The Duo Behind The Brand
Rooted in Fayetteville, North Carolina, co-founders Ashara Hayes—a proud Fayetteville State University alumna—and ZaNiyah Marsh built Unprotected Angels at the intersection of history, community, and purpose. Driven by a deep reverence for heritage and the undeniable power of Black culture, Ashara and ZaNiyah leverage streetwear as a canvas for social commentary and empowerment. For them, clothing is merely the vehicle—the ultimate mission is building an inclusive global family, fostering unity across all backgrounds, and using their platform to give back directly to the community. Together, they transform historical struggles into physical symbols of strength, perseverance, and divine protection.
The Vision of Unprotected Angels
Unprotected Angels is more than a label—it's a movement. Founded on the raw truths of social injustice, the brand balances the reality of historic oppression with a celebration of the immense cultural contributions, strength, and resilience of Black people. From 1619 to the present day, our community has fought for basic human rights while continuously shaping the fabric of global culture. While the world may leave us unprotected, we stand guarded by something greater. Unprotected Angels serves as a platform for the voiceless, transforming historical narratives and raw emotion into wearable art designed to unify, inspire, and elevate everyone who steps into the brand.