How many times have you been excited to try a clothing brand, and when you did, you were disappointed? Or how many times have you experienced a “what I bought vs what I got” moment? We’ve all been there.
It’s honestly a frustrating experience, to say the least. Arianna “Ari” Davis, the founder of Stript, shared the same experience when she started her clothing brand. Stript started with a problem that she was willing to resolve: No good quality bodysuits on the market. What began as a personal frustration evolved into something far more significant: a brand built on women’s empowerment, accessibility, and the radical idea that community isn’t just a marketing strategy, it’s the foundation.
The founder of Stript and Buji Matcha, Ari, didn’t follow a traditional path into fashion. In fact, she developed her brand during her last year at Howard University’s School of Law. After graduating, she worked as a lawyer while actively pouring into Stript. Ari explains that social media has been instrumental in Stript’s growth, but not in the way you might expect. It’s not about chasing virality or algorithms. It’s about presenting yourself authentically and keeping your audience captivated. Ari not only participates in trends, she stays ahead. She uses platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram to create engaging content also helps consumers become part of Stript’s story. “If I like what we create, it resonates with our audience,” says Ari. “That authenticity translates into content that feels natural, not manufactured.”
Between her creativity, commitment, and grit, Stript and Buji Matcha were destined for success. “You don’t need a fashion background to start a fashion brand,” Ari explains, pointing to Ralph Lauren as proof that passion and determination can outweigh pedigree. She elaborated, stating that in today’s landscape, tools like AI and ChatGPT have democratized access to knowledge, making it possible for anyone with vision to build something meaningful. What really sets Stript apart isn’t only the product, but also its philosophy. The brand’s core value is evident in every pop-up, collaboration, and every piece designed. The founder draws inspiration not from other brands, but from everyday people: family members, colleagues, the women who show up authentically in their lives. That grounded perspective has shaped Stript into a brand that feels less like a label and more like a movement.
During the interview, Ari shares that financial sustainability has been another crucial pillar in her entrepreneurial journey. Effective money management, reinvesting profits, and maintaining another income stream while building the business helped avoid the financial strain that sinks so many startups. One of the brand’s proudest moments came through an unexpected collaboration with a local Goodwill — a partnership that made history. Stript pieces that normally range from $45 were sold at Goodwill prices, selling out almost immediately! Although that was a successful moment, the real impact wasn’t in the sales figures. It was in the accessibility, the crowd that showed up, and the donation back to the community that had supported the brand from the beginning. The Goodwill partnerships sent a clear message: fashion should be for everyone, and success means nothing if you’re not lifting others up with you.
That ethos extends to Buji Matcha. Ari’s second venture has thrived largely because of the community built through Stript. Through events, activations, and consistent engagement, the founder has cultivated a base that feels invested in something larger than clothing. “The community should feel connected to something bigger than just a brand,” she states. “That’s what creates sustainability and longevity.” This perspective certainly challenges the transactional nature of modern retail. Brands without community struggle to stay relevant. They chase trends, pivot constantly, and ultimately fade. But when you build with people, and not just for them, you are on the path to creating something resilient. The community becomes your foundation, your feedback loop, and your greatest asset.
Through Ari’s business endeavors, there are two key elements to note: dare to create and community is your superpower. What started as a frustration turned into a solution and legacy. Ari’s success isn’t only measured by numbers; it’s measured in the community that shows up, the accessibility it provides, and the standard it sets for what fashion can be when it’s built with intention.
Because at the end of the day, community isn’t just good business. It’s the whole point.
