“REEZN isn’t just a clothing brand—it’s a movement,” states Chad Franke, founder of the emerging apparel brand. “We are building a platform where people can express who they really are, not who they’re told to be.”

Launched in May, REEZN stands as a direct-to-consumer fashion brand with emotional resonance at its core, offering something apparel designed to help people process their feelings and express their genuine selves.

“I grew up in the spotlight as part of a widely followed YouTube family, where life was documented and shared with millions. But behind the camera, I faced personal challenges shaped by family trauma and abuse—experiences that changed my perspective and fueled my desire to create something meaningful,” Chad explains.

The catalyst for REEZN emerged after a key moment in Chad’s public life. “The moment that pushed me to start my own brand was when a well-known docuseries about my family came out on Hulu. Seeing how people reacted to it made me realize I wasn’t alone in how I felt. So many others connected with the story, and I wanted to give them a way to express that,” he says.

This realization highlighted that while many creators offer merchandise, few brands address the emotional connection between creators and their audiences. REEZN offers clothing that helps people process their feelings while promoting healthy relationships, emotional resilience, and personal growth.

Taking Back Control Through Fashion

The name REEZN itself carries meaningful depth, deliberately misspelled to reflect the unpredictability of life. “The name REEZN stands for having a reason — a reason to speak up, to heal, and to grow. It’s intentionally misspelled to reflect how life doesn’t always go as planned, but we still find purpose in the chaos. For me, REEZN is about taking back the power that was taken from me,” Chad reveals.

Choosing fashion as his medium, Chad, who is represented by The Creator Society, recognized an opportunity to create something with deeper meaning and a stronger brand identity.

“With REEZN, I wanted to create pieces that people could wear and feel seen, understood, and confident, like they’re standing up for themselves just by getting dressed. Fashion gave me a way to turn something personal into something that could connect and empower others, too,” he explains.

A key figure in bringing REEZN’s vision to life is Mary Kate McClaran, Head of Design at The Creator Society. Known to colleagues as “MK,” McClaran invested considerable time understanding Chad’s trauma and bringing sincerity to the design process. Her goal was never to create typical “influencer merch,” but rather to develop a look and feel with intentional tone.

The ‘FREED’ Collection

REEZN’s debut collection centered around the theme “FREED,” a concept deeply personal to Chad. “The ‘FREED’ theme was inspired by the moment I realized I didn’t have to be controlled by my past anymore. It represents breaking away from toxic people, fear, and the pressure to stay quiet. To me, ‘FREED’ means finally choosing yourself and your truth,” he explains.

The initial drop featured seasonally appropriate items, with a focus on light colors and summer styles. “We launched at the start of summer, so our first pieces focused on light colors and breezy styles — especially cute tank tops designed for warm, sunny days. The goal was to create something comfortable, bold, and perfect for the season,” says Chad.

He also highlights his team’s efforts and his deep involvement in the creative process. “We went through several rounds of edits, with the whole team involved every step of the way. REEZN is lucky to have an incredible designer who knows how to bring our message to life through every detail, perfectly capturing the vision behind the brand.”

D2C Strategy in the Creator Economy

Chad made the deliberate choice to go direct-to-consumer through REEZN’s website. This decision aligns with his vision for complete control over the brand experience.

“This isn’t just clothing. It’s a message, and going direct lets us tell that story without filters or middlemen. It gives us full control over the experience, from the design to the packaging to how we interact with our community. I wanted every part of REEZN to feel personal, intentional, and honest, just like the brand itself,” Chad explains.

Leveraging Social Media with Sincerity

REEZN’s launch strategy centered on storytelling and emotional connection, an approach that acknowledges the significance of authentic connection in the creator economy.

“Our launch strategy focused on connection and sharing the story behind REEZN. I used my social media to talk about why the brand matters and what it stands for, not just to show the clothes. The launch video reached millions, which helped get the word out fast,” Chad shares.

REEZN’s social media strategy places particular emphasis on sincerity. “We’re using TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms to connect with people in a real and relatable way. Much of the content combines humor with the deeper meaning behind the brand, as sometimes the best way to process difficult life experiences is to laugh through them. That kind of honesty really resonates with viewers and helps them feel more connected to REEZN and what it stands for.”

Expanding the Vision and Community

Looking ahead, Chad outlines plans for REEZN’s growth within the creator economy.

“REEZN is just getting started. Long-term, I want it to grow into a full lifestyle brand that goes beyond clothes. The goal is to build a community where people feel seen, strong, and free to be themselves,” he states.

This community-centered approach focuses on building engagement rather than merely selling products. It recognizes that successful businesses in the creator economy are built on community connections.

Future collections, developed with MK McClaran’s design expertise, will feature powerful messages for Gen Z and Gen Alpha that transcend trendy memes. These upcoming drops are designed not only to “look cool,” but also to resonate with deeper meaning, creating apparel that speaks to the experiences and values of younger generations.

Plans include expanding product lines, potential collaborations with other creators, and even physical pop-up experiences. “Drop one was just the start. We’re already working on new collections with fresh designs, deeper messages, and different types of products. I want to explore more than just shirts and hoodies. We’re talking about accessories, lifestyle items, and pieces that speak to different sides of the brand,” Chad reveals.

While currently focused on D2C sales to stay close to the community and fully control the brand experience, Chad remains open to strategic retail partnerships “as long as they align with our message and values.”

Collaborations with other creators and influencers are also part of REEZN’s growth strategy. When it comes to potential partnerships, Chad has no dilemma: “Absolutely. This is exactly how the business will reach a variety of audiences.”

Impact Beyond Fashion

Regarding the impact he hopes REEZN will have, Chad’s vision transcends fashion. “I hope REEZN does more than just make people look good. I want it to make them feel seen, heard, and confident in who they are. The real impact I’m aiming for is emotional. I want someone to put on a REEZN piece and feel like they’re standing up for themselves, embracing their story, and letting go of whatever held them back,” he explains.

By creating tangible products that help people express and process their feelings, REEZN provides a link between digital experiences and physical reality.

“Whether it’s healing from something, breaking free from a toxic situation, or just being bold enough to be real. I want REEZN to remind people they’re not alone, and they have every right to take up space exactly as they are,” Chad concludes.

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