Bree Pear is the founder and creative behind Only Human, which is “a community of good humans doing good things for good causes.” In 2016, Pear founded Only Human, which releases a new line of apparel each month benefiting a nonprofit partner. Learn about Bree Pear…
Hometown: Springfield, IL
First job: If I close my eyes and take a deep breath in, I can still smell Auntie Anne’s pretzels in the food court. I guarantee I could still toss a pretty damn good pretzel. I was only 14, and I remember how seriously I took that job. I loved learning new things and being busy constantly, but it didn’t take long for me to realize that my calling wasn’t in fast food.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in AZ: I love playing basketball and connecting with the local community through events, concerts, hiking or finding a new restaurant to check out. My personal favorite right now is Be Coffee and Food and Stuff in Downtown Phoenix. It’s extra dangerous because we’re opening our headquarters in walkable distance to them!
Person who has impacted your life the most and why: After a really hard time in my life, I had no money and no job and was about to sell my macbook which was the last thing I really had to my name. I ended up selling it to a man named Juan Lorenzana who to this day has been my biggest mentor and someone whose words continue to echo in my mind even when it’s been months since I’ve seen him. He helped me see my own potential and voiced how much he believed in me.
Your biggest accomplishment in your eyes and why: Building Only Human.
The biggest obstacle you have overcome: My own fears. As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to get caught up in other people’s opinion and it’s easy to take on their fear alongside your own. Breaking through that fear and trusting myself and my abilities has been one of the biggest things I’ve overcome.
Someone who inspires you and why: Glennon Doyle is someone I admire for her strength and resilience. I’ve read all of her books and always end up feeling so inspired by her words that I have to go out and create change in a positive way. She is truly a word ninja.
Favorite quote: “You know, sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage. Just literally 20 seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.”
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Put yourself in rooms where you’re not the smartest. Ask questions, take notes and, most importantly, take action. If you never leave, you can never arrive.
What you think makes someone fabulous: Their ability to bring out the best in every room they are in. I love those people that you meet and instantly feel comfortable around, as if they can make you feel at home no matter where you are.