Empowering Through Style: The Inspirational Journey of Able Made : In the ever-evolving landscape of fashion, where trends come and go with the seasons, there exists a rare gem that transcends the ordinary. Able Made, a soccer-inspired lifestyle brand, isn’t just about clothing; it’s a beacon of empowerment, sustainability, and social change, guided by the remarkable journey of its CEO and founder, Suzanne MacKenzie.
At the heart of Able Made lies a profound purpose that intertwines the worlds of design, soccer, and social impact. For Suzanne MacKenzie, the driving force behind the brand, founding Able Made was more than just a business venture; it was a calling rooted in her life’s purpose. “My life purpose is making social change through my work in design and soccer,” Suzanne explains. “I founded my soccer-inspired lifestyle brand Able Made to help fund city-youth non-profit, Ucal McKenzie Breakaway Foundation (UMBF) in honor of my late husband.”
Suzanne’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The loss of her husband, Ucal, to sudden cardiac arrest during a soccer game in Boston, became the catalyst for both the foundation and Able Made. Through her brand, Suzanne not only honors Ucal’s memory but also channels her grief into meaningful action, striving to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
However, like any entrepreneurial venture, Able Made faced its share of challenges. Suzanne candidly shares, “The greatest challenge we’ve had has been matching the working capital to Able Made’s fast-growing momentum and inbounding opportunities.” Yet, undeterred by the odds stacked against her, Suzanne remains resolute in her mission. As a woman entrepreneur navigating the male-dominated landscape of venture capital, she seeks not only to overcome obstacles but also to pave the way for future generations. “I want to show that we can continue to raise despite the odds,” she affirms, expressing her ambition to become part of the solution by fostering access for aspiring entrepreneurs.
For Suzanne, empowering others is at the core of her entrepreneurial ethos. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs reflects this ethos, emphasizing the importance of passion, purpose, and fearlessness. “You have to be passionate about what you do, and really have a strong connection to why you are building your business,” she advises. “That passion and commitment will help give you fuel to get through the business challenges that arise.” Furthermore, Suzanne advocates for boldness in pursuing one’s dreams, urging entrepreneurs not to shy away from seeking opportunities and forging connections.
Beyond its mission-driven approach, Able Made distinguishes itself through its commitment to sustainability. With a focus on eco-conscious consumers, the brand prioritizes quality, fit, and responsible sourcing. “We are leading with great quality, fit, fabrics, and attention to design,” Suzanne explains. “The ‘made’ part of our brand speaks to our design approach–a thoughtful and very diligent process of sourcing materials and responsible manufacturing.” Transparency is key for Able Made, as they openly share the journey behind their products, from fabric origins to manufacturing processes, both online and in-store.
In every stitch and seam, Able Made weaves a narrative of empowerment and sustainability, inspiring consumers to embrace style with purpose. Through Suzanne MacKenzie’s visionary leadership, the brand transcends traditional boundaries, embodying the transformative power of fashion as a force for good. As Able Made continues to make strides on its remarkable journey, it serves as a shining example of what happens when passion, purpose, and perseverance converge in pursuit of a greater cause.
In a world where fashion often prioritizes trends over values, Able Made stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us that style and substance can coexist harmoniously. As we adorn ourselves in the garments of Able Made, we not only embrace fashion but also embody a movement—a movement fueled by empowerment, sustainability, and the unwavering belief that, indeed, we are all Able.