My name is Char. I am the creator/designer of this brand

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'REZ Production'

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I am a member of the Blackfeet Tribe in Montana. I was born and raised on the Blackfeet Reservation in Browning, Montana. Rez is a nickname for the reservation. Growing up on the reservation we were taught to be very proud of who we are and where we come from. I am very inspired by the uprise in native success today, especially in the fashion world. So, I decided to start my own brand. Over the years I have kept sketches and ideas lying in notebooks and sketchbooks sitting aside. I'm ecstatic to bring my ideas to life and share. Shout out to other reservation inspired brands like 'Rez Made' and 'N7'. Shout out to native designers and models like Jamie Okuma, Bethany Yellowtail, Quanna Chasing Horse, & Lauren Gooday inspiring natives across Indian Country. Shout out to the fashion industry in its entirety. I read the 'Little Book Louis Vuitton. The story of the iconic fashion home' and couldn't help but be even more inspired.

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When introducing myself to people, especially white people, they often make comments like "I'm so sorry your from the rez" or "must be rough". I always respond with "what are you sorry for? I had a great childhood! we had rez dogs and cousins everywhere" ha

There is a point when you are native, as we grow, we realize history and our position in the world. We grow to protect our identity. So here I am putting myself out here and trying to put some positivity back into this world.

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Back in 2019 I was a full time college student and a single mother. On evenings i had time to relax I would look up native fashion on YouTube. I made me own sketch. I also was very intruiged by high fashion and would research about that too. Fast-forward to covid time my therapist talked to me about a concept of "talking to my inner child". She gave me this exercise to talk to her, protect her and remember the things she liked. It was absolutely very healing for me. I am someone who suffered depression and anxiety that was specifically caused by trauma. I highly encourage practicing that exercise. Fast forward again to 2022. I took a break from school and decided to work. Life was very stable and I was very stable but also felt directionless in life. All i knew about life was how to survive as a mom and go to school. I really didnt know what my passions were other than being a mom and school.  I literally googled "how to find my passion". One suggestion I was very intrigued by was "vision board". It is where you build a personal board with your wishes and goals. It's meant to motivate you. So, pairing the vision board with thinking about what I loved as a child, I found some direction and passion! 

When i was a child my favorite tv shows were 'Project Runway', 'What not to wear', & Tyra Banks. I had the project runway coloring books. I remember being in awe of endless creative expression through fashion. I was very obsessed with Bratz Dollz- there literal slogan is 'Passion for Fashion'. Those things really stood out to me and gave me happiness. So, as an adult building my vision board. I did write down 'Be part of the fashion world'. 

I just started sketching. Bought a drawing pad and colored pencils and just like when I was a kid, I started sketching.

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When sketching the REZ design, I reminded myself of the cultural artistry and its geometrical structures it embodies.

I sketched quiet a few attempts and on this:

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