Today we’d like to introduce you to Rannette Archer. They and their team shared their story with us below:
August Gill Apparel was founded in 2020 by Rannette A. amid a pandemic and racial unrest. With a need to rediscover who she is as her true self, Rannette found she had been muting her authentic voice and masking who she is as a Black woman, a daughter of a Belizean immigrant, an Eastside Detroit native, a mother, and a wife.
Initially crafting messages to wear as a cue to have the courage to speak up in her own way and to confidently be her true self, Rannette found she was having more conversations about her story. In doing so, others were requesting shirts of their own, and August Gill Apparel was created.
Augustus, Rannette’s father who became a citizen after immigrating from Belize, means “magnificent.” The August Gill name is a mashup in representation of Rannette’s maternal and paternal lineage and a tribute to the one-of-a-kind background that makes up who she is and who she will become.
August Gill Apparel is a company with a mission to inspire conversation through using your voice and being unapologetically heard.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It is a learning curve and growth opportunity. I’ve had to get outside of my comfort zone and learn how to navigate through entrepreneurship. I’m learning to push through the lows and celebrate the highs. Marketing by far, has been my biggest learning curve and struggle.
As you know, we’re big fans of August Gill Apparel. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
What sets August Gill Apparel apart from other brands is that it provides an opportunity to empower others through empowering self. I am most proud that the brand has remained true to itself and continues to evolve and grow as I continue to evolve and grow and it’s that authenticity that I think resonates with customers.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
There are several mentor networking groups available (i.e., mentors of color), but the best advice I can give is to start with simply asking. Typically, those that have walked down the path someone is trying to go is open to mentoring, if asked. If they can’t do the mentoring, then they’re usually open to referring you to someone who can.
Pricing:
- T-Shirts starting at $23.99
- Hoodies starting at $44.99
- Crewnecks starting at $34.99
- Bodysuits starting at $32.99
- Jumpsuits starting at $50.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.augustgillapparel.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/augustgillapparel
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/augustgillapparel
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/augustgillapprl
