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

Alright, Terrica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

This happened twice—once as a digital artist and once as a designer. It all began at Howard University. I shattered my computer, leaving me with nothing but an iPad. If I was going to shell out serious cash for this gadget, it needed to do more than just be my homework sidekick. So, I took a bold leap and taught myself digital painting. And guess what? I fell head over heels in love with it.

My best friend nudged me to share my art on Instagram, and to my surprise, people started to notice. That little spark of interest gave me the confidence to participate in a campus event and sell my artwork as prints. I can’t quite recall who bought my very first piece, but I remember the overwhelming gratitude and the lesson it taught me—to give myself permission to believe in my talent.

This experience was the nudge I needed to see that being an artist and entrepreneur wasn’t just a dream—it was a real, tangible possibility. It showed me that I could carve out a career doing what I love, and I’ve never looked back since.

Terrica Woods, 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?

My name is Terrica, or Tee to some, and my story kicks off at Howard University. I started out as a biology major on the premed track and absolutely hated it. I had a ton of money tied up in school and wasn’t about to waste it on something I despised, so come sophomore year, I made a bold move and switched my major to art with a focus on fashion design. It made the most sense to me —I spent my entire freshman year sewing anyway. Couldn’t afford new clothes for homecoming? No problem. I made my own, upcycling what I had because at Howard, you gotta come stepping. The switch was easy, and I never looked back.

I threw myself into classes that blew my mind with possibilities as an artist. Fashion and digital art had me hooked, thanks to the inspiring guidance of Professor Taylor and Dr. Gause. Armed with the fundamentals, I set my sights on starting my own business. I tried launching during COVID, but it didn’t work out for me then. I tried designing graphic T-Shirts and it wasn’t my kind of design, it left me feeling uninspired and stuck.

I dabbled in digital art, but the pressure to get a “real” job weighed me down, leading to a bout of depression. When I got laid off in December of 2023, I decided to let God take the wheel and guide me to my true purpose. I always found myself drawn back to art and fashion, which led to the birth of Rebel Goat Official.

Rebel Goat. It comes from the true essence of a rebel: someone who defies the norm, challenges the status quo, and stands firm against the odds. And a goat? Represents perseverance, courage, and adaptability. That’s the spirit behind my brand.

Rebel Goat Official is all about fighting back—against waste, against pollution, against fast fashion. We create sustainable garments based on sustainability, circularity, and biodegradability. Our goal is to crush the overrun of textile waste with

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

Everything from REBEL GOAT is made in-house by hand, and I couldn’t be prouder of that. Our brand is built on a closed-loop and slow fashion model. Manufacturing these items has been a learning curve since I’m used to making things for myself or someone whose measurements I have. So, making and grading patterns based on a size chart has definitely been a challenge.

We use a small-batch and made-to-order production model to ensure we don’t overproduce garments, eliminating the need for a large manufacturer. Our decision to keep production in-house allows us to monitor sustainable practices every step of the way.

Being so new, I haven’t quite managed to stop micromanaging… haha. But eventually, we plan to expand our in-house manufacturing by hiring seamstresses and ensuring fair wages. At REBEL GOAT, we’re not just making clothes; we’re making a statement.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

Our products are sold online at rebelgoatofficial.com and in-store through our partnership with Dress to Manifest at the Anacostia Arts Center. Selling online was a rebellious choice born from the realization that in-person sales heavily depend on foot traffic. While we continue to sell in person to build genuine relationships with our customers, leading to networking connections and friendships, online sales allow us to reach a broader audience.

We’ve noticed that some of our supporters hail from cities hours away, like New York and Memphis, TN. The automations that come with online sales—emailing, invoices, and more—make it much easier to keep track of everything and for others to assist when I’m unavailable. I can get things done from anywhere, which is a game-changer.

Of course, there are cons, like the costs of maintaining the website and covering shipping expenses and materials. But the pros outweigh them. Selling online means we can spread the REBEL GOAT spirit far and wide, breaking the boundaries of location and connecting with fellow rebels everywhere.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rebelgoatofficial.com
• Instagram: @rebelgoatofficial
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terricawoods90