When Jairus Morris was growing up in South Philadelphia, staying hydrated and drinking enough water was something he took for granted.

But after experiencing health issues as an adult, he quickly learned the significance of water hydration.

“It was going into the doctor's office and realizing I was having different issues with my kidneys, where they told me that I wasn't drinking enough water. As a result, I could have kidney failure, high blood pressure, and all these other things that could go wrong within my body. That's what made me start researching water hydration and understand that I wasn’t drinking enough water at all,” Morris told Black Dollar Magazine.

Wanting to encourage others to stay hydrated, he developed SUPLMNT in 2019, a fashion-forward, insulated water bottle company incorporating sneaker culture to connect with urban communities.

Morris said he connected with a VC firm, Proto Ventures, to develop the idea. The firm eventually introduced him to a Black industrial designer from New York who helped him design the bottle, which includes sneaker lace as the holding loop and a rubble sole for the bottom grip.

After much early success, Morris said the company is looking to reach at least $1 million in sales by the end of 2023. He also said he wants SUPLMNT to be one of the most recognized bottle brands in the U.S.

“We want to continue to get out in front of people we're trying to target and build the corporate side of the business. A lot of big companies and brands have been ordering from companies that have been around for years, but they're also looking for new brands that they would like to order from and partner with a more emissions-focused brand. I’m starting to partner with a few retail stores that match our target audience,” Morris said.

Morris said the human body needs between one and seven litres daily to avoid symptoms of dehydration. And its 20- and 24-ounce bottles hope to help its customers stay hydrated.

SUPLMNT bottles are available in many U.S. and international markets, partnering with gyms and other corporate fitness brands.

Moreover, it is working with community organizations in Newark, New Jersey, to stress the importance of clean water consumption.

An example is a partnership with a non-profit that uses reverse osmosis machines to removes lead from water. Through the process, the company is able to donate clean bottles to groups in need.

And SUPLMNT is partnering with education boards and apartment complex owners to teach residents the importance of teaching Black and brown communities about staying hydrated.

“We are committed to investing a portion of our revenue towards resources for our give-back program. Our program will provide bottles and educational materials about the importance of hydration to youth groups and sports programs in urban communities, including creating hydration stations within these areas,” Morris told Black Dollar Magazine. “We believe that by making drinking water cool and trendy while building partnerships with local organizations, we can strongly impact urban communities across the country.”