Tracy Vollbrecht

Fashion Designer

Lambda Delta | Kent State University

My journey in adaptive fashion has been incredibly rewarding. My designs were featured in a museum exhibit at the Kent State University Museum, and I published the first-ever online course focused on adaptive fashion. I also launched my own adaptive fashion consulting company, where I’ve had the privilege of working with major clients like Target, Co-Lab, IFA Paris, Taylor’s University, and Love, Emma. I was the founding designer for two adaptive fashion brands—Yarrow and ULEX—including ULEX, which was the first athleisure brand specifically designed for the adaptive fashion market. Both brands have been featured in top publications like Vogue, Women’s Wear Daily, Cosmopolitan, and Oprah Daily. And on a fun personal note—I’ve officially visited all 50 states, a lifelong goal I’m proud to have checked off!

What motto or phrase motivates you?

“If you want to grow, you have to go.” - This phrase always reminds me that in order to grow, change, or have an impact, you have to leave the place of comfort that you’re in and do the hard thing.

“If you want to have a village, you have to be willing to be a villager.” - Community is so important to our well-being and the mark we leave, but I think we often lose sight of what it takes to have a community. This phrase keeps me motivated when doing work that has a greater community impact, but doesn’t always have a direct reward or reaction.

What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Ambitious, Brave, Supportive

What advice would you give to someone entering your field?

Ask questions and lots of them - thoughtful questions help you demonstrate and expand your understanding. Become a lifelong learner - you’ll never know everything, so embrace opportunities (especially ones that cost you nothing!) to learn. Embrace the fact that everyone wants to feel good in what they wear - regardless of age, ability, income, or life-situation.