We recently had the chance to connect with Rasheeda Gerald and have shared our conversation below.
Rasheeda, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Yes! After taking a step back from making clothes to make sure my life was together (Bills, my mental, bad habits, bad business, family issues) and also making sure my life aligned with God my boyfriend propose to me August 9th! It makes me feel very proud because we’ve shared a lot of ups and downs but decided to put God at the center of our relationship. This was the only way we were able to make it. It was the jump start I needed to inspire my creativity after stepping back for a bit.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Fuego by RBG is more than just a clothing brand – it’s a labor of love, a tribute to a remarkable woman, and a beacon of hope. Founded in loving memory of my grandmother, who bravely battled mental health issues, this brand honors her legacy by breathing new life into discarded materials. Through the art of upcycling, I transform lightly used and recycled items into stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces that not only reduce waste but also tell a story of resilience and renewal. Every purchase is special because it helps me, celebrate her strength and the impact her story has had on my life. By wearing Fuego by RBG, you’re not just making a fashion statement – you’re supporting a mission to redefine style, sustainability, and the power of love and legacy.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before life’s expectations shaped me, I was a gentle soul, raised in the vibrant culture of Central America as a preacher’s kid. Amidst the beauty and complexity of my surroundings, I was still discovering my own identity, roots, and sense of purpose.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
When I realized me “hiding” pain came off as secretive or shady. When in reality I have always been the type of person to soak in my own misery. If am going through something I don’t like to drag others into it I rather take some time to deal with it and then come back 10 times better. Often times people want to know your problems without actually helping or if they do help they overstep. So I rather deal with anything negative alone. Just me and God. But in the midst of that I found out that sometimes sharing some of what you’ve had to overcome may help others. And also help others understand you more. Still something I am working on.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Like an iceberg, there’s more to me beneath the surface. I’ve learned to be guarded, given the way people can be harsh. I reserve the deeper parts of myself for a select few, those who’ve earned the privilege of seeing beyond the tip. While some might perceive me as shy or quiet, that’s only part of the story. In reality, I’m observing, taking it all in, and choosing when to reveal more. But when I’m with people who make me feel safe, my guard drops, and I come alive – goofy, lively, and unapologetically myself.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I hope the story told about me is one of kindness, sweetness, and a heart that beat for something greater. I hope they remember my tireless work ethic, driven by a desire to leave a mark on this world with the gifts I’ve been blessed with. I hope they recall how I treated every person with the same respect and dignity I wished for myself, even when it wasn’t always easy. I wasn’t flawless, but I strived to be upright, owning my mistakes and apologizing for my wrongdoings, even when others didn’t extend the same courtesy. I hope they remember my quiet strength, bearing burdens in silence before speaking up. Most of all, I hope they know that my faith was the foundation of my life, that I prayed fervently, and that my relationship with God was my guiding light. This is the legacy I hope to leave behind – one of love, integrity, and devotion.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: HTTPS://instagram.com/fuego_byrbg
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@esta_caliente?_t=ZT-8zycoGhYVMT&_r=1Pinterest: https://pin.it/4thyLTkkT
Image Credits
Picture on the playground- photographer: @Alyimages
Model: @celinehiltonn
Photo of two models in a fashion show
Photographer: @ashantiisme
Models: @jayden_teresa28 and @michal_elizabeth
Other pictures: @rgslaughtermedia
