The SigEp Blog interviews two brothers whose startup was selected as one of 30 socially conscious businesses to be featured on TOMS Marketplace. Their company, Denik, helps raise money to build schools in impoverished countries.

The SigEp Blog: First off, what is TOMS Marketplace?
Brent Crosby: Well, everybody’s heard of TOMS Shoes. For every pair of shoes they sell, they donate a pair to a child in need. Marketplace is an online platform that features other socially minded companies that give back to the public.

SB: How did Denik end up being selected?
Jake Frisby: TOMS actually reached out to us. Blake Mycoskie, the TOMS founder, is a huge journaler, so when they started looking for companies to put in the Marketplace they looked for a journal company that gives back. When we got the call, we thought we were being pranked.

SB: Tell us more about Denik.
Firsby: Denik was founded in 2011 right on campus at Utah State University. We wanted to use artwork to make a difference in the world, so we started a designer notebook company with a social mission: building schools in impoverished countries all over the world. One dollar of every sale is donated to a school-building project.

SB: Have you had much success up until now?
Crosby: Right now we’re sold in over 80 locations, including Nordstrom, Equal Vision Records, on Woot.com, Sevenly.com, and now on Marketplace. We’ve also had the privilege of being featured in The New York Times, The Huffington Post, Good Morning America Live, Transworld Business, Glamour magazine, Entrepreneur magazine, and a lot more.

SB: How did you two get involved in the business?
Frisby: Myself and Denik’s other founder, Tyler Tolson, started Denik while we were still in school. After graduation, Tyler moved down to Salt Lake City for the better business location, and I put my education on hold to follow him.

Crosby: I had graduated the year before and was working at a prestigious firm in Salt Lake, but I was feeling unfulfilled in my role. When Jake approached me about joining Denik, I left my salaried position and went for the opportunity.

SB: Do you feel fulfilled with what you’re doing now?
Crosby: Absolutely. It’s a start up, so our responsibilities are constantly changing depending on the needs of the company. I take care of our finances and marketing, and Jake is over inventory, events, and shipping. It’s more than just a job though. We believe in what we’re doing, and we think it’s changing the world.