Dear IB Friends & Family,
I never thought, or maybe never stopped to think that PRIDE would become more important to me as I got older. Here I am a proud homosexual of a certain age, and well, PRIDE is more important than ever before. Not just the parades, the parties, or the texts I give and get, but in 2026 it's more. I want to be seen, heard and known, taking a stance, taking up space, and taking the hand of those that need to be pulled up. In 2026, I am going to be prouder than ever as I have more to celebrate, but I also have more to protest, and I am asking for all my queer friends, my allies, and all my community to stand with me. Pride remains a protest!
Owning a queer business, and any small business isn't easy! Here at IB we are doubling down on our commitment to bring you JOY via shopping small! Things aren't all roses here, and I have no issue being transparent — SHE IS A BIT ROCKY OVER HERE — but as a queer person, I think I take that in stride and expect it. So I fight to keep my brand going, finding ways to do it, and to further it! This brand has become a love letter to more than just shoes, to more than consumerism or shopping — it's to the people who love it — and to be honest, it's a huge part of me, and it feels good to say that.
| | Working on this project for 12 years is my longest job, my longest career path, and my most proud. But to be honest, I view myself as a creative entrepreneur, not a business person! This work pushes me out of my comfort zones and often into hyper panic-inducing and fear lined walls. One beautiful thing IB has provided me is a vehicle to my new side project. I am launching M.O.N. as a side project with no expectations other than to bring me joy, spark my creative process again, and to give me something to help me fall in love with from the ground up again —because that is what turns me on! Middle of Nowhere, M.O.N., is a result of my extensive traveling I do for Intentionally Blank....in those times and spaces, I started collecting, sourcing and hunting. On work trips I started booking extra days, exploring flea markets and meeting small makers. The end result is my newest passion project: a two month pop up in Hudson NY, and a project based 100% on expressing my love of curation, of objects, and of doing what I love — searching for an item! Check out M.O.N. and send me feedback!
| | In closing, here I am, a small town gay boy. Proud. Supported. Surrounded by family, chosen family and love. I finally feel like I love myself more than I ever have, and I am in a place where I believe that self love and support will carry me forward. Happy Pride. Thank you from the bottom of my gay heart and from my human forward brand!
WITH LOVE ❤️
Ty McBride
Founder & Creative Director | | FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
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