Rebel Girl
Radio - Mar 3, 2010

The tag lines caught my eye first: “Good girls go to heaven. Rebel girls go everywhere.” “Rebel girls take pride in what they ride.” and, “Rebel girl. On a steel horse she rides.” 

Cute, I thought and I walked over to take a second look at the booth at the Easyriders V-Twin Dealer Expo. An enthusiastic young man with a pleasant smile greeted me, explained that the items were from a line of women’s clothing, street gear, and accessories called Rebel Girl, and introduced me to the owner…his mother. 

Cher Bell, a widow and mother of five, began Rebel Girl in 2008. She is a warm and friendly woman whose passion for her business and her love of people is obvious. For the last 10 years, Cher has also been the proud owner of M/C Leatherworks (www.mcleatherworks.com), a motorcycle shop located in Washington, MI, 20 miles north of Detroit.  Cher says during her business travels she heard the voices of women asking, “what is there for us in this industry?” She decided there was a need for women’s clothing, and Rebel Girl was born. 

Women asked for shirts that were more feminine and less boxy. Cher’s first step was to redesign shirts to fit the shape of a woman.  Cher also was particular about the fabrics she would use to make Rebel Girl clothing. So, besides designing her own shirts, Rebel Girl uses their own fabrics. Fabrics that are preshrunk 100% pure cotton for a soft vintage feel; all manufactured in the US. And, the designs Rebel Girl uses on their shirts are tattoo inspired; many from Cher’s own tattoos.

The next step for Rebel Girl was to design leather jackets with style for women. Their soft, buttery leather, silver vintage flat studs, and red lining with the winged Rebel Girl logo are sure to attract attention.

A Rebel Girl Motor City Custom Leather Jacket featuring white leather shoulders stitched in a black quilted cross-stitch pattern is featured in this photo.

One of Cher’s visions for Rebel Girl is to inspire women to be independent and strong; mind, body, and soul. Just as she has learned, women can run successful businesses, enjoy their work, and raise a family when they have confidence and believe in themselves. 

Cher has also started a foundation at Rebel Girl to encourage groups to give back to charities. The Rebel Girl Foundation offers after-hour parties at their store with 10% of the party sales going to the host’s charity of choice. Beneficiaries of the 35 charity events last summer include: Breast Cancer Foundation, Camp Quality Children with Cancer, Veteran’s of Modern Warfare, POHI (physically or other handicapped individuals), Autism, Ronald McDonald House, Great Lakes Burn Camp, Teamsters, Boy Scouts of America, A.B.A.T.E, Samaritan House, and others.

In addition to their own line of Rebel Girl clothing and accessories, Rebel Girl also makes custom leather clothing.  Having seamstresses on site makes custom work and repairs a snap. Many rock band groups wear custom leather clothing made by Rebel Girl.

Today, Rebel Girl products include leather jackets, sweatshirts, shirts, vests, jewelry, patches, belts, hats, purses, helmets, and accessories, in sizes ranging from S to 4X.   Cher says with a laugh that Rebel Girl sells, “apparel, accessories, and attitude;” attitude that is catching on. Rebel Girl clothing is available at selected Harley-Davidson dealerships, after market stores, boutiques, and will soon be available at J&P Cycles. 

Click here to purchase Rebel Girl products on-line. 

Photo: Cher with Willie G. Davidson family

Cycle Matters is not a distributor for Rebel Girl, nor are we being compensated for this information.