We had the good fortune of connecting with Fiona Gabora and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Fiona, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always been a creative person, but didn’t fully tap in until a few years ago. I felt my life rudderless. After going thru a traumatic relationship, I was exposed to so many creatives, and they really encouraged me to tap in to what was already there. Creating, for me, is incredibly therapeutic. It wasn’t too far of a leap when I decided I wanted to do this full time.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
RISE is a Miami based vinyl print shop. We customize a wide range of apparel as well as wall and vehicle decals.

Our motto is: When I rise, you rise. The concept is that we all rise together as a community. We uplift and support one another, and celebrate our unique diversity. Inspired by living in a multi cultural city, RISE is here to help clients bring their ideas to life.

I love to create, and as I was developing a tshirt line for my parent company, Get Free, I got a glimpse of what it was to make a shirt and thought it would be fun to try. I had absolutely no training in this process! It was a bit frustrating at first, but I was committed to making my 1st shirt. YouTube University was/is my best friend! (…as well as the determination of never giving up.) The trial and error of learning the machines and pressing garments correctly was a long process, but eventually I learned. It feels even more fruitful to start from the ground up.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To my mentor, sensei, and dear friend. BG4L

Instagram: @risecollectively @fionagabora

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