Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebekah Smith.
Rebekah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Rebekah Smith, Owner of RIH. The Brand. I am a former Collegiate Track and Field Athlete of Clemson University who saw an opportunity to explore my love for fashion during the outbreak of COVID-19. The journey leading to where I am today resembles resilience, independence, and honorability which is what RIH. stands for. Ultimately defining who we are.
When the Pandemic hit the US in 2020, I was at the NCAA Division 1 Indoor Track and Field Championships. This is a major track and field meet with the best athletes in the nation. Top 16 to be exact for each individual event and my first time competing at the NCAA Indoor Championships. As we prepared to warm up on the track, all coaches/staff received a call ordering all athletes to return back home. The meet had been canceled and the entire US was going to shut down. Not only was I a Senior, but I was a Senior now uncertain of what was next for me.
During this time period of being home and with minimal opportunities available in the job market, I decided to start my clothing brand RIH. The Brand. This was my time to take a deep dive into who I was outside of track. You hear the phrase oftentimes of being “more than an athlete,” but you never truly understand the depths of this phrase until you are no longer an athlete trying to figure out who you are and what makes you, you. My first design was a black/white tee, then I created hoodies, and now I am expanding my designs, creating unique pieces such as Versatile Sets, Leather Moto Jackets, Hats, and more.
Fast forward to 2023, I am now a young black woman in Tech working for a phenomenal networking company and also running a Clothing Brand. This is the first year I have been able to be consistent in my designs, as well as consistent in promotional/advertising opportunities through Social Media. This is only the beginning, but I have so much more in store in executing my visions for RIH. The Brand.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This has not been a smooth road and I have faced many struggles along the way. As a senior unsure if I was going to get an additional season back by the NCAA, it was hard to find a job. The pandemic placed a big hindrance in job availability and most companies were not interested in hiring early-in-career persons for entry-level positions.
Thankfully, the NCAA granted all 2020 Senior athletes an outdoor season, so I was able to return to Clemson for another year and compete. I made it my duty to not only produce well on the track during this time but made sure I started early in exploring careers that best fit me. I had to be set for the real world after my track eligibility was up in 2021.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I own a clothing brand called RIH. The Brand. “RIH.” stands for Resilient, Independent, and Honorable. These three words not only define me personally but also define my transition from an athlete to a woman in my professional career. RIH. THE BRAND is a unique collection of apparel driven by a desire to create clothes for individuals who are known to stand out. This brand creates a balanced makeup of pieces that combine streetwear and luxury.
I specialize in creating clothes for women, but also have Unisex pieces available for both men and women.
I am originally from South Carolina and grew up around the creative industry. My childhood friend’s mom owns a modeling agency based in Columbia, SC called The DeAbreu Agency. I grew up modeling and acting which was the start of my love for fashion.
As a former Clemson University Track and Field star, this brand was created in 2020 to showcase who I am outside of Track and Field. My intuitive sense of style has allowed me to further develop a blueprint to unlock different elements of who I am as an individual.
I am most proud of who I am becoming and what the future holds for me. Education is key so I am currently obtaining a certification at the Parsons School of Design. The more knowledge I obtain will contribute to more and more success.
I strive to provide clothes for any man or woman wanting to stand out or use what they wear as another way to express themselves. This is a new journey for me to showcase what I love through RIH. The Brand.
What does success mean to you?
Success is achieving any goal no matter how small or big it is. Success is always shown at a large scale, but can also be simplistic. Any reward our outcomes that achieve an accomplishment.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rihthebrand.com
- Instagram: @rih.thebrand
Image Credits
Instagram Tag for Brand shoot: @dxpe_img or can leave blank
