Chin up. Boots down.
Big Bear Motivational Apparel was born from one of life’s darkest chapters – and a simple belief that sometimes, a small reminder is all we need to keep moving forward.
For founder Owen Ruppelt and his family, the COVID-19 pandemic brought devastating personal loss and a powerful realisation: resilience isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about finding the courage to take the next step.
That philosophy became Big Bear’s signature message: “Chin up. Boots down.”
“Chin up” is about facing whatever lies ahead with courage. “Boots down” is about taking action, staying grounded and remembering to help others find their footing along the way.
More than just motivational clothing, Big Bear’s apparel is designed to be a wearable reminder of strength, hope and resilience. And with 10% of profits supporting mental health awareness initiatives, the message goes beyond the clothes.
Discover the story, the meaning behind the message, and why Big Bear is about so much more than what you wear.