Daily Inspiration: Meet Anthony Rice

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Rice.

Hi Anthony , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi, I’m Anthony Rice, a father of four children, and a man who has worn many hats — Artist, former basketball athlete, Harlem Globe Trotter, art teacher, coach, basketball trainer , and AT&T wire technician. For years, I’ve lived a vibrant and active life, committed to my family, community, and health. But two years ago, everything changed.

My journey hasn’t been a straight line—it’s been shaped by creativity, resilience, and a series of life-altering moments that forced me to slow down and listen to who I truly am.

I’ve always been an artist at heart. Long before business or branding, my foundation was drawing and painting. Art was my first language—it taught me how to observe, express emotion, and tell stories without words. Creativity was never just a hobby for me; it was how I made sense of the world and connected with people.

In recent years, my life shifted dramatically when I was diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD). What started as health concerns quickly became a fight for survival. There were moments when breathing itself was uncertain, and I had to come to terms with the possibility that my life—and my ability to provide for my family—could change permanently.

That experience stripped everything down to what truly mattered. During recovery, I reflected deeply on purpose, legacy, and the gifts I’d been given. I realized that surviving wasn’t just about getting better—it was about doing something meaningful with the time I still had.

Back in 2021, I had the idea to start a clothing brand called “Solid Ten”. It meant rooted in creativity, authenticity, and resilience, but I never pursued it. After my near-death experience, that idea resurfaced with urgency and clarity. It felt less like a business decision and more like a calling. Designing clothing became a new form of art for me—another canvas where I could translate emotion, survival, and identity into something tangible.

Today, I’m still on a healing journey, but I’m also building, creating, and sharing my story through my work. What I do now is shaped by everything I’ve lived through—the illness, the recovery, the art, and the belief that purpose often reveals itself in our hardest moments. I’m here because I chose to listen to that calling, and I’m committed to seeing it through.

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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. If anything, it’s been a journey shaped by uncertainty, setbacks, and a lot of inner battles that most people never see.

One of the biggest struggles has been my health. Being diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease completely changed the course of my life. I went from being active and independent to needing oxygen support and having to relearn my limits. That transition was difficult—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Accepting that I couldn’t move the way I once did, or provide in the same way, was one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced.

Another challenge was fear—fear of starting over, fear of failing, and fear of pursuing something creative while dealing with a serious illness. I had ideas for years, including my clothing brand back in 2021, but I hesitated. Life, responsibilities, and self-doubt kept me from fully committing.

Financial strain also played a role. Medical challenges don’t pause bills or family responsibilities, and balancing recovery with survival has required constant adjustment. There were moments when focusing on creativity felt impossible, yet it was also the very thing that kept me grounded.

Despite all of that, the struggles became teachers. They forced me to slow down, become more intentional, and redefine what progress looks like. The road hasn’t been easy, but every challenge sharpened my purpose and strengthened my resolve. I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about continuing to move forward, even when the path is unclear.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work lives at the intersection of art, storytelling, and purpose. At its core, I’m a creative—someone who uses design as a way to express identity, resilience, and lived experience. I specialize in translating emotion and meaning into wearable art through clothing design, drawing from my background in drawing and painting.

What I’m known for is authenticity. Every piece I create is rooted in real life—struggle, survival, growth, and self-belief. My designs aren’t just about aesthetics; they carry messages. They reflect perseverance, individuality, and the idea of staying grounded and true to yourself no matter what life throws at you.

I’m most proud of the fact that I chose to start—especially under circumstances that could’ve easily stopped me. Building something meaningful while navigating a serious health condition has taught me discipline, patience, and intention. Creating despite limitations has become a form of strength for me, and that mindset shows up in my work.

What sets me apart is that my brand isn’t driven by trends—it’s driven by purpose. My journey with illness, recovery, and reinvention informs every decision I make creatively. I’m not designing from theory; I’m designing from experience. Each collection is an extension of my story and an invitation for others to see themselves in it—to feel seen, encouraged, and empowered through what they wear.

Ultimately, my work is about more than clothing. It’s about turning pain into purpose and using creativity as a bridge between where you’ve been and where you’re going.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I believe in intentional risk—especially when staying comfortable costs you more than moving forward. For me, risk has never been about chasing uncertainty; it’s been about responding honestly to moments when life forces a decision.

The biggest risk I’ve taken was choosing to start over creatively while navigating serious health challenges. Living with Interstitial Lung Disease changed my sense of time and certainty. When you’ve faced the possibility of not being here, the fear of trying something new feels different. The greater risk becomes ignoring what you’re called to do.

Launching my clothing brand—especially after putting the idea on the shelf in 2021—was a leap of faith. I didn’t have perfect health, perfect timing, or guaranteed outcomes. What I did have was clarity. Surviving a near-death experience reframed risk for me. Not pursuing purpose felt far riskier than failure.

I’ve also learned that risk doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it’s choosing to believe in yourself when circumstances suggest you shouldn’t. It’s investing energy into creativity when rest feels safer. It’s putting your story out into the world and allowing yourself to be seen.

My perspective on risk now is rooted in alignment. If a decision aligns with who I am, what I’ve lived through, and where I’m trying to go, then the risk is worth taking. Life taught me that nothing is guaranteed, so I try to build things that matter while I’m here. Purpose, to me, is the most responsible risk you can take.

Pricing:

• All of our pieces are under $100 when bought separately.
• Sets (top and bottom) are no more than $140
• Free shipping on orders over $150
• Receive 25% off next purchase when you subscribe.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.solidtencloth.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solidtenclothing_

Image Credits
None