Meet Irene & Cassara | Owners & Creators of Wild Grit Apparel

We had the good fortune of connecting with Irene & Cassara and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Irene & Cassara, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
We both share a love for adventure, desert culture, and fashion. With Cassara’s artistic flare and my business mind we thought we could transform our loves into a product that would allow us to share this side of us.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Our brand is supposed to embody our personal drive for adventure, ability to overcome obstacles, and love for creation. Being free spirited doesn’t mean you don’t face challenges, so you have to have the “grit” to endure and keep moving forward. Think outside the box and find a solution. Cassara’s artwork embodies our love for the desert and the “grit” we were taught by the Navajo Rez life. In a way, our art shows the beauty we appreciate despite the struggles the rez life gave us. For us our appreciation of the unending beauty in creation from the one creator Jiihóvah gives us the drive to explore and see it all.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Without hesitation the Rez! We would drive north out of Flagstaff and head for the Grand Canyon. But before the canyon we’d stop and the Gorge and pick up some truly authentic and gorgeous Navajo jewelry and art. Then after the Grand Canyon we’d have dinner at the Cameron Trading post. We’d recommend the Navajo Taco or Beef Stew and insist on a piece of Fry Bread. We’d probably stay in Page and the next day treck Antelope Canyon and then head to Mexican hat for a good steak dinner at . For that night we’d have to stay in Monumnet Valley or Kayenta. The next day we’d book the jeep tour with Sacred Tours to see the Valley of the God’s and Monument Valley. The next day we’d book Horse rides with Sacred Tours again. And we’d have to stop and get some roadside grub for sure. Wednesday we’d spend the day shopping at the Kayenta Flee Market. Then take a hike at Betatakin Cliff Dwelling. Next Wed head to Chinle and hike Canyon de Chelly. And we’d have to stop at the Farmington gas station to get one of their delicious corn dogs! We’d then head to Gallup to be there for the Saturday flee market and shop down town.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Still common today, most girls are taught to stay close to home, get married, and run a household. Now in no way is this wrong, but for us, we were given the chance to explore! We both have several people that make up our backbones. These persons have given us the tools we need to stand up to any challenge or obstacles. They have also provided the needed support to lean on when doubt sinks in. Our families are a blend based on love and that has been the best kind of support.

Website: https://wildgritapparel.myshopify.com/

Instagram: @wild.grit.apparel

Image Credits
all photo credit belongs to irene and cassara at wild grit apparel