Why I Created Ash & Rise: A Journey of Strength and Legacy

Ash & Rise was not born from convenience—it was born from challenge, resilience, and the determination to turn hardship into legacy. As a single mother, a war veteran, and a full-time student, I’ve lived through seasons where giving up would have been easier than pressing forward. But I’ve also learned that true strength is not about never falling—it’s about rising again and again, no matter what life places in your path.

The idea for Ash & Rise came during one of those hard seasons. I wanted to create something meaningful, something that reflected not only my own journey but also the stories of countless others who have had to rise from the ashes of struggle, pain, or loss. Fashion, for me, became more than style—it became a form of expression, a way to wear strength on the outside while nurturing it within.

Each shirt in the Ash & Rise collection carries a message of empowerment. Phrases like “Still Rising” and “Change Gone Come” are more than words; they are affirmations, reminders that even in our hardest moments, there is light ahead. They are for the student fighting for a better future, the parent balancing endless responsibilities, the dreamer who refuses to quit, and anyone who chooses courage over defeat.

Building this brand is about more than apparel—it’s about creating a community. Ash & Rise is for those who believe in resilience, healing, and legacy. It’s for people who want to carry messages of hope not just in their hearts but in their everyday lives.

I created Ash & Rise because I believe strength is contagious. When one of us rises, we give permission for others to do the same. My hope is that this brand inspires you to keep moving forward, to embrace your journey, and to know that you are never alone in the climb.

Because from the ashes, we rise—and together, we rise stronger.