Nine Years of Empowerment: R. Riveter’s Journey and Vision for the Future
Nine years ago, R. Riveter captured the hearts of millions with its Shark Tank debut, introducing a mission to empower military spouses through meaningful, flexible work. That pivotal moment set the stage for an extraordinary journey—from a small, purpose-driven business to a thriving brand with loyal supporters and countless accomplishments. Today, as we reflect on nearly a decade of impact, we celebrate how far we’ve come, honor the challenges we’ve overcome, and look ahead to a future fueled by innovation and purpose.
Rooted in Empowerment
From day one, R. Riveter has stood for opportunity—creating meaningful jobs for military spouses, no matter where duty calls. Through a distributed manufacturing model, we’ve employed remote Riveters across the country to handcraft our signature handbags and accessories. Every piece is a testament to resilience, hard work, and a shared commitment to uplift others. What began as a dream between two military spouses has grown into a symbol of hope for families facing the challenges of military life.
Milestones That Inspire
In nine years, we’ve achieved milestones that reflect our values and mission:
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Expanded Product Lines: From our Reveille collection to our handcrafted leather line, each product embodies quality, purpose, and timeless design. With every purchase, we give back—helping women pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
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Collaboration with the U.S. Army: We’re proud of our partnership with the U.S. Army, which led to the creation of a branded bag line that honors the sacrifices of service members and their families while celebrating our deep connection to the military community.
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Recognition and Growth: From earning an investment on Shark Tank to becoming a household name, our success is fueled by a community that believes in our mission and values the craftsmanship behind every piece.
Growth & New Opportunities
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USGA x R. Riveter Collaboration: In June 2024, R. Riveter partnered with the United States Golf Association (USGA) for the 124th U.S. Open Golf Championship, a landmark moment for our brand and community. The USGA purchased over 500 units for its teams and supporters, and our team designed a special collection to sell on-site at Pinehurst during the U.S. Open. This partnership introduced R. Riveter to a new audience of golf fans, blending craftsmanship with sport and tradition. Read more about this exciting collaboration here
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Duke Energy Grant & Flagship Store Facelift: Back to Our Roots: Thanks to a generous grant from Duke Energy in 2024, we gave our flagship store a fresh new look—one that doesn’t just modernize the space but restores its heritage and Americana feel. The facelift gave our flagship store an even more immersive shopping experience. We used items from the previous store’s displays that once stood in this space, weaving the history of the building into the heart of R. Riveter’s story. By embracing timeless craftsmanship, history, and authenticity, we’ve created a space that reflects not just our brand’s journey but also the rich character of the community around us.
Facing Challenges with Resilience
The journey hasn’t been without its hardships. The spotlight from Shark Tank brought visibility but also unexpected hurdles, including those trying to capitalize on a small company that is perceived to be bigger than it is with larger profits. Growth, too, came with its challenges: relocating our production facility four times to meet demand and navigating the complexities of construction issues in 2020.
Despite these obstacles, our commitment to empowering military spouses never wavered. Each challenge strengthened our resolve to innovate and stay true to our mission. While our Riveters still make our Signature bags, R. Riveter has implemented a Give Back product line as the beginning of a new chapter—one where we continue to evolve, create lasting impact, and amplify even more stories of the people who inspire us.
Collections with Purpose
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Reveille: A New Day for Empowerment: Named after the military bugle call symbolizing fresh starts, the Reveille collection reflects our origins and aspirations. In 2024, we reimagined its purpose—channeling profits directly into helping military spouses start and grow their own businesses. By supporting entrepreneurship, we’re creating sustainable income opportunities and adapting to the evolving needs of our community.
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The Leather Collection: Timeless Craftsmanship: Our Leather Collection celebrates elegance, functionality, and the spirit of modern women. Each thoughtfully designed bag, from the Eleanor to the Hedy, honors the legacy of women who inspire change while balancing their dreams and responsibilities.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this milestone, we’re filled with gratitude for the journey so far and the community that has supported us every step of the way. Your belief in our mission has enabled us to create opportunities, launch meaningful collections, and forge partnerships that honor our values.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Whether you’ve been with us since the Shark Tank days or joined us along the way, your support fuels our dreams and helps us empower others to chase theirs. Here’s to the next nine years and beyond.