How One Teen’s Clothing Line Is Changing the Conversation Around Mental Health

For 19-year-old Grady Walston, making a difference started from a simple idea in his family room in West Des Moines, Iowa. What began as a small clothing business has evolved into something much bigger: a movement to spark conversations about mental health and support local youth through his brand, Astro 9. While Grady has no direct connection to Ellipsis, a nonprofit that serves more than 550 kids and families a day across Iowa, he decided to donate a portion of his earnings to the organization — a gesture as thoughtful and inspiring as his mission.

From an Idea to Impact

A little over a year ago, Grady launched Astro 9 — a clothing line focused on creative designs and powerful messages. His business began with just him and his mom, Alisha Stewart, pressing vinyl decals onto shirts by hand. But it didn’t take long for Astro 9 to take off.

“In the beginning, it was mostly just kids from my high school, teammates and a lot of the local soccer community. Then, through word of mouth, it grew,” Grady said. The message resonated far beyond Des Moines. When a school counselor in Buffalo, New York, spotted one of Grady’s shirts, it sparked her to start to bring Astro 9 to her school district.

The designs are bold and inspiring — an astronaut riding a surfboard, for instance, with the message “Stop getting caught in your own head.” The sentiment reflects Grady’s goal to promote positive mental health messaging.

The focus on mental health is personal for Grady. Following the tragic suicide of a younger classmate in late 2022, he felt compelled to do something meaningful.

He wanted Astro 9 to be more than just a brand. He wanted it to be a vehicle for change. The message is simple yet powerful: “You matter.” And as Grady puts it, “Mental health isn’t talked about enough.”

Supporting Ellipsis

Grady’s commitment to supporting mental health services led him to Ellipsis. Through a family connection, Grady learned about the nonprofit’s vital work helping kids and families overcome turbulent pasts to build successful futures.

“Somewhere local, where other teens could benefit — that’s what I wanted to support,” Grady said. In December, he presented Ellipsis with his first donation: $2,000. But for Grady, that’s just the beginning.

With his Shopify store now live and production streamlined through a manufacturer, Grady has big plans to grow Astro 9’s impact. He’s reaching out to local businesses, encouraging them to match his contributions to Ellipsis. Companies like Hope Law Firm and mortgage lender Kyra Moore have already committed to matching his donations, and Grady is working to build momentum.

Beyond Iowa: Big Dreams for Astro 9

Grady’s journey as a young entrepreneur has taken him far beyond Iowa. In early 2023, his mom spotted a Facebook application for “The Blox,” a reality TV show for up-and-coming business owners. Out of more than 10,000 applicants, Grady was cast as the youngest entrepreneur for Season 17, which filmed in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and will air in early 2025.

Through “The Blox,” created by Wes Bergmann — known for MTV’s “The Real World” and “The Challenge,” Grady gained invaluable connections and insights into growing a business during the week-long, live-in business accelerator.

“I learned how important it is to expand and know people in other regions,” he said. The experience also opened doors — Grady met Brandon T. Adams and Kevin Harrington, one of the original sharks from “Shark Tank,” who invited him to Kansas City to learn more about scaling his brand.

Closer to home, Grady has already made waves in the West Des Moines community. He was recently recognized as the Best Fashion Designer/Tailor in 2024 at the city’s Chamber of Commerce Best of the West Awards and also earned top honors in the Men’s Fashion category through CommunityVotes.

But Grady’s story is about more than clothing — it’s about using his passion and entrepreneurial spirit to create change. Astro 9’s mission is resonating with teens and adults alike, breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and offering a message of hope.

“When the pressure to be a 10 is out of this world, just try to be a 9,” reads one of Astro 9’s early taglines. It’s a reminder that perfection isn’t the goal — showing up, speaking out and supporting one another is what truly matters.

As Grady balances college soccer, a business degree and his growing company, he remains committed to Astro 9’s mission. “I can see myself working with this for years to come,” he said. And with his efforts, Ellipsis will continue to serve more kids and families, ensuring there’s always a path forward.

Grady proves that one person — no matter how young — can make a difference. His story reminds us all: You matter.