Robbinsdale Woman Creates Unique “Alice Riot” Clothing
When a Robbinsdale business woman couldn’t find any professional wear beyond the basic black, she paired up with a friend to create the brand Alice Riot. The brand features women’s classic cut clothing with limited edition prints that feature female artists from around the world.
The idea behind Alice Riot
As Kelly Groehler from Robbinsdale searched online to update her wardrobe for a round of corporate interviews, she commented on a friend’s Instagram post of a painting that she wished she had that print in a skirt. The friend and artist, Kate Iverson, had fabric made and surprised her friend with the skirt. Kelly saw the skirt and immediately thought about creating a business.
“Women are moving more into leadership roles, starting businesses and making our mark professionally and this is a way to help bring along women artists and at the same time bring more of a creative sense to the workplace,” says Kelly Groehler, who is now co-founder and chief executive office of Alice Riot.
The brand features classic women’s cuts from three-quarter length sleeves to a pencil skirt and uses a female artist’s print on the comfortable, machine-washable fabric. “It’s wrinkle-proof and travel friendly,” says Kelly. “It feels like you are wearing a t-shirt or yoga pants when you are wearing it.”
The idea sprouted in late 2015 and the pair launched their business in early 2017. They are confident the clothes will meet a need.
“You’ll find street wear and brands that do collaboration with artists, but as far as things that are catering to the working woman, there isn’t much,” says Kate Iverson, who is now co-founder and chief creative officer of Alice Riot.
What’s next for Alice Riot
Alice Riot has launched an Indiegogo campaign to help give their business a boost and offer investors a chance to have a piece of the first line. Investment increments range from $25 to $10,000.
“You can have something that will pass the test for the dress code at work and it tells a great story about a female artist,” says Kelly.
The pair host weekly pop-up shops at Kate’s northeast Minneapolis studio, which is located at 1101 Stinson Boulevard Suite#8 in northeast Minneapolis. You can find more information about the weekly events on Facebook.
And the name Alice Riot? The founders say they named the brand after two feisty Alices, Kate’s eight-year-old niece and Kelly’s aunt who lived in Robbinsdale.
