In the heart of Chicago, a new clothing brand is weaving the fabric of resilience into every piece it creates. Launched in February 2024 by co-founders Samantha Ravenna and Jillian Cadieux, “Rise Above Fall Below” is not just a brand; it’s a movement, a testament to the human spirit’s indomitable will to overcome adversity.
A Proverb-Turned Philosophy
Inspired by the Japanese proverb, “fall seven times, rise eight,” Samantha and Jillian embarked on a mission to transform clothing into more than just threads and textiles. To them, each garment is a canvas narrating the wearer’s journey, a beacon of hope for those amidst struggle, and a symbol of the triumphs that await. “We believe that life’s challenges are the stepping stones that lead us to our greatest triumphs,” shares Samantha, reflecting on the brand’s ethos. It’s a celebration of the strength that comes from facing adversity head-on and a reminder that success is born from the determination to rise again, no matter the number of stumbles.
The Journey from Concept to Reality
The path to launching “Rise Above Fall Below” was paved with its own set of challenges. It took the founders six months of meticulous planning, from selecting suppliers to finalizing the creative direction, pouring their heart and soul into a project they deeply believed in. Launched a month ago, the brand has already started to resonate with people, garnering a decent number of sales and gaining traction. With aspirations of becoming a globally recognized brand, Samantha and Jillian are on a mission to inspire individuals to embrace life’s ups and downs and to wear their setbacks as badges of honor.
Beyond Clothing: Building a Community
Looking ahead, “Rise Above Fall Below” envisions itself as more than just an e-commerce store. “In four years, we will be a known brand among the masses, with community meet-ups where people can share their stories of overcoming their most difficult battles,” Jillian envisions. The brand aims to establish physical locations, transforming them into spaces where people can not only shop for clothing but also find solace and inspiration among others who have faced and conquered their fears.
A Story of Personal Triumph
The inception of “Rise Above Fall Bel
ow” is closely tied to Samantha’s personal journey through a tumultuous 2023. From battling loneliness and mental health struggles to reaching a place of contentment and self-assurance, her story is one of relentless perseverance and self-re
flection. “It wasn’t easy, but through it all, I daydreamed of where I am today,” Samantha recounts. This brand is her way of encapsulating the year’s lessons into something far greater than words can convey.
Inspired by Community
Drawing inspiration from the clothing brand Lonely Ghost, “Rise Above Fall Below” aspires to foster a community of like-minded individuals. By emulating Lonely Ghost’s success in branding itself not just as a clothing line but as a movement, Samantha and Jillian aim to inspire others to rise in the face of adversity and focus on the power of resilience.
Join the Movement
Join the Movement“Rise Above Fall Below” is more than a brand; it’s a clarion call to those who have fallen to rise again with even greater strength. With its roots in Chicago, IL, and a vision that stretches far beyond, the brand invites everyone to be part of this journey of resilience and triumph. Visit their website to explore their collection and become part of a community where every garment tells a story of overcoming, of rising above and falling below, only to rise again, stronger than ever.
