By: Hilary Tetenbaum

Reaux is a brand that specializes in thoughtfully designed, beautifully tailored, and expertly crafted pieces that fit the real lives of its customers. 

“It’s about offering something that’s not just fashion, but a true reflection of how design and function can come together to create something truly exceptional,” says Sarah Ihle, owner and CEO of Reaux. 

Hard Work, Perseverance, and Creativity

Ihle was raised to regard the values of hard work, perseverance, and creativity as part of her family legacy. As a child, gymnastics taught her discipline, dedication, and resilience as she pushed herself to excel in everything she pursued. These traits would become the foundation of her success not only in gymnastics but also in her future endeavors. 

“I learned to set goals, face challenges head-on, and rise above them with grit and grace,” Ihle says.

Another important aspect of her childhood was the inspiration she garnered from her grandmother, a gifted artist. She grew up appreciating the artistic expression of her grandmother’s works, filled with “bold color and emotion.” 

Surrounded by people who supported creative endeavors in all their forms, Ihle explored her artistic talents. Later, Ihle pursued a career in engineering and received multiple degrees in engineering and business.

“Engineering introduced me to the world of problem-solving, structures, and precision, but design showed me how to breathe life into those concepts,” she says.

When Ihle became a mother to her daughter, she was inspired by the “power of support, self-care, and community.” She then created something to celebrate women by empowering them to embrace their inner strength, individuality, and unique beauty. 

“It became clear to me that the intersection of my background—athletics, art, engineering, business, and motherhood—was the perfect foundation for building something meaningful,” Ihle explains.

Photo Courtesy: Reaux

Creating a Brand That Celebrates Women

The mission behind Reaux is to make women feel “seen, supported, and celebrated.” Reaux was born out of Ihle working in Europe and realizing how, culturally, men and women highly valued natural beauty, specific color tones, and cuts of fabric, which gave her a unique perspective against the typical American norm. 

Ihle’s struggle to find ready-to-wear clothing that fit correctly while looking stylish was also a problem she wanted to combat, feeling that most clothing wasn’t designed to fit the natural shape and proportions of a woman’s figure. She also craved high quality, attention to detail, and the fit of something tailor-made, but she often felt she had to compromise, sacrificing one desired aspect of the clothing she bought to gain another.

Recognizing that the lack of availability of what she wanted indicated a gap in the market, Ihle decided to create Reaux to fill that spot. With this, the brand also began evolving to meet the multidimensional needs of modern women. Whether as mothers, fitness enthusiasts, fashionistas, friends, or leaders at work, women live dynamic lives and deserve wardrobes that adapt seamlessly to every role. Reaux is moving beyond its origins in sportswear to introduce versatile womenswear lines that empower women to feel confident and put-together in every scenario.

Because of her engineering background, Ihle understood there was a disconnect between those who designed clothing, textile properties, the manufacturer, and the individuals who wore these clothes. Designers often didn’t understand the production process, so the garments didn’t fit properly.

Ihle takes great pride in trying on and testing each of her garments before she moves forward in the production cycle. Combining her acquired skills, she created what she’d always craved.

“I channel my passions for art, design, and engineering into every piece we create, ensuring that each item isn’t just a product but a representation of strength, creativity, and femininity. I’ve learned that being a woman is about embracing all parts of yourself—the athlete, the artist, the mother, and the entrepreneur—and finding the courage to bring all those pieces together,” Ihle says.

Published by: Cammy V.