Meet Ranzel Tinio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ranzel Tinio.

Ranzel, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
The Rise Company was inspired by college best friend and roommate, Karli Richardson. Karli was just about to graduate college. Her sister, Kelsey, came to visit from North Carolina to celebrate a week together before her graduation since she was not able to make it to her actual graduation ceremony because she was also attending college and she had finals on Karli’s graduation day. Karli and Kelsey decided to go see the sun rise at the Grand Canyon National Park. They left late at night. On their way there, they were hit and tragically killed by a wrong-way drunk driver. The drunk driver and the two sisters were all killed on impact. Karli was and is my best friend – someone that came into my life that rocked my whole world. She was a girl that said “yes” to every opportunity and someone that shed gold wherever she went.

The Rise Company was inspired by the way she loved and lived life. I started this company with a good friend, Nicole Rowe. We called it The Rise Co because Karli and Kelsey were on their way to see the sunrise. The idea of the company was in the works the semester after their passing and was officially created in February of 2018. We started simple. We created handmade and hand stamped bar necklaces that had coordinates of beautiful destinations in honor of their love for nature, travel, and adventure. With every necklace sold, we donated a percentage of the proceeds to Mother’s Against Drunk Driving in honor of their mother, Cathy, who lost both of her daughters. Our entire mission is to spread drunk driving awareness and to spread the messages that Karli and Kelsey lived out when they were alive. We want to encourage others to live and love life, to truly dig deep into who God created you to be and live life without fear.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Personally, starting this company has given me a lot of hope and joy. It has given me purpose and a great reminder of who Karli was to me and how she lived her life can bring light to the life of others. However, starting a company about a friend who was dear to you that has passed is not easy. I miss her every day and my goal is to live as she did. To be quite frank, I am still dealing with the pain and healing process of her passing. It brings me great joy to keep her legacy alive, help people find light – even if it is just a spark, and to bring awareness to drunk driving.

Please tell us about The Rise Company.
The Rise Company is an online shop that sells handmade jewelry. Check us out at theriseco.com. A percentage of the proceeds from each sale made gets donated to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. We are not just an online store, but we are a movement that encourages others to step into their true self and to chase after their biggest dreams – big or small. What sets us apart from other jewelry vendors is that we encourage others to wear our products as a reminder of how special each and every one of us is. Our products serve as a reminder to the person wearing it of our mission and our values.

Is there anyone, in particular, you would like to recognize? Mentors, etc?
The community at Grand Canyon University. The students, staff, and everyone who was there to support when we started the company. Karli and Kelsey’s mother, Cathy, who has been the biggest cheerleader for spreading drunk driving awareness and keeping her girls remembered. Our friends and community outside of our university have really been our biggest support system. My parents and Nicole’s parents are always trying to spread the word and support the business by buying our products and sharing with their community.

Pricing:

• Coordinates Bar Necklaces $25
• Custom Bar Necklaces $35
• Beaded Bracelets $20
• Metal Cuff Bracelets $20

Contact Info:

• Website: theriseco.com
• Phone: 6232099585
• Email: customerservice.theriseco@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_rise_company/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therisecompany

Image Credit:
Ranzel Tinio and Emily Saunders

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