Remi Bader: From Fired to Forbes 30 Under 30 & Building Her Own Brand

Unconventional Career Path

• 💡 Remi Bader's journey began in PR and marketing, but she initially felt excluded from the fashion industry due to her size.
• 🚀 After being fired from two jobs, including one at Bravo TV and another at Jay-Z's company Title due to COVID-19, she found herself unemployed.
• 🧠 Her passion for fashion, despite initial doubts, led her to create content during a difficult period, which unexpectedly launched her online success.

The Rise of a Content Creator

• 📈 Bader started her social media presence in late 2020/early 2021, with her breakthrough moment in January 2021 following a viral Free People haul.
• 🤝 She proactively reached out to agents via LinkedIn, eventually signing with UTA, which helped her transition to full-time content creation.
• 💰 Early brand deals were modest, with her first paid video earning $300, but this quickly escalated, leading to a projected seven-figure income in 2021.

Navigating Fame and Business

• ⚠️ Despite rapid success and viral fame, Bader struggled with mental health and continued unhealthy spending habits, including Ubers and food delivery.
• 🎯 She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and vulnerability, noting that her honest discussions about her struggles resonated with her audience.
• 📈 By 2022, her revenue was estimated to be around $3 million, marked by a significant year-long partnership with Victoria's Secret Pink and the launch of Revolve's first plus-size line.

Entrepreneurship and Brand Building

• 🌟 In 2023, Bader was recognized on Forbes 30 Under 30, a full-circle moment that validated her journey.
• 🛍️ She launched her own brand, Fangirl, a two-in-one fan and ring light, which has achieved significant sales on Amazon.
• 🤝 Bader also partnered with Sam's Club for her size-inclusive fashion line, Edited by Remi Bader, though she learned valuable lessons about working with family.

Pivoting and Personal Growth

• 🩺 Bader underwent bariatric surgery for health reasons, acknowledging it would impact her career and lead to a personal rebranding.
• 💬 She remains committed to size inclusivity and authenticity, even as her body size has changed, and is actively navigating the challenges of evolving her brand.
• 💖 Despite facing negativity, Bader has developed stronger boundaries and focuses on her personal well-being, recognizing that success is meaningless without health.