ABOUT
My name is Michael Girgis and I own M.Girgis Designs. My brand produces locally made apparel with a purpose. I started my business ironing patches onto hats; however, my brand has evolved into so much more! There are a lot of new and exciting things coming with my clothing line Upside. This is only the beginning.
I may have Down Syndrome, but the thought "I can’t" has never crossed my mind. I am not my disability. I am a brother, son, friend, cook, WWE enthusiast, deacon for my church, and business owner. If you know me, you know that I’m smart, funny, a dreamer, and a doer, and I have so much to offer the world.
Having a disability has given me patience in the things I cannot change, courage to make my dreams a reality, and love that defines how I interact with others.
I choose to see the upside of life, even in the midst of adversary.
MICHAEL'S STORY
IN THE PRESS
THE STORIES BEHIND
OUR COLLECTIONS
M.GIRGIS DESIGNS PRESENTS
upside
upside. /ˈəpˌsīd/ finding the beauty in down syndrome.
I choose to see the upside in my disability, even though some may think of it as a negative thing. Having Down Syndrome could be seen as a loss, but I didn't lose anything… in fact, I’ve gained so much from it. The spirit of upside can be applied to anything in life, because everyone has unique struggles. My hope is that by wearing upside apparel you will be reminded to see the beauty in life and the upside in every situation.
M.GIRGIS DESIGNS PRESENTS
live life
like Michael
6 A.M. arrives to launch a fresh day for Michael. He starts everyday the same: workout, eat breakfast, wash up, and run off to work coffee in hand. He's one of the few that actually loves his job. And there's never been a person that has worked with him who hasn't become his friend. He's the sort of man that dreams big, works hard, expresses his gratitude, inspires, and laughs at his own jokes. We all laugh at his jokes!
He's the owner of this apparel business - a company created from the urge to prove to the world that people with Down Syndrome, like himself, have something to offer. Michael was born the way he is. He understands that he can't change it. He wouldn't if he could.
Michael, like so many people in the Down Syndrome community, has fully embraced it. He leads a dignified life because "a Down Syndrome life is a perfectly good life to live". He realizes that there are so many dreams to actualize, goals to accomplish, people to love, and so much life to live. Live life with no excuses.
Live Life like Michael...