For Cleveland Heights resident Michael Manne, a T-shirt is more than just something to wear.

It's a conversation starter.

Manne recently launched Humannetees, an online apparel and merchandise company built around positive messages that encourage people to express their values. Rather than focusing on division, Manne says the goal is to create opportunities for connection.

Humannetees is all about positivte messaging for challenging times.“The idea for Humannetees is somewhat a reaction to the current state of the world,” he says. “But rather than putting a spotlight on that, we want to highlight the positive qualities of all people and amplify those voices, encouraging active engagement over passive acceptance.”

Manne officially launched Humannetees during the July 4 weekend this year, working with friends and family members across the country. Although the company started with T-shirts, in just a few weeks since launch Manne has already expanded merchandise selections to include water bottles, tote bags, mugs, stickers, yard signs, and even a teddy bear.

“We see each product as an opportunity for someone to share with others a little something they support,” he says. “And maybe a conversation comes from that? And then maybe that conversation leads to something bigger?”

The business name reflects the company's central philosophy.

“‘Humanity is all of us’ is a core principle behind the brand, so a playful name connecting to that concept became a goal," Manne explains. “T-shirts are an easy and common way to express yourself, so the idea began there, but the brand is quickly expanding beyond that.”

The name also includes a personal touch.

“If the question refers to the fact that my last name is part of the business name, that just makes me smile,” he admits. “I also loved the idea that a manatee could be a mascot. Meet Hugh, the manatee, on our website. Maybe someday he'll even 'walk' the streets?"

Humannetees currently features four themes—PRO, UNITY, HUMAN, and HUGH—each centered around a different question or statement.

we are all on the color spectrum with Humannetees apparel.The four collections are:

• PRO: What are you for?
• UNITY: What brings us together?
• HUMAN: How should we shape the future?
• HUGH: Humanity is all of us.”

But Manne emphasizes that the company is about much more than apparel.

"The Humannetees brand is really here for other people to present or represent to the world in any way that speaks to you," he says. "It's not about T-shirts or water bottles—it's about keeping important beliefs and values a part of continued public conversation."

Every design on the site is Manne's own work.

"I've been doing design and fine art my whole life," he says, adding that while he considers himself the company's architect, Humannetees has been a collaborative effort from the beginning.

"I've been working with many friends and family members as we, together, test and develop the website, discuss branding and outreach, and brainstorm new designs and messaging," Manne says. "Our best team members are our customers who carry these ideas into the world."

Humannetees operates as a print-on-demand online business, allowing Manne to run it from his home.

"We have no brick-and-mortar location or product stock, other than what we purchase for ourselves," he says. "I run Humannetees from wherever I am. I've lived in Cleveland Heights for almost 30 years, and we've raised our kids here."

When asked which design is his favorite, Manne says choosing is difficult.

“I like them all the same, like I like my kids,” he says. “But, if I had to pick one message, I guess I'd have to go with, ‘Humanity is all of us.’

“No matter who you are, where you come from, or what you believe, we are all human,” Manne continues. “We all have families, friends, and people we care about, and we all share this moment in time and in human history."

Manne says he hopes customers see the products as an extension of their own beliefs—not his beliefs.

“Hopefully, if a message speaks to someone and they purchase a product that they bring into the world, then that message really becomes the voice of the customer," he says. "Allowing them to show a little support for an idea or belief that they probably had long before they visited Humannetees.com."

Asked who the company's audience is, Manne offers a characteristically lighthearted response.

Humanity is All of Us with Humannetees.“Humans,” he says. “And...pets, once we get our next new design out there. Stay tuned."

Sales have been steadily growing since the launch, he says, boosted by new Facebook and Instagram pages where Humannetees shares new products and designs.

Looking ahead, Manne hopes to build a community page on the website featuring customers wearing and using Humannetees merchandise.

“Customers who bring these ideas into the world are the ones we'd like to feature,” he says, “as opposed to stock models in 'lifestyle' poses.”

Ultimately, Manne says he believes the company's impact won't be measured by the number of products it sells, but by the conversations they inspire.

"These messages and products only make a real difference if they are carried out into the world by people who believe in and champion these ideas,” he says. “Thank you to everyone.”