From Wrecked to Rising: Ali’s Journey of Empowerment

There’s something beautiful about witnessing a woman rise. Not in the glossy, made-for-Instagram kind of way—but in the real, gritty, and soul-baring transformation that happens when she chooses herself, her voice, and her purpose after everything falls apart.

This is Her Story—the story of Ali Rice, a fashion designer, creative, survivor of domestic violence, and founder of Ascension Society, a brand born not from perfection, but from the ashes of a very real, very raw beginning.

Photo Credit: Pull Quote Creative

From Wreck’d Collective to Ascension Society

When Ali first stepped into entrepreneurship, she co-founded a brand called Wreck’d Collective. It emerged during a season where she and her business partner were both survivors, rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of domestic violence. The name felt accurate for a time—it was honest. They were wrecked, and they were creating beauty from the chaos. But even as the brand evolved, Ali found herself questioning the deeper meaning behind the name.

“I struggled with the name from the very beginning,” she shared. “I didn’t feel connected to it—I didn’t feel empowered by it.”

After her business partner moved, Ali finally gave herself permission to reimagine what the brand could become. What started as a hesitant pivot turned into a bold rebirth. She didn’t have all the answers. But in a moment of divine clarity—alone on a trip, disconnected from the noise—Ascension Society came to her.

“It was 1:11 on the clock. I saw it and I just knew. I’ve always felt connected to angels. My mom is one of my angels. And I knew this new name, this new vision… it was being divinely guided.”

Becoming Unapologetically Her

The name Ascension wasn’t just a fresh brand. It was her becoming. Ali’s designs changed. Her confidence changed. Her message deepened. She no longer felt the need to shrink herself to make room for anyone else. She no longer diluted her brilliance for the sake of partnership or comfort.

“There’s this phoenix energy in me—this cycle of death and rebirth. Every time something broke me down, I had to find a way to rise. Ascension is who I am.”

At this year’s Women of the World Fashion Show, the transformation was undeniable. Ali’s pieces were bold, fiery, and full of flavor. They were statements. “I went 200% into that collection,” she said. “It was all me. Every detail. Every decision. And I loved it.”

Photo Credit: Pull Quote Creative

To the Woman Who Feels Stuck

So what happens when the world around you crumbles? When everything you were clinging to no longer fits who you’re becoming?

Ali’s advice: get unstuck by moving—by living. “When I feel stuck, I go do something that brings me joy. I dance. I travel. I create. I had no money and no time when I went on that trip to San Diego—but I came back with a brand new business and a renewed spirit. That’s what happens when you make space for your soul to speak.”

For every woman sitting in the unknown, paralyzed by fear or uncertainty, Ali says:

“You just have to do it scared. The fear doesn’t go away. But your belief can grow bigger than the fear.”

Building While Becoming

As the sole founder of Ascension Society, Ali does it all—the designing, the marketing, the sales. “Sure, it’s hard,” she said. “But I would rather work 24/7 for my own dream than let someone tell me when I’m allowed to take a 30-minute lunch break.”

She’s been part of Boss Babe Academy from the beginning, pouring into the next generation of creatives—teaching girls how to express themselves through fashion, how to turn thrifted clothes into custom masterpieces, and how to believe in themselves even when the world tells them not to.

Her advice to young girls who dream of being designers?

“Start with what you have. Cut it. Paint it. Glue it. Play. You don’t need perfection—you just need curiosity and courage.”

Photo Credit: Pull Quote Creative

A New Chapter

Ali Rice is no longer “wrecked.” She’s rising—boldly, beautifully, and authentically. And as she spreads her wings, there’s no doubt: she was always meant to fly.

This is her season of ascension. And this is only the beginning.