story. “It’s the number one way to speak without speaking,” Sammy explains, noting that color and design can spark conversation and comfort.
His parents, Alison and Craig, say they’re proud he’s turned his hardest days into a force for good. One hoodie even reads, “Hey, to the person behind me… you look great today! Keep smiling.” As Sammy considers college options, he’s focused on growing his brand and spreading hope to fellow teens facing similar struggles. His mission: to remind everyone that a comma can mean continuation, not conclusion.