Shift Backpacks was founded in 2020 by Marcus George and Chad Simmons. Together, we have worked for over 15+ years in child care and youth development.

We have spent countless hours speaking not only about the youth in our Harlem community, but also the youth coming up in today's generation around the country. Throughout our conversations, we’ve realized that many children are shunned opportunities to discuss their emotions and feelings. Our backpacks were our solution to this generational issue.

Our brand will help kids learn socially and emotionally, normalize discussions about their feelings, and on a grander scale, help get rid of the stigma on mental health.

Not only are these backpacks cool and innovative, but they also open the door to conversations on various aspects of emotions/feelings ( why do they feel this, when do they feel this, learning new emotions.)