Through The Fire

Time: 2:06pm est.

Location: Ohio 

Hairstyle: Back Pony  

Nails: Clear

Wardrobe:  Stranger Things Hoodies Black leggings 

Rollin Racks has been active in Los Angeles for over two years, and every minute has been a journey we’ve cherished. Our brand has grown roots in Beverly Hills, collaborating with red carpet clients, TV shows, major retail brands, and more. LA has become home—a fashion mecca we deeply love.

When the fires started, it hit me differently. I hadn’t been on social media much, so I was unaware until my sister, whom I hadn’t spoken to in months, sent me a message asking if I was safe. The irony wasn’t lost on me—this was the same sister who had jeopardized my safety back in Ohio by gossiping about me. The last time I saw her, she had tried to fight me.

Returning to Cleveland was a personal hell. Growth seems to rub people the wrong way. Living in your purpose and vibing high can bring out others’ insecurities and negativity. Cleveland, with its dark energy, attracts that. So when she reached out with concern, it felt disingenuous. I wasn’t in LA at the time, but her message made me tune in to what was happening.

I was stunned to see entire neighborhoods burning. My mind raced: I had so much in LA—unfinished work, plans, and belongings. Rollin Racks had already been at a standstill due to behind-the-scenes challenges, and now this. Watching the devastation, I thought about the people starting over from scratch. I could relate deeply; starting over has been a recurring theme in my life.

It was surreal to see LA—my safe place—engulfed in chaos. The fires reminded me of the turmoil I’d endured in Cleveland, a place I fought so hard to escape. In both cases, I faced loss, uncertainty, and the need to rebuild. The physical fires mirrored the mental and emotional fires I’ve experienced—escaping negativity, betrayal, and attempts to minimize my accomplishments.

The fashion industry in LA is so interconnected, and I worried about how the fires would disrupt it. Many of my connections were from areas directly impacted, like the Pacific Palisades. Seeing it all unfold was heartbreaking. News reports said the devastation was even worse in person. I felt blessed not to be there, knowing it would have been unbearable to witness and endure.

Hearing people share their stories of escaping the fires resonated deeply with me. Their words mirrored my own journey of breaking free from Ohio’s suffocating negativity. Living in Cleveland felt like running through a fire—choking on smoke, dodging flames of criticism, and battling people who doubted me or outright plotted against me.

Entrepreneurship has been my fire. Building Rollin Racks has felt like creating something from nothing, with no mentors, no direction, and no one who truly understood my vision. Growing up around 9-to-5 mindsets, I’ve faced constant misunderstanding and skepticism. Family members made hurtful comments, failing to recognize my accomplishments as a business owner and innovator.

Through it all, I’ve kept moving forward, even in the face of betrayal and discouragement. The physical fires in LA became a metaphor for the challenges I’ve faced—both remind me of loss, resilience, and the power to rebuild.

I pray for everyone affected by the LA fires and for those battling their own internal fires. To anyone living in constant struggle or fighting to escape one, know this: you are not alone. We can rebuild ourselves as many times as it takes.

Rollin Racks is entering YEAR 9, and it will be our biggest and best yet. No matter what, we will keep moving forward. If we have to roast marshmallows in the fire, so be it. Stopping is not an option.