Grace Ridge is behind genderless and inclusive clothing and accessory brand, Fall From Grace. Here, they explain how the aim of the eco-friendly and sustainable brand is to help people feel seen, accepted and valued.
I come from a single parent family and sort of struggled a bit in school. In upper school my mum got diagnosed with cancer so that really affected me. Thankfully she’s fine now! I was determined to go to uni so I did and got a 2:1 degree in criminology and sociology – I’m extremely proud of that. Especially since I’ve always struggled with generalised anxiety and depression. I think it’s important to remember how privileged you are. The “downs” in my life have made me who I am today. I’ve always had a roof over my head and food on the table and I think it’s important to remember that not everyone has that and I’m extremely lucky I do. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and the person I am today.
At the start of the pandemic, I was working in a retail job and, due to the pandemic, we had to shut for a time. As much as the pandemic was horrible it sparked the beginning of Fall From Grace. I had a lot of time on my hands and so began the business. A lot has happened since. Fall From Grace has changed and evolved, and last year I managed to get a business loan to help get the business off the ground. I also took part in the innovation scheme by Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council which helps small businesses get a market stall. This has been great for me. I now do regular markets and I love it!
The idea for Fall From Grace has sort of always been there. I always have wanted to start a business I just never really knew what I wanted to do. I actually started with art prints and stickers before I did clothes and a few people said I should put some of my art on clothing. I always felt like I never fit in to the stereotypical norms and wanted to find clothes that made me feel comfortable and thought well why don’t I just make them? So, I did a few T-shirts to begin with. I wanted to convey a message with my clothing though and that’s sort of where I began. Genderless clothing with a positive message.
I wanted to create a brand with an important message: raise awareness for mental health and remind people that we are human, and we all share this planet. The aims of Fall From Grace are to spread awareness and positivity; to help people feel seen, accepted and valued.
I’m working on bringing a bigger product range and currently working on my autumn and Christmas ranges. I will also be doing some Christmas markets so keep an eye on my Instagram for where and when! Other than that, I’m just loving what I’m doing currently and working to keep improving!
You can find Fall From Grace products online at www.fallfromgraceshop.co.uk; and every other Wednesday at Bury St Edmunds Market or every Saturday at Stowmarket.
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