Today we’d like to introduce you to Rikki Andrea
Hi Rikki, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I began my journey in fashion long before I could even walk. Growing up, my mother would match my sisters and me in the same clothing, and I loved the sense of unity it brought us. It wasn’t until high school, however, that I truly began to explore my style. Each morning became an exciting opportunity to express myself, experimenting with different looks and raiding my brother’s closet for unique pieces. During this time, I was inspired by fashion icons such as Rihanna and Kayne. I loved wearing oversized clothing and putting a feminine feel along with it. The attention I received for my fashion choices culminated in being voted “Best Dressed,”.
But when I transitioned to college, I found myself feeling a bit lost. I dabbled in creating content on Instagram and collaborated with a few brands, yet something was missing. I loved styling, but I craved a deeper connection to my work. Then came quarantine, a time of introspection and creativity. I started designing t-shirts and hoodies, which ignited a newfound passion for building my brand, Rare By Rikki Andrea.
The concept of “Rare” is deeply personal to me. My grandfather, who I looked up to , would often remind me that I was his only Rikki. That affirmation became the foundation of my brand. I wanted to fuse my love for comfy, oversized styles with a mission to promote uniqueness and confidence in others.
As I design each piece, I envision a community where individuality is celebrated, and comfort is provided. With every collection, I strive to create clothing that not only feels good but also empowers people to embrace their true selves and unique journeys. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me and how I can inspire others to find and flaunt their rare qualities while wearing Rare, of course.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, the road has not been smooth at all, and my journey continues to unfold with its challenges. I’ve faced several struggles along the way, including profit loss and the profound grief of losing my grandfather while trying to build my brand.
At the start of my entrepreneurial journey, I struggled with the business side of my clothing line. I made missteps with pricing and budgeting, resulting in lost profits. This experience taught me invaluable lessons about the importance of understanding the financial aspects of my brand. I’ve since committed to learning more about pricing strategies and how to create a sustainable profit margin.
In 2022, my grandfather passed away, a loss that weighed heavily on my heart. I often found myself wishing he could see the progress I was making. I think about him every day, and I hope he’s proud that I didn’t quit. His memory fuels my determination to push through the tough moments and keep building the brand I dreamed about.
Despite these obstacles, I’ve gained resilience and clarity. I’m more motivated than ever to create pieces that honor his legacy and empower others to embrace their uniqueness. Each challenge has only strengthened my commitment to my vision and my brand.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Rare By Rikki Andrea?
Rare By Rikki Andrea is a lifestyle streetwear brand that prioritizes comfort without sacrificing style. We specialize in t-shirts and hoodies, but we’re excited to expand our offerings to include sets, socks, and more soon.
What truly sets us apart are our unique t-shirt graphics, exceptional comfort, and inclusive sizing for all genders. Our designs reflect a blend of creativity and individuality, inviting wearers to stay stylish while staying comfortable.
I am particularly proud of the message our brand embodies and the community we are building around it. We aim to create a space where everyone feels seen and celebrated, whether through our designs or our social media engagement.
I’m thrilled to announce that Rare By Rikki Andrea will have its first pop-up at The People’s Pop-Up on October 20th in Atlanta! This event is a significant milestone for us, and I invite you to come support and experience our brand firsthand.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
The qualities and characteristics I believe are most important to my success are confidence, self-discipline, and creativity.
Confidence has been essential in navigating the challenges of building my brand. It allows me to take risks. For example, being voted “Best Dressed” in high school boosted my self-assurance, helping me embrace my unique style and vision for Rare By Rikki Andrea.
Self-discipline is crucial for staying focused and organized, especially as a young entrepreneur. It helps me set goals and meet deadlines, ensuring that I consistently deliver high-quality products. When I started designing during quarantine, my ability to stick to a routine enabled me to develop my brand effectively, even in uncertain times.
Creativity fuels everything I do, from designing graphics to developing marketing strategies.
Together, these qualities shape my journey and drive me to build a brand that celebrates individuality, confidence, and comfort.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rarebyrikkiandrea.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rarebyrikkiandrea/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Rare-By-Rikki-Andrea/61555856142341/
