Our Founder: Ryan "Free" Smith
Ryan K. Smith, the sole owner and operator of MeWeFree, has been passionately immersed in the world of fashion, culture and journalism for more than a decade. His journey began in Darby Township, PA, where he and his twin brother, Carl, were raised by their late mother, Robin Yvonne Butler Smith, an educator who instilled in them a love for literature and a curiosity for diverse cultural experiences. Largely due to Robin’s parenting style, the brothers were deemed intellectually gifted with superior IQs as small children and participated in the Rosetree Media School District’s Academically Talented Program. While attending Penncrest High School in Media, PA, Ryan was elected class president in 2000. He also won numerous awards for his writing during his grade school tenure, while Carl developed into a talented visual artist.
Inspired by his childhood and fueled by his natural talent as a writer, Ryan embarked on a transformative educational journey at Howard University, an HBCU renowned for its celebration of Black culture. The diversity of perspectives and the exposure to various forms of Blackness during his time at Howard had a profound impact on Ryan's worldview and artistic sensibilities. It was during this period that he earned the nickname "Free" from his friends, signifying his spirit of creative expression and individuality (but mainly because they thought he resembled the rapper Freeway due to his beard).
However, his path was not without challenges. Ryan grappled with episodes of mania associated with schizoaffective bipolar disorder, which interrupted his academic pursuits. Despite these obstacles, he persevered and earned his bachelor's degree from Penn State with a focus on creative writing.
Ryan's passion for writing led him to pursue a career in journalism, initially contributing to local publications such as the News Of Delaware County and Philadelphia Weekly, where he covered local events and town hall meetings. He would go on to secure a staff role with the Chester Spirit newspaper, where he did more of the same, except he performed his own photography and covered the whole Delaware County, PA area. Tragedy struck when Ryan's mother, Robin, succumbed to pancreatic cancer, deepening his struggles with mental health. Homelessness became a harsh reality for him, and he found himself residing in a shelter in Upper Darby, PA. Undeterred by adversity, Ryan harnessed his writing skills to secure freelance opportunities with notable publications such as Ebony, Complex and Don Diva magazines while in the shelter. His dedication and talent led to a position at Don Diva, where he excelled as a writer, deputy editor and manager of the brand's website and social media platforms.
Ryan's personal journey with mental health, coupled with his deep understanding of Black culture and his passion for fashion and design, culminated in the birth of MeWeFree. The brand became a manifestation of his experiences, inspirations and desires to create a platform that celebrates cultural diversity, challenges stigmas and promotes individuality.
Today, “Free” is not only a writer and journalist but also a mental health advocate. He uses his platform to raise awareness, advocate for open conversations about mental health and combat the stigma surrounding mental illness. With a creative eye for design and a desire to experiment with fashion and collectibles, Ryan is determined to expand the MeWeFree brand beyond its humble beginnings.
Ryan's journey leading up to the inception of MeWeFree is a testament to his resilience, creativity and commitment to cultural expression. With a deep understanding of Black culture, an unwavering dedication to storytelling and a mission to empower individuals, Ryan K. Smith strives to leave an indelible mark on the world through MeWeFree.
