R. RIVETER APPROACHES 15 YEARS: A MISSION IN EVERY BAG
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In 2011, two Army spouses found themselves in an attic in Dahlonega, GA, trying to solve the problem that so many military spouses face: the professional “reset” that comes with every military move.
"I think our story started like so many other military spouses where you don't exactly know what you're getting into when you say 'I do' to the military," said Lisa Bradley, co-founder of R. Riveter.
After moving four times in two years, she realized her MBA wasn’t enough to overcome the gaps in her work experience.
“Employers just look at your resume, see how fragmented it is and they basically just [say], 'this is a military spouse.'"
Determined to change their situations and the narrative in general, Bradley and her co-founder launched R. Riveter from an attic above a garage.
"We literally went up an attic ladder every day," Bradley recalled.
"Our first sewing machine, luckily, we knew that 550 cord could hold 550 pounds. We used that rope to pull up our massive sewing machine... that’s where we used recycled military materials to make our first handbags."
Inspired by the Original Rosie
The brand’s foundation was built on the legacy of women who stepped up during World War II.
“We really pulled from Rosie the Riveter who really disrupted the industry. It was the first time that women went into factories to help support our war efforts," Bradley said.
"We really took that torch and took it to modern day where now military spouses are able to plug into the American economy."
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The Heart of the Brand: The Heirloom Collection
For many, a R. Riveter bag isn’t just an accessory–it’s a piece of family history. Introduced in 2020, the Heirloom Collection transforms military uniforms, jackets, duffel bags and more into one-of-a-kind, sentimental handbags.
"You can bring in your uniform or a family member's uniform and we make custom products that then are given to family members," Bradley explained.
"It means so much to these families to be able to have something from someone, whether it's someone that they've lost and it's become a component of healing or bridging generations."
Laura Vien, Creative Director and lead of R. Riveter’s flagship store in Southern Pines, N.C. has seen this impact firsthand.
"Being able to take a grandfather's uniform from a trunk that's sitting in an attic and being able to bring that forward and be able to tell those stories and keep those moments alive and present means so much to me."
15 Years of Community—And Advice for Military Spouse Entrepreneurs
As the company approaches its 15th anniversary later this year, the focus isn’t just on the employment opportunities it's created for military spouses—but also the community it's built.
"I've watched spouses join the company during a season when they were trying to figure out who they were outside of supporting their service member," Vien said.
"Through the work, they find confidence and purpose and connection... they truly understand this lifestyle."
From a credit card and an attic ladder to a nationally recognized brand, R. Riveter continues to prove that military spouses don't have to choose between family and a career.
As Bradley advises those looking to start their own journey: "Always just ground yourself in progress, not perfection."
To learn what’s on the horizon at R. Riveter—including collaborations, brick-and-mortar stores near military installations, and to find out which R. Riveter bag is Bradley and Viens’ favorite, check out our latest episode of MilSpouse In The House.
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BY TEAL YOST
Managing Editor at MilSpouses
BY TEAL YOST
Managing Editor at MilSpouses
Teal Yost is a Navy spouse, journalist, and managing editor of Military Brands, where she leads storytelling that connects and empowers the military community. With more than a decade of experience in military-focused media, her work blends...
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