Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rae Johnson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Rae, appreciate you joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success can be defined in various ways and can be influenced by personal experiences and perspectives. Of course, financial gains are essential to scale a business and cover costs of living expenses but profitability is not my main measure of “success”. In my view, success is a combination of staying true to my values, achieving goals, personal fulfillment, and positively impacting employees, customers, and the community.

I would recommend that business owners define their own measures of success based on their specific circumstances and objectives. Success is not a fixed destination but rather a dynamic journey that requires continuous learning, adaptation, and a focus on core values.

Rae, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

About the founder:

Rae Johnson is a Canadian queer woman who runs a grassroots, socially and eco-conscious business. Their business focuses on making gender-inclusive fashion that is better for the planet and the wearer. Their motto is “A thoughtful wardrobe made the right way, not the easy way.”

“I don’t create work that harms or oppresses people and try to purchase preferred textiles or deadstock. My priority is for you to feel good and feel proud to wear our garments. I prioritize local production and fair manufacturing.”

With a graphic/web design degree, Rae built a strong foundation in marketing before returning to school. They graduated at the top of their class in fashion and textile design. Rae considers themselves a lifelong learner and actively educates herself on social and climate issues that heavily influence their garments and brand decisions.

Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Rae now resides with their partner and dog in LA, California.

A bit about the brand:

Rebecca Rae Design Inc. is an independent company with a mission to spark meaningful conversations through clothing and textile art. We aim to create ethical and gender-inclusive fashion that challenges the fast fashion industry and traditional binary styles of “womenswear” and “menswear.” We strive to shift perspectives on clothing by offering artistic and functional garments that encourage individuals to rethink what they wear and how they perceive fashion. Fabric and style are the driving forces, not the gender division of clothing.

We understand that the term ‘gender’ can be interpreted in various ways and can be a topic of controversy. We are not advocating for a world without gender. Rather, we believe it is unfair that gender can impose limitations and restrictions on individuals’ choices. Gender-inclusive clothing allows individuals to express themselves authentically and comfortably and promotes societal acceptance; it helps reduce stigma, discrimination, and gender-based expectations. It changes the notion that clothing should be strictly tied to gender and encourages play, creativity, fluidity, and a more open and diverse understanding of personal expression.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I love it when people tag me in photos of them wearing the garments. Or when someone runs into a stranger out in the world wearing RRDI (Rebecca Rae), they immediately swap stories of meeting me/my team at a market or sharing what piece they own. It feels like a community. I hear stories of someone wearing their garment on a date or job interview, doing something scary that they always wanted to try, or just cuddling their pet. Knowing I am part of someone’s story in a big or small way is rewarding.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I continue to learn and confront my biases when making gender-inclusive clothing by unlearning assumptions and embracing a more inclusive mindset.

Eliminating gendered stereotypes and assumptions and instead focusing on creating versatile, comfortable, and inclusive clothing for a wide range of bodies and personal styles, challenging traditional design elements associated with gender-specific clothing and experimenting with different silhouettes, cuts, fabrics, prints, and color to create clothing that defies gender norms. Listening to diverse voices, engaging with experiences of individuals from diverse gender identities and expressions. Incorporate their feedback and preferences in the design process to ensure that the clothing reflects their needs and desires.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rebeccaraeonline.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccarae_j/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaRaeDesignInc/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raejohnson-la/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rebeccaraedesign