Rosondra Franklin shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Rosondra, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I am now being called to step into public speaking about my business and to instruct individuals on how to create custom hats that truly reflect their personality. For a long time, I held back from this role because of fear—fear of being judged, fear of not saying the right words, or fear of stepping outside of my comfort zone. I used to prefer staying in the background, quietly creating and letting my work speak for itself.
Now, I feel called to share my story, my creativity, and my process in a way that not only highlights my business but also empowers others. Speaking publicly allows me to connect with people on a deeper level, helping them see how self-expression through fashion can be both personal and powerful. By teaching others how to design hats that showcase their individuality, I’m moving beyond fear and into a place of leadership, influence, and purpose.
This calling is about more than just hats—it’s about confidence, creativity, and connection. It’s about embracing the courage to use my voice and talents to inspire others to do the same
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Rosondra Franklin, and I am the founder of Under the Brim REF, a brand that specializes in custom trucker hats designed to reflect individuality and personality. Through my business, I help people express themselves by creating unique, handcrafted hats with patches that tell their story. Under the Brim REF is a bold and creative lifestyle brand that offers affordable, unisex eye and headwear designed to help individuals express their unique style with confidence. We specialize in custom trucker hats and stylish frames, blending fashion with personal expression. At our core, we believe that what you wear under the brim should reflect who you are – bold, authentic, and unapologetically creative.
Our Products:
Custom Trucker Hats:
Our trucker hats are more than just accessories – they’re canvases for self-expression. Customers can personalize their own hats with patches, logos, slogans, and colors that reflect their personality, passions, or message. Whether you’re repping your city, your culture, or your creativity, every hat tells a story.
Stylish Frames (Eyewear):
Our eyewear collection includes a versatile range of fashion-forward frames that complement all face shapes and styles. From classic to edgy, our frames add the perfect touch to elevate your everyday look, whether you wear them for fashion or function.
What Makes Under the Brim REF Unique:
Creative Freedom: We give individuals the freedom to co-create their hat designs, turning each purchase into a custom experience.
Unisex & Inclusive: All of our products are designed to be worn by anyone, anywhere—no labels, just style.
Affordability Without Compromise: Trendy doesn’t have to be expensive. We keep prices accessible without sacrificing quality or style.
Community-Driven Style: We thrive on collaboration and expression, encouraging our community to wear their voice, culture, and creativity—under the brim.
Under the Brim REF isn’t just a brand—it’s a movement. It’s where personal style meets purpose, and where everyone can wear what represents them most.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when I organized my very first vendor pop-up. It included myself and two additional vendors, and for the first time, I felt like I had created not just an event, but a healthy and profitable space for everyone involved. Seeing it come together and watching others benefit from the opportunity gave me a sense of confidence and strength that I still carry with me today.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There was a point in my journey when I almost gave up. Sales had stalled, my creativity was blocked, and I struggled to see the next step forward. The challenge deepened when tariffs delayed my products, leaving me with even fewer options. It was a heavy and discouraging time.
What helped me push through was the support of my sister-in-law, who encouraged me with the idea of hosting a “Caps and Cocktails” event. That experience reignited my confidence and showed me a new direction—hosting hat bar parties where people could create and connect. I am also deeply grateful to Portia Turner at The Turner Event Center for providing the space and encouragement to expand. Together, these moments reminded me that setbacks can often open the door to new opportunities, and they pushed me to carry on with greater determination.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
The version of myself that I present publicly is my genuine self. Authenticity is at the core of who I am, and I bring that same presence into every space I enter. Remaining true to myself is not only important to me personally, but it’s also what allows others to connect with Under the Brim on a deeper level. When people support us, they’re not just engaging with a business—they’re embracing an atmosphere that feels welcoming, familiar, and real. That sense of home is what sets us apart and continues to draw people back to our brand.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I can slow down, clear my mind, and be fully present in the moment. Whether that’s creating something with my hands, spending quality time with loved ones, or simply reflecting on how far I’ve come, those moments remind me to breathe and appreciate life as it is.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_under_the_brim_ref?igsh=bzBuejF5bnRsMWN2&utm_source=qr
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@underthebrimref?_t=ZT-8yz0LqrMzmQ&_r=1
Image Credits
Photos by Bilyndra Walker
