Positive Inception clothing line founder in Sudbury to be honoured

Ryan Benoit started the Positive Inception clothing line when he was a student at Laurentian University and it quickly grew into a label recognized across the community

Ryan Benoit started the Positive Inception clothing line when he was a student at Laurentian University.

What began with Benoit selling T-shirts out of his backpack quickly grew into a label recognized across the community.

“I always loved fashion and I always loved business,” he said.

“So I kind of put the two together. I wanted to kind of create something to allow people to be a little more positive and try to make the world a better place, eventually.”

He is hoping the ‘Positive Inception’ name helps inspire people to be themselves and embrace it with positivity.

“One of my favourite quotes is that your perspective drives your performance, and if you have a positive perspective, your performance will kind of follow,” Benoit said.

“Even if there’s a bad situation, there’s always something good that comes out of it. And I think if you have that mindset, it can really help you go a long way.”

His positive and selfless spirit led him to be awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship from the Rotary Club of Sudbury on Feb. 5.

“Ryan, as you know, is a successful businessperson,” said Rick MacKenzie from the Rotary Club of Sudbury.

“But his brand really is an inspiration to many people in Sudbury -- and he’s an inspiration. It’s not … just the clothing. It’s sort of the Positive Inception lifestyle that inspires so many people.”

He added that Benoit’s support for charities and community members is consistent with the Rotary Club’s beliefs.

The Fellowship dinner will be held at the Caruso Club. MacKenzie said he hopes people come out to support Ryan – just as he supports the community.

“It’ll be a great event, honouring a great person, with good speakers talking about Ryan.”

“I’m really looking forward to the night and being there (alongside) so many amazing people within this community,” Benoit said.

“Being part of this list and being nominated and being able to receive this award, it means a lot. And at the same time, we’re able to raise money for a very good cause with Easter Seals, and it kind of goes hand in hand.”