BUSINESS
Releigh Freya: An Interview with Rezi Ubogu
By: Eliza Brown Edited by Maya Merante
Pictured is Rezi Ubogu at Fetch Collective’s Releigh Freya vintage pop-up
On March 23, Fetch Collective had a special event; a pop-up sale for vintage clothing. The brand, Releigh Freya, is founded and owned by Rezi Ubogu, Fetch Editor and dedicated member. She donated a portion of the funds from the pop-up to Fetch, stating that she didn’t do it for the credit, but because she genuinely loves this organization. Members were able to support their peers' business and Fetch as a whole, while also shopping sustainably and bonding over a love for fashion.
Ubogu’s brand, Releigh Freya, began as a way to clean out her closet and make money in High School. Since then, her business model has changed. She primarily sources her items online internationally, and has been selling at pop-up opportunities around campus. Clearly demonstrated at her Fetch pop-up, “doing good” is a common theme for this entrepreneur. People often make assumptions about the resale industry, and Ubogu hopes to “debunk these misconceptions” and share her personal story.
Recently, the topic of reselling has been highly debated on social media. Often, people are concerned with the ethics of this industry. Ubogu has made it her priority to ethically run her business. She ensures the clothing is high-quality, not only for customer-benefit, but for environmental impact. Fast fashion contributes so much textile waste— one reason why selling clothes that will last is an important facet of her business. She also seeks out ethical brands that don’t support child labor and other harmful business practices. Her inventory is highly curated, and you can expect thoughtfully picked, hard-to-find items when shopping from Releigh Freya.
One common misconception about her business as a “depop seller” (although her depop storefront is technically closed until summer, she has still held this identity), is that the business takes away from people in need. However, she always considers, “making sure that these spaces or thrift stores that are often for marginalized communities aren’t encroached on.” Ultimately, most of her inventory comes from international wholesalers, her own closet, or from other people, and she wants to make sure that the clothing finds its way to a good home. When she does find items at thrift stores, she makes sure that the items make sense for her brand and customer base. The real issue lies within the resale community—when business owners are buying large quantities of items from thrift stores and clearing the stock, as well as buying items they won’t be able to sell.
Ubogu seeks to use Releigh Freya to make a positive impact on communities and the environment, and share her love for fashion with others. She discussed how her business has really shaped her identity and sense of self. She also acknowledged the challenges she has faced, specifically as a woman of color. As mentioned previously in the article, due to misconceptions about resale, many people hold negative opinions about reselling clothes. However, she shares that this backlash is intensified as a woman of color. She often receives hateful comments that her white counterparts do not, exposing racial prejudice within the reselling business. Avoiding these comments on social media, specifically TikTok, has been important for her. She states that the negativity she receives, “kind of contrasts with what some of my mutual friends in this business, who don’t have my complexion, that don't really get those kinds of comments.” Facing this “double-standard,” is a challenge she has faced in the resale community, and drives her to push boundaries and contribute to inclusion within the fashion industry.
There is also a stigma surrounding vintage items. People might not want to buy “used clothes,” preferring to buy from new, trending brands. For Ubogu, the biggest strategy has been ensuring that she is selling to customers who support her in return. Creating a positive customer base, of good people, has made the experience more fulfilling— she notes that she loves when people tag Releigh Freya in posts wearing her brand. “That’s really the positivity that I choose to focus on, because in this community, there are very few people that look like me, so when there is an opportunity to make my name known, and also support people who are doing good things it brings me a different level of joy,” she focuses on the people rather than the profit. This is testament to Ubogu’s character, demonstrating her true passion for her work.
In high school, when she first started Releigh Freya, she wasn’t associated with the brand. Within the past two or three years, she decided to stop caring what others might think and take more ownership over her brand. She states that, “without embracing who I am, Releigh Freya wouldn’t even exist to the capacity that it is today.” Aspects of her identity, such as being a woman of color and caring about social issues are vital to Releigh Freya, and have helped it continue to grow.
When asked: How do you want Releigh Freya to be known? Ubogu stated, “Something that has an impact and is a safe space regardless of who you are…” Ubogu is passionate about sustainability, inclusion and vintage clothes. If you would like to support her business you can find her on Instagram and TikTok: @ReleighFreya.