We had the good fortune of connecting with Emaeus Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emaeus, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised in Atlanta and wouldn’t change it for anything. A lot of people call Atlanta the “black mecca of the south”, because Black people have more, live better, and accomplish so much more living here than anywhere else in the south. As a young, up and coming entrepreneur, seeing other Black people have success is a motivating factor because I want to be one of those people as well.

The city is also extremely historic. Whether we’re talking about historical icons like Martin Luther King Jr. or referencing the cultural impact of the music industry, Atlanta plays a large role in this history, establishment, and success of Black people everywhere.

Atlanta and my parents raised me and get all the credit for who I am today – my parents more specifically. I’ve never had to worry about having a roof over my head, food, or clothes on my back, and my parents have always taught me the value of not relying on material items to establish my self worth. Now that I am older, and can provide for myself, I have learned that working hard and staying focused can lead to being able to reap the benefits of purchasing and owning the things I once dreamed about having when I was a kid.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My professional career definitely has had its challenges, but I understand that everything I’ve experienced was an essential part of my journey to get me where I am today.

A few years back, I was apart of my current company as a part-time staff member. I applied for a full time internship and was denied. I came back for another year and re-applied for the same position and the end of that year, and was offered a full time position. At this point I was extremely excited because I thought that I had accomplished my goal of working in a professional sports environment, but unfortunately because of covid, we were all let go. I felt like this was yet another set back in the timeline I laid out for myself,

About a year and a half later, the organization invited me to come back but it wasn’t in a full time position so I still was not feeling fulfilled. A couple months later, at the end of the year, I was offered a promotion to join the company as a full time employee.

I think something that sets me apart from others is my determination. When I have my mind set and focused to complete something, I’m going to complete that goal. I’ve learned that just because something doesn’t happen on your timing, doesn’t mean its not meant to be. Sometimes that goal being delayed, makes achieving that goal more memorable and rewarding.

I just want the world to know that my brand is just in the beginning stages. It may only be clothing right now but I definitely have plans to grow into other avenues of business. This is my passion because of what the brand’s name stands for
and represents.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As much as this city has expanded, some of my favorite spots to eat at, are the hole in the wall locations. Back when I was in high school, my dad told me about this spot – Wyatt’s BBQ off Memorial Drive; a black owned, low key spot with great food! Places like this are probably my favorite because one you get to help keep money within your own community and many of these spots are family owned so there is more passion put into the craft and product they are providing for the community.

On the flip side, I also love spots in the city that are a little more lively, and curate environments that allow you to experience the essence of Atlanta. Nights when I’m with friends and we’re looking to get food and a few drinks, we might go to Hide Kitchen, Cafe Circa, or Harold’s Chicken and Waffles.

Lastly, it’s been good to see people getting back to attending more activity based outings like Topgolf, the bowling alley, and Braves, Hawks, or Falcons games. Those type of hangouts are always a good time with a good environment to enjoy time with friends.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I have to dedicate majority of my success to my family – specifically my mom, dad, and sister.

Growing up, my parents always taught me and my sister that there won’t be any free handouts, or any free walks in this world….especially being Black. We were taught that there may be certain opportunities that I’m overlooked for just because of my appearance or color of my skin, and I will have to work two to three times harder just to receive the same recognition that someone else may receive.

It’s engrained in me to work hard for what I want to accomplish in life. One thing I choose to live by is something my dad has always told me… “Make yourself available and God’s got the hard part”. So I believe that just staying focused and continuing to do the work will allow everything else to fall in its place.

My business’s name stems from my family’s lineage and is about trying to continue the success that my great-grandparents and grandparents started. Some of my close friends are also the reason of some of my success. Obviously in business there are times where things don’t go the way you hoped or planned for so I’ve for sure hit a
few difficult times but they haven’t allowed me to stay down and give up on what I’m trying to build for myself and future
family.

Website: https://www.christianbytaylormade.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/by_emaeus/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emaeus-thomas-882640110/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/by_emaeus

Other: https://www.instagram.com/christianbytaylormade/

Image Credits
John Nalls Eric Vo

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.