Inspired by herexperience with chronic pain syndrome, a 91原创 mother has created a clothing line that caters to women of all shapes and sizes.

Melanie Pederson is the founder of Free Reign, a web-based fashion retail store that sells ethical, Canadian-made clothing that she calls 鈥渢rue to size with a little bit of grace.鈥�

Pederson will be a featured speaker and vendor at the 18th annual West Coast Women鈥檚 Show at the TRADEX Centre in Abbotsford that runs from Oct. 12 to Oct. 14.

This will be Pederson鈥檚 first time speaking in public about Free Reign and her battle with chronic pain.

Pederson started the company after she sustained multiple injuries in a 2014 car crash that led to widespread chronic pain syndrome and fibromyalgia.

Free Reign officially launched in 2016, but Pederson鈥檚 idea for her own business began two years earlier, when she was unable to return to her previous career in real estate because of her injuries.

鈥淓ven though my body wasn鈥檛 acting as successful as it used to be, my mind was essentially going stir-crazy. I was trying to find something to get into, and I came up with the idea of some form of online boutique. I wanted to be able to work from my bed when I was bedridden and also when I had bad insomnia from the pain.鈥�

Pederson describes her line of clothing as, 鈥渢houghtful.鈥�

鈥�(I am) creating pieces that are about everyday women because we鈥檙e always changing. One day suddenly our pants don鈥檛 fit right, so I was really encompassing the fluctuations that the everyday woman struggles from as well as my own personal struggles with pain and how uncomfortable I was with my own wardrobe.鈥�

Since her car accident, Pederson鈥檚 pain has surfaced with a variety of symptoms, including uncontrollable sweating, migraines and vertigo.

During her time off work, Pederson discovered bamboo fabric which she said is extremely soft and sweat-wicking, so she uses it in her current line.

She also rapidly gained weight due to medications she was taking and her inability to exercise. This inspired her to create styles that can still be worn despite body changes.

According to Pederson, all Free Reign clothing is eco-friendly, socially conscious and made in Canada. Pederson calls her styles 鈥渇lattering鈥� and 鈥渇orgiving.鈥�

鈥淭he different shapes and curves 鈥� or lack of 鈥� I wanted to come up with pieces to embrace all body types and create pieces that flatter a whole range of body types,鈥� said Pederson.

Pederson said people with invisible illnesses such as chronic pain often face stigma.

She recalled going out for sushi and having to eat with her hands because it was too painful to use chopsticks.

鈥淚 could feel people all around me watching in disgust. I was definitely exposed with the stigmas of people who suffer invisible illnesses. I鈥檝e had to use the grocery carry-out service. I鈥檝e had cruel things said to me because I look 鈥榝ine.鈥� I鈥檝e had difficulty being able to push doors open.鈥�

Pederson said early on she was embarrassed about displaying her pain in public.

鈥淧art of me wanted to be apologetic, part of me wanted to scream out and give them my life story. It was something I was still trying to figure out and I was embarrassed. It鈥檚 something I鈥檓 definitely not apologetic or shy about anymore.鈥�

Motivational mottos like 鈥楰ind people only,鈥� 鈥榊ou are worthy,鈥� and 鈥楻espect one another鈥� are written across many Free Reign shirts and sweaters.

Today, Pederson said she is better than before, but still experiences pain.

鈥淚鈥檝e definitely improved . . . I鈥檓 definitely nowhere near where I want to be or used to be, but I鈥檓 better than before. Part of it is knowing my triggers and what brings on flares.鈥�

While her clothing line grows, Pederson鈥檚 three principles will stay the same: Look good, feel good, do good.

Pederson鈥檚 one-woman start-up has also grown. 91原创鈥檚 Nikki Gertsch joined Pederson as a co-owner last June and Paige Lietzmann, also from 91原创, has helped Pederson since the early days.

Pederson鈥檚 latest fall collection will be launched at the West Coast Women鈥檚 show.

Free Reign clothing is available online and in-store at The Local Space at 20226 Fraser Highway.