Inspiring Conversations with Reese Large of Real Life

Today we’d like to introduce you to Reese Large.

Hi Reese, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
During Covid-19, as a 12-13 years old tween living in Santa Barbara, I had a lot of time on my hands. I started to draw designs that reminded me of the things I missed doing in Real Life prior to the shutdown. My parents saw these drawings, which led to discussions about how we could make an impact and to the idea of starting a business, which we ultimately called Real Life.

One of Santa Barbara’s primary shopping stores closed around the same time we were discussing what this business looked like. I looked to two of my big interests – fashion and the great outdoors. We realized that we could turn my drawings into apparel designs and, to make an impact, connect each design to a nonprofit. Nonprofits were also struggling during COVID-19 and this allowed us to make an impact by helping organizations.

I identified different non-profit organizations that corresponded with my designs and their related activities. Then, my family and I found a local business that worked with us to source and print garments with my designs.

I decided to call the business Real Life because, as I said before, the designs I drew represented the things I missed doing in real life. We have supported some really special nonprofits and also partnered with others so that my designs are now sold in certain organizations’ retail locations.

Real Life is still going strong and I am excited for whatever comes next.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Luckily for me the road has been pretty smooth but, as with anything, there have been a few bumps. One of Real Life’s first bumps – or struggles – was not being able to interact through traditional means to spread the word about my brand-new business. We could not sell at pop-up markets or at community events because our state still was still isolating.

It is very hard to get a business up and running when a common source of communication was eliminated. I overcame this challenge by using my available resources – like social media, public relations, and local media.

One other struggle I encountered in my Real Life journey was balancing my time running Real Life with my time for everything else like school, sports, and friends. I have many nights where I have had to stay up late doing homework and wake up early the next morning in order to get any Real Life tasks done before my school day would start. These tasks included creating social media content, managing inventory, and even making and delivering/mailing orders.

I am very lucky that my parents have been able to help me complete everything that has to be done for Real Life, sports, and school. I am still trying to balance school and Real Life but I enjoy it no matter what.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Real Life?
Although Real Life is not the most well-known business, you might say it is known for helping the outdoors through clothing. Yes, there are sustainable businesses, and a few businesses that donate some proceeds to non-profits, but what sets us apart from the pack is that I started this business as a 12 years old and have continued it into my high school career as 14 years old.

The special look and design of our clothes are also very unique. Each design is printed on the back and connected to a nonprofit organization. The front logo is printed with a treatment that makes each color pattern one of a kind.

Real Life would love to expand, but right now, we specialize in hoodies, t-shirts, and zip-ups. We did start with clothes for tweens and adults but quickly added youth sizes based on demand.

These clothing pieces have led me to many special experiences. The one experience I am most proud of i is when I received the NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) Rising Star award. The Rising Star award is for young women entrepreneurs under the age of 21. To be awarded this honor, someone must nominate you. I am very grateful that someone thought of Real Life and nominated me.

Through everything, I have learned to appreciate anything and everything that comes my way and to face it head-on. I have learned how to care for our world. But, most importantly, I have learned to be confident in myself because, and it might sound a bit cliché, but I can do anything I put my mind to. My goal with Real Life is not only to support our environment but to also teach my customers all of the things I have learned along this journey.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
If I am being honest, I have no idea what lies ahead for Real Life. I. have big dreams but also have high school responsibilities so I am continuing to learn how to balance! I would love to add some more products and maybe someday have a real store in a real mall or shopping center. Whatever does come next though, I am ready for it, so bring it on.

Pricing:

• T-shirts $25
• Hoodies/Sweatshirts $45

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wearreallife.com/shop
• Instagram: @Wearreallife
• Facebook: @Wearreallife