Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Reza Greer Sr.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was working as a risk analyst for Progressive Insurance during the week, then on weekends as a wedding and portrait photographer. After a few years of this arrangement, my whole life changed. Suddenly I became very ill, and after being diagnosed with Lupus, both Progressive and photography were no longer my main concern. It took me years to recover, and as I begin to work towards my new normal, I was conflicted about which pieces I planned to pick back up.
I had what I call a midlife crisis which changed my direction completely. I decided to attend school for graphic design and in the spring of 2019, earned an associate’s degree in Graphic Arts from Stark State College. I began by designing logos, websites, and illustrations all while continuing to perfect my craft as a photographer. I stumbled on an opportunity to create a t-shirt design for a local church which sparked my interest in apparel. Even as a believer, I was naive to the opportunity and benefit of creating faith-based products. Although my design was not chosen, it created a spark that ultimately lead to the designs we currently have published today.
ZaBre Inspire LLC was started in October 2020 during the pandemic with my wife Bre. Our website was live and we had perfected our process of design and delivery. Two months later were featured on the front page of the Akron Beacon Journal in an article as business experts working from home. After this article, it was clear, Christian apparel was the direction deserving of my time.
Currently, I serve as our CEO and creative director for both our online site and local brand in Akron from our studio within Summit Artspace. Our goal is to be the leader in Christian apparel in Akron within the next few years. Although my path getting to this moment has been full of challenges and heartbreak, God has proven to be bigger than anything I will ever face, which encourages me to continue to inspire people through apparel.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Considering we started in a pandemic things have been smooth expanding from exclusively online to now offering a physical location for our customers. A struggle has to be the creative differences between online in-store marketing and growth strategies, which comes down to how best to introduce ourselves as a brand to the local community.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an experienced photographer, graphic designer, and creative who is capable of playing in many different medians. As a resident in Summit Artspace, I’m known for apparel design but have been encouraged to blur the lines of art. Although I do the majority of my work digitally, I am currently working through several pieces which contain photography, graphics, painting, and raw materials as my own artistic point of view.
I am most proud of my versatility as I am able to create new experiences in art while staying true to my graphic design disciplines. I am currently creating an Akron skyline from my point of view and hope to release it by the end of this year.
What do you think about happiness?
First of all, I am happy to be alive and thankful that God blessed me with more years on this earth.
As a family man, a lot of my happiness is generated from my wife Bre, daughter Brenae and son RJ. There is nothing better than being a part of people’s lives while growing and experiencing new things together.
I also find joy in music. Once of my hobbies is writing and preforming as a Christian Rap artist. I am one half of the group “Sound of His Will.”
Lastly, I think I speak for everyone when I say vacation makes me happy. I love to travel, experience new places, and meet new people.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.zabreinspire.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saved_life/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZabreInspire
