Our Story
At Breathe and Be, we believe mental health matters - and every breath is a step towards healing.
Hello, I'm Ella Russell, the creator behind Breathe and Be—a clothing brand dedicated to fostering compassion, connection, and mindfulness. Breathe and Be was born out of my deep desire to create something more than just clothing. I wanted to design pieces that carry meaning — that serve as daily reminders to pause, breathe, and simply be. Created with love. Worn with purpose.
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The journey to establishing Breathe and Be is deeply personal. My story - one marked by the highs and lows of navigating mental health. Though that journey, I discovered the power of slowing down, being present, and embracing every breath as a chance to start again. I wanted to turn that realisation into something tangible — something others could wear and feel supported by. That’s how this brand came to life. Like many, I have faced my own battles with mental health, including Anorexia and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). There were many times when the world felt too heavy, and the path forward seemed unclear. Yet, through these challenges, I discovered the transformative power of vulnerability, self-compassion, and community. Navigating life facing these challenges every day left me feeling quite isolated as mental health is quite misunderstood. It was during these times that I realized that the power of speaking out can be so powerful. Something as simple as supporting this small business you are standing up for those who are struggling, ensuring no one ever feels alone. Here at Breathe and Be we believe in the power of community, compassion, and advocacy to create a supportive environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued.
Together, we can foster a culture of empathy and understanding, where seeking help is seen as a strength, not a weakness and where mental health is prioritised, understood and embraced. Our mission is to create clothing that speaks to the heart. Every piece is designed with love, with messages and details that encourage self-awareness, healing, and community. Our goal is to remind you — and everyone who sees you — that mental health matters, and that it’s okay to pause, to feel, and to just be.
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Breathe and Be is a movement. It’s a reminder to breathe deeply, live intentionally, and support one another. Whether you’re struggling, healing, or simply showing up for yourself or others — this space, and these clothes, are for you.
Thank you for being here. Thank you for breathing and being.
With love,
Ella

"Supporting minds, One Breathe at a Time."
Locally Made, Mindfully Designed: Supporting Community & Mental Health
At Breathe and Be, we’re proud to support local Bendigo business 'The Meadow,' where our hoodies are purchased and printed with love.
Each design is created by us with the goal of raising mental health awareness, and by partnering locally, we help strengthen our community.
Plus, a percentage of every sale goes directly to a mental health charity- to support those charities providing support to those battling mental health challenges
