As the hustle of the day to day came to a complete halt, dreams and ideas began to soar for Leander Ridgeway.
River States Conference and Eagle Awards Newcomer of the Year and second team All-Conference player, Ridgeway’s basketball career at Asbury University has given him a stage to excel at what he loves.
Prior to becoming an Eagle, Ridgeway attended and played basketball for Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. Injury and doubts of his athleticism and skill plagued his younger years and his time at Lee. But the opportunity to be invested in and grow at Asbury strongly showed the faithfulness of God in his life and how God had been there all along.
His testimony of being “forever blessed” by the faithfulness of God throughout his journey was something Ridgeway wanted to give the world, but he wasn’t sure how to do it. COVID-19 gave him the time to revisit the idea and make it a reality.
Ridgeway, with the help of family and teammates, launched a clothing brand called FRVRBLSD. The name is inspired by his journey and the Bible verse that empowered him throughout that journey, Jeremiah 29:11.
Ridgeway says that his message is for anyone, whether it is a middle school baller or a 50-year-old changing careers.
“It is comforting to know that regardless of your circumstances and situation God has a plan for you to prosper and not to harm you,” said Ridgeway.
Not only did Ridgeway create an entire brand, but also launched a website, FRVRBLSD2911.com, and took to social media. As the brand continues to pick up social media traction and more buyers, FRVRBLSD plans to put out a new design, which plays on God’s favorite number, in September. Along with consistently putting out new designs, the brand will also be adding different types of merchandise.
While growing a following and buyers of the business, Ridgeway also has another goal for his brand.
“I hope to inspire people to keep dreaming, keep pushing and continue to keep their faith,” said Ridgeway. “Even if I inspire 10 to 100 people, I know that I am doing the Lord’s work in the process of it.”
As well as goals for FRVRBLSD, he also has goals for his senior season at Asbury. “I want to win a conference championship and [h]ave the opportunity to compete for a national championship,” he said. “I am looking forward to this year’s team. We got some great pieces that include transfers and some new freshmen that will help out. Personally, I want to be Conference Player of the Year, First Team All-Conference, and be an All American.”
