Founder of Resistance Fashion, Rosie Myers, on Turning Injustice into Positive Change
Resistance Fashion t-shirt: “Joy, Love, Creativity, Fashion, Black, You are the Resistance”.
Rosie is the founder of Resistance Fashion, a brand empowering people to fight an oppressive culture and embrace their own.
Growing up in a predominantly white community, she understood the importance of learning from other cultures while also embracing her own.
“As a Black woman who grew up in a mainly white neighborhood, it was important for me to learn about other cultures including my own.”
While racial injustice has proved to be a consistent issue in the U.S., when covid came around, the racial inequity seemed amplified.
"Like many people of color in quarantine, you couldn't run away from it. It was a hard time psychologically, physically, and financially. We had to reckon with all of this. You come to terms with the struggle of Black people, especially with the police. In this country, it always seems like people of color are seen as second or not as good. That narrative needs to change."
Rosie decided to channel this injustice as well as her love for her community into her brand, Resistance Fashion.
Founder of Resistance Fashion, Rosie Myers, sporting her “Resistance” t-shirt.
"I wanted to combine my love for my Black people, culture, fashion, and marketing. I wanted to create something uplifting and empowering."
After experiencing the usual ups and downs of starting a business from scratch, Rosie finally found her footing.
"It can be very isolating and you have so much doubt, but in time, I've learned to trust my gut and attract like-minded people."
Resistance Fashion model sporting a long sleeve with the following message: “The best way to fight an oppressive culture is to embrace your own.”
Ever since launching, her message has resonated with people of all backgrounds and led to many creative collaborations.
"In the fashion industry, people of color are often overlooked, so I've made it a mission to collaborate with Black creatives. My website was designed by a woman of color, Melissa Perkins, my pictures were taken by a Black photographer, Suede Williams, and my crewnecks were made by Black designers, Darin Carter and Amanda Ponce."
Resistance Fashion models sporting “Resistance” t-shirts.
Her upcoming campaign launching in June 2021, Freedom Summer, is an ode to the Freedom Summer movement of 1964, when community activists, like Fannie Lou Hamer, aimed to increase Black voter registration in Mississippi.
"After this period of racial unrest, I hope our community moves towards a brighter place."
As for the future of Resistance Fashion, she hopes to continue collaborating with creatives, like Melody Ehsani, and amplifying Resistance Fashion’s reach.
"My hope for Resistance Fashion is that it brings people together and that allies learn about Black culture through a Black lens."