At the heart of every story is a journey of resilience, passion, and purpose. Meet Kelley Merwin, a woman whose life embodies all three. Raised amidst the wild beauty of Alaska, Kelley’s appreciation for the outdoors was instilled from a young age. With a father who represented major gun manufacturers and the largest ammo company in the world, it’s no wonder she grew up surrounded by the very essence of adventure and survival. But while the rest of her family was well-versed in firearms, Kelley herself was the exception—until now.
Kelley has dedicated nearly three decades to the field of forensic science, serving one of the largest cities in the United States. Her specialty? DNA analysis, with a particular passion for working on cold cases, primarily homicides. For Kelley, it’s not just a job; it’s a calling. “I’ve spent most of my adult life in service to others, helping victims of crimes and their families find answers so they can move forward with their lives. I’m not sure that there is ever closure when a family member is murdered…,” she shares. These words reflect the profound impact of her work, where every day brings new challenges and the opportunity to bring justice and peace to those who need it most.
Her days start early and run long, juggling a demanding work schedule with family responsibilities. Yet, she still finds time for herself, hitting the gym and managing a household. But what truly sets Kelley apart is her decision to dive into the world of competitive shooting. Inspired by The Tactical Games—a grueling event combining fitness, handguns, and rifles—Kelley decided to train for her first competition, coming up in September. It’s a bold step, but one that perfectly aligns with her lifelong commitment to excellence and self-improvement.
Kelley’s journey to discovering our brand was almost serendipitous. “I’m trying to remember where I first saw your shirts, but I do know that when I saw the first design, I absolutely loved it. Your designs are truly different from other brands—unique, extremely artistic, and I really love the sayings on each.” Kelley’s connection with our brand runs deep, not just because of the designs, but because of the shared values and the sense of community we strive to build.
Her favorite tee? “Fuel the Flame.” For Kelley, it’s more than just a piece of clothing—it’s a representation of her current thoughts and goals. And she’s not shy about sharing her love for our shirts’ fabric. After undergoing thyroid surgery, Kelley has a particular sensitivity when it comes to clothing. “I usually do not like shirts that come close to my neck. Your shirts fit just right, and the fabric is absolutely amazing! I was pleasantly surprised at how soft the material is—I love it.”
Kelley’s enthusiasm for our brand doesn’t end there. She recalls how every time she wears our shirts, she receives compliments. “I get asked about my shirt every time I wear it. I went to pick my son up from school one day, and the other parents were staring at me as I walked to the front door wearing my shirt. When I got closer, a couple of the moms said, ‘I love your shirt!’” It’s a testament to the impact our designs have and the connections they create.
But it’s not just about the clothing—it’s about the community. Kelley sees our brand as a space where like-minded individuals can come together, support each other, and forge meaningful connections. And for that, we are incredibly grateful. You can follow Kelley’s journey on Instagram @kelley_merwin, where she shares glimpses of her life, her work, and her training for The Tactical Games. Just remember to add that extra “e” when searching for her on Facebook!
As Kelley prepares for her next challenge, we’re proud to have her as part of our community. And we can’t wait to see which tee she chooses next! Thank you, Kelley, for sharing your story with us and for being a shining example of strength, resilience, and grit. We’re honored to stand with you on your journey.