About Rise Above Apparel

Hi, I’m Dawn — the heart and hands behind Rise Above Apparel.

Rise Above Apparel was born from a season of change, growth, and reclaiming my voice. Like many meaningful things, it didn’t start as a business plan — it started as a feeling. A deep desire to create something that represents strength, resilience, and the quiet power that comes from choosing yourself, even when it’s hard.

I’ve always been a creative at heart. Over the years, I found myself drawn to designing apparel that wasn’t just something you wear, but something you feel. Clothing that carries meaning. Pieces that remind you who you are and what you’ve survived — and where you’re going next.

What I Do

Rise Above Apparel is a small, one-person business specializing in custom, thoughtfully designed clothing and apparel — for both individuals and groups.

I create:

• Custom apparel for individuals and families

• Team and group apparel for school organizations, booster clubs, sports teams, and activity groups

• Branded apparel for local businesses, events, and community organizations

• In addition to apparel I also offer custom merch from tumblers, mugs keychains, stickers patches and more! 

Whether you’re outfitting a school group, launching a business, or creating apparel for a special event, I work closely with you to bring your vision to life. From simple, clean designs to bold statement pieces, every project is handled with the same care and attention to detail.

Because I do everything myself — from design to production — each order is personal. No mass production. No cookie-cutter solutions. Just quality apparel made with intention. So feel free to bring me a finished design or just a design idea and it will be brought to life. 

The Meaning Behind the Name

“Rise Above” is more than a name — it’s a mindset.

It represents growth through adversity, choosing healing, and continuing forward even when the path isn’t easy. It’s about honoring where you’ve been without letting it define you. Rising above expectations, circumstances, fear, and self-doubt — again and again.

My Values

At the core of Rise Above Apparel are a few simple but important values:

• Authenticity – Honest work, real connections, meaningful designs.

• Quality over quantity – Apparel made to last, not just to sell.

  • Any base product recommendations are made from personal testing to find the balance between quality/comfort and affordability. 

• Collaboration – Listening closely and designing with you, not just for you.

• Community – Supporting schools, local groups, and small businesses.

• Empowerment – Creating apparel that reflects pride, strength, and identity, this business is founded in inclusivity. 

Why I Do This

This business is deeply personal to me. It represents independence, creativity, and choosing to build something meaningful from the ground up. Rise Above Apparel is proof that new beginnings can be powerful — and that even after difficult chapters, you can create something beautiful.

Thank You

Whether you’re here browsing, ordering something custom, coordinating group apparel, or simply reading my story — thank you for being part of this space. I’m honored to create pieces that become part of your journey.

If you have an idea, a logo, a team, or a vision you want brought to life through apparel, I’d love to work with you.

Welcome to Rise Above Apparel.