Women’s Running Apparel Brand Opens in 3CDC Space on Vine Street

Fashion Designer Focuses on Philanthropy, Community at First Brick and Mortar Location

CINCINNATI (April 14, 2023) – MEAS Active, a women’s athletic apparel line that recently signed a lease with Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC) for a space at 1425 Vine Street, is set to celebrate its grand opening today. MEAS (pronounced “me”) Active is owned and operated by local DAAP graduate and fashion designer Erin Roddy.

An avid runner and fashion industry veteran, Roddy created MEAS Active after seeing an opportunity for an environmentally and socially responsible woman’s athletic collection. Her original line — which consisted of five pieces: leggings, a sports bra, a tank top, and both biker and running shorts — is marathon-tested.

A high school cross-country athlete who became enthralled with the idea of the design-to-production process, Roddy was able to hone in on her craft during her time at American Eagle, Juicy Couture for Kohl’s, Candies for Kohl’s, and Express in New York.

Running has acted as a catalyst for Roddy in dealing with mental health issues, something she emphasizes in her business practice. “All these experiences are what inspired me to investigate how I could possibly make an impact in the fashion industry in a bigger way someday,” she said.

MEAS – an acronym for Motivate, Empower, Aspire & Shine – is also the word for gold in Khmer, the national language of Cambodia. The term comes from a proverb Roddy learned on a trip to Cambodia and Thailand with Destiny Rescue, an organization dedicated to rescuing girls from sexual exploitation and human trafficking. During her time there, Roddy helped support and rehabilitate girls who had been trafficked. What she learned on this trip inspired her to create a brand that empowers women and reminds them how strong they are. In short, Roddy believes that women are gold.

MEAS gives a percentage of its proceeds back to Girls on the Run Greater Cincinnati, a local organization that helps girls realize their full, individual potential along with important life skills and physical activity.

Though Roddy lived away from Cincinnati for most of her adult life, Over-the-Rhine has had a piece of her heart ever since she bought her first condo on Main Street as a DAAP student. “To me, OTR is the most exciting neighborhood in Cincinnati. The people are the most interesting and it evokes a sense of camaraderie like we’re all in this together,” Roddy said.

In addition to being a retail shop, MEAS will host after-hour social events, popup workout classes, and collaborations with local woman-owned small businesses. Roddy hopes her space will be the nexus of a community where runners and running groups can drop their bags and enjoy a city run.

“There’s nothing quite like MEAS Active for the running community or for women’s athletic apparel in OTR,” said Lindzie Gunnels, Commercial Leasing Manager with 3CDC. “Activating this space with a business that not only meets a retail need in the neighborhood, but also helps women on their health and wellness journeys makes this a really special addition to OTR.”

MEAS Active’s business hours will be Sunday-Tuesday from noon to 6 p.m., and Wednesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The shop joins Spaces and Sacred Beast within 3CDC’s $19.5 million 15th & Vine project.

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