Meet Olandus “odus” Smith | Model & Apparel Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Olandus “odus” Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Olandus “Odus”, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve always indulged in the arts. once i moved to alabama, i met a lot of people and friends who were deeply involved in photography and fashion! So like most people with a creative side, seeing others create brought out more of me wanting to make something of my own.

My best friend used me as his muse for multiple testings with his camera that when i started posting them on social media more photographers reached out to me for collaborations and paid opportunities! From commercial shoots with hibbets and city gear to walking runways in NYFW back to back!

With fashion, i’ve always had my own style and sense of trend direction. When it came to a point where i wanted to create my own products and push the message of my testimony through my clothing. I started designing my brand “Only God Can Bench Us” under our Father brand name “Memories of November”! The message is in the name, no matter the circumstance or situation “Only God Can Bench Us”! No person, no obstacle, no sickness can stop you from what he has for you and he will give you the tools to execute everything you ask of him. He’s just need you to bend to his will!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
With modeling, i never expected for it to take off for me in the way it did. I went from taking pictures in a clubhouse to NYFW 2 seasons back to back! For me not being signed to an agency and building my name on my own, i knew if i was to be in this field i’d have to put all my effort into every aspect of it as well as my brand! From shooting over different mediums, to commercial shooting for mainstream brands, to runways it’s all been a blessing that i prayed for and worked for! i wouldn’t have been in the rooms i have if it wasn’t for God putting me there! One of the many things that sets me apart from a lot of southern moderns, i don’t have a comfort zone and i’ll do whatever i can to pull off the shoot concept! Every challenge that i had with modeling i had to practice and step out on faith knowing i could do whatever i was recruited to do! I struggled with poses and being stiff but now i hit the scene ready to shoot!

From a designing perspective, i use sustainable goods & fabrics to manufacture and also hand sew my luxury streetwear apparel! From repurposing denim and textured fabrics with hand sewn products to manufacturing products that elevate pieces, utilizing texture and unique materials on simplistic products, while also creating products to transcend time! I’ve been recognized by my favorite designer, invited out to present my clothing in runway and in a store front! I’m planning to secure and produce for these opportunities by this FW! Everything i’ve done was built organically and with a team of like minded people behind me while also having friends and family motivate me to keep going even doing the losses! No road to glory is ever easy unless you have the means before hand but you’d still have to put in the work! Every risk i took has caused riffs, issues, losses, refunds, postponing products etc but i’ve always had the support and the creative mind that kept me going! With the individuals i’ve met to help the brands growth! I’ve had to learn things the hard way because i was rushing and impatient trying to execute things in a certain fashion rather than taking the steps daily to execute shoots, products, sewing, etc. Especially dealing with manufacturers! i’ve lost thousands of dollars to shipping, damaged & bad products, to refunding customers due to an time issue! But how would i become who God sees me as if i let this defeat me and withhold me from my blessing?

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, with me staying in Birmingham Al, it’s only so much to do safely lol! In truth, we’d probably go on a few adventures through the week, like hiking, paintball, or the museum and most definitely eat my life away! I have a few spots around the city that i’ve made a list of to try out and experience to make it a frequent spot. for example, FIVE Birmingham was one of my favorite brunch spots before it closed down here! it’s many different stores, restaurants, bars, & experiences that anyone can indulge in with some events happening around and through the city! if not we could always take a roadtrip to tennessee or somewhere local to enjoy as well!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Man! Truthfully, i’m thankful for everyone i’ve met! Everyone who’s helped me grow to the point i am now whether it was from networking, meeting, or mutual support! Although i’m beneficial from the environment around me, i have 2 specific people to thank & give credit too. Before that i have to give a honor to God who gave me these talents and gifts, who connected me with the right people to grow! Without him, i wouldn’t be here or who i am! Secondly, I want to credit my Bigma, Effie Nell Smith, the only lady who’s spoken God & life into me from the womb, the delivery room, even now seeing her great granddaughter! She’s always instilled the word in me, so i have to lean on him instead of being so dependent on the world to help me achieve whatever my eyes are set on! Lastly, my best friend & brother Jeff Austin. He taught me everything i know as far as designing from color theory to teaching me to hand sew in a 3 day span! Without him, i wouldn’t be able to elevate my brand and create the way i do. I’m grateful that God blessed me with these people in my life to help me become who he sees me as!

Website: https://osportfolio.portfoliobox.net

Instagram: 00.slimm & Onlyhim.mon

Other: https://Onlyhimacademy.myshopify.com

Image Credits
Lex.Soul
Romelovisons
ByDemetrib
Jknox photography
Tony Haute Studios
Marquis Lewis