We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rikki Stevenson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Rikki, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

The legacy I hope to build is one of empowering others, especially those who feel they aren’t good enough or special enough. I want to leave behind a sense of confidence for people, helping them recognize that they are unique, irreplaceable, and worthy just as they are. When I’m gone, I hope people will say I was loyal, fun, talented, and generous. Most importantly, I want to be remembered for inspiring others and making them feel truly seen and valued.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve been passionate about fashion for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my mother would often dress my sisters and me in matching outfits, and I loved the sense of unity and expression it brought us. However, it wasn’t until high school that I truly began to explore and develop my personal style. Being named “Best Dressed” in high school was a defining moment—it solidified my dream of pursuing a career in fashion. I started posting fashion content online, not knowing exactly where it would lead, but knowing I wanted to be part of this world.

Everything changed during quarantine—a time of reflection and creativity. I began designing t-shirts and hoodies as an outlet, and that sparked a new passion: building my own brand. That’s when *Rare By Rikki Andrea* was born.

Rare By Rikki Andrea is a lifestyle streetwear brand that blends comfort and style. We offer a range of products, including t-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, and socks, all designed to prioritize comfort while making a statement. What sets us apart is our unique elephant mascot, which is a signature element of our graphics, as well as our focus on exceptional comfort and inclusive sizing for all genders. Our designs celebrate individuality and creativity, encouraging wearers to embrace their unique sense of style without compromising on comfort.

What I’m most proud of is the message behind the brand and the community we’re building around it. The concept of “Rare” is deeply personal to me. My grandfather, who I deeply admired, would often remind me, “You’re my only Rikki.” That affirmation of uniqueness became the foundation of my brand’s identity. *Rare By Rikki Andrea* isn’t just about fashion—it’s about creating a space where everyone feels seen, valued, and celebrated, whether through our designs or the way we connect with people on social media.

The most important thing I want people to know about my brand is its purpose. *Rare By Rikki Andrea* isn’t just about status or profit; it’s about inspiring confidence, fostering community, and reminding everyone that their uniqueness is their superpower.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Yes! One book that had a significant impact on my mindset before starting my business was *Think and Grow Rich* by Napoleon Hill. This book was a game-changer for me—it helped me build self-confidence, master procrastination, and develop the persistence needed to pursue my goals. The lessons on the power of belief, clarity of purpose, and disciplined action were instrumental in shaping my entrepreneurial knowledge.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Before starting my brand, I was working part-time in retail and knew I wanted to create something hands-on and personal. I turned to YouTube to learn how to start a t-shirt business from home, diving into tutorials about heat presses and vinyl for t-shirt design. My nana generously offered to help me purchase my first heat press, which I’m proud to say I still use to this day!

From there, I used the income from my retail job to save up enough money to buy 50 t-shirts and the vinyl I needed to bring my first designs to life. It was a humble start, but it gave me the foundation I needed to begin building my brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rarebyrikkiandrea.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/rarebyrikkiandrea
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Rare-By-Rikki-Andrea/61555856142341/