glo Girl : Braya Clouse

COMMUNITY FOCUS |

glo GIRL

BRAYA CLOUSE

Age: 18

By Stacie Ball | Photo by Rachael Smith

Churubusco senior Braya Clouse certainly knows about difficult times. Feeling the debilitating effects of Lyme Disease, she was confined to her home, leaving only for doctor’s appointments. As the darkness and depression threatened to overtake her, she vowed to “clothe” herself in faith and positivity instead. She invites others to “dress” in hope, light, and love with her uplifting clothing line.

“When I created my business, I was in such a dark place mentally, physically, and sometimes even spiritually,” Braya remembered. “I needed something to keep my mind off things, and I wanted to shed some light into others’ worlds, even if I wasn’t exactly experiencing such a bright time.” She wanted to combine the power of positive thinking with her passion for art to make a considerable impact.

The young entrepreneur began her artistic journey by making faith and positivity-based signs. After gaining more strength and energy, she started experimenting with her designs on clothing. Eventually, bleach dying sparked an idea for the perfect name. “Bleach tends to make every item so unique,” Braya commented. “Just like how we are all made so uniquely in Christ Jesus ourselves!”

Armed with this new inspiration, she named her clothing line Unique in Him and continues to make hoodies, crewneck sweatshirts, t-shirts, sweatpants, and shorts.

Now Braya uses screen printing to create her inspirational designs. Her favorites are “Made for More” and “Dear person behind me.” Both feature a powerful message about God’s love, and one harbors a sweet message about brighter days printed on the back of the shirt. “I want to encourage others to keep their hearts grateful, loving, kind, and positive,” she said, referring to those who may be going through dark times. “Although that can be hard, it’s so rewarding.”

On Saturdays from spring to early fall, she sets up a table at The YLNI Farmers Market. With a coffee in one hand, a pumpkin chai tea in the other, and a smile on her face, she heads out at sunrise to sell her wares. Now that colder weather is approaching, you can still find her designs on Instagram @uniqueinhim or on Facebook @A Bright Light Designs. She also has a new website coming soon: uniqueinhim.com.

Outside of school and her clothing business, she works as a therapy assistant at New Life Chiropractic and keeps her strength up at the gym through lifting and hot yoga. She loves spending time with her family and miracle puppy Nova, who was her incentive to get up and helped her gain strength and mobility when she was ill. She also enjoys playing an occasional song on the guitar and can’t say no to a rousing game of volleyball.

“As I continue to heal, I’m hoping I can use my business and my story to inspire others to keep pushing,” Braya explained. “Just because it’s difficult doesn’t mean it’s not possible. Miracles CAN happen.” a