Love You More Collective poster (Photo courtesy of Ella Haun)
Ella Haun sits on the living room floor of her Boulder group house, surrounded by thrifted fabric, cutting pieces for her next beanie. Less than a year ago, she did not know how to sew. A lyric from Car Seat Headrest song “Life Worth Missing” unsettled Haun and ultimately sparked the business: “If you could be proud of anything you’ve done, what would it be?” At the time, she did not have an answer.
Haun, 22, is a senior at the University of Colorado Boulder, majoring in media studies with a minor in Spanish. She founded and runs Love You More Collective, a sustainable, activism-based brand on social media. As an entrepreneur, she handcrafts beanies, clothing and even the packaging for her products from 100% thrifted materials. Each piece is one of a kind.
“I don’t think I can produce things I’m proud of if there’s no passion behind what I’m doing,” Haun said. “I’ve learned that over time.”
For Haun, Love You More is a legacy. Her late father shaped the meaning behind the name and her early love for artistic expression while raising her in Costa Rica. Today, that foundation informs a business that blends creativity, sustainability and social impact.
Haun reflects a broader shift in how young entrepreneurs define success. As traditional career paths become less linear, many young people are turning to small businesses as outlets for income and advocacy. A Junior Achievement survey found that 58% of teens would start a business to address a social issue, even if it meant making less money.
When immigration enforcement operations intensified across the country in January, Haun pledged 15% of one week’s sales to MIRAC, a Minnesota-based immigrant rights organization. She now donates monthly, rotating causes based on urgency. This month, she supports Casa de Paz, a Colorado organization connecting volunteers with immigrants in detention. Haun first encountered the group through a Spanish class assignment, in which she wrote letters to detained immigrants.
The experience offered her a more personal perspective on those impacted.
“A lot of the issue with political action is, ‘Oh, but I’m not doing enough,'” Haun said. “But if everyone does their part, that makes a difference.”
For Haun, these contributions are not a marketing strategy, but an invitation into a community rooted in shared values. She reminds customers that buying from her brand is not activism itself, but a starting point.
“I’m not fundraising because it’s raising my sales, but it is actively raising my sales,” Haun said. “Because again … people want to feel like they’re making a difference.”
Customer Gianna Solari, a journalism student at CU Boulder, said the values of the brand are what drew her in.
“Buying from her is way more personal, as I know exactly who is creating the product, their creative process, their values and their mission,” said Solari. “I can’t emphasize enough how impressive it is that she has transformed a hobby into meaningful progress in her career, while also fostering a positive community and inspiring others to use their creativity for good.”
Haun’s roommate and close friend, Grace Apel, sees that intention daily. “Ella unites her beliefs and her work very well,” said Apel. “Her work stands out for its sustainability and creativity.”
Haun graduates in May with plans to move to Los Angeles for a job at a talent agency. Love You More Collective, she said, will move with her.
“It’s a passion project,” Haun said. “Maybe one day it turns into something I do full-time, and maybe it doesn’t. I’m not tied to anything, and I think that’s what feels right.”
Contact CU Independent Guest Writer Rhiannon Cargo at rhiannon.cargo@colorado.edu.
