Meet Roshaude Thomas | Executive Designer & Creator of Pool of Dreams

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

Hi Roshaude, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The first thought that came to mind was, how can I insightfully impact the world with my art? Over time an understanding of what people wear is like a walking billboard sank in. It’s a form of expression. Having great ideas and a high level of creativity has always been limitless for me. My mother is the sole reason I considered being a designer. At age 9, she introduced me to thrifting. Over the years this built my confidence immensely. Being able to create something special from nothing developed an “eye” of interest in fashion. My mother taught me how to draw, my sister taught me how to color and write, lastly…my aunt introduced me to designer brands right after I graduated high school. At that moment..DOT was born.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art separates me from people because it’s a form of person navigation, understanding unity and believing inspiration finds you.

Our brand is the quintessential example of what is means to trust yourself . We all have a light…our light just shines a little different. Not necessarily brighter…just different. We trust in the belief of inspiration finds you. Don’t force things…true inspiration finds you when you least expect it. Just allow your sparrow to lead you to your line of equilibrium.

I’m most proud and excited about changing the world through my art work one garment at a time.

Of course this journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve always been the type of person to do things on my own, especially when it comes to ideas or even how I dress. The decision to include others in my vision was the greatest contribution to my situation. This decision ultimately propelled my vision and made things more believable. Making a logical decision to seek help and find people that organically believed in my dream has played a vital role in my success. Most people want the pride of doing it on their own. I was taught that you’d get there faster if others helped you behind the wheel.

Until asked my self the big question…”Why me?…Why this brand? What makes us different?” After spending some time in deep thought searching for the answers, I removed everything and everyone who I seen as “yes” people and replaced them with individuals who actually told me the brutal truth. I’m extremely grateful for the support I received in the beginning stages, but I knew I needed to earn my new supporters.

“His eye is on the sparrow” is a gospel hymn that was on my mother’s obituary. Growing up, birdwatching and collecting feathers was a happy place for me. As a kid I was connected to birds and always thought my mother was a bird coming back to me. The sparrow is the most common of all birds. I know for sure if God has his eye on every sparrow, who am I to think he’d overlook me. Every one deserves to live out their dreams. Inspiration finds you. My mother will always be my sparrow. I just felt like I need to share her with the world!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First of all we’d hit the High Museum of Art. For brunch we would hit the Flying Biscuit. Later on we’d hit the beltline and walk around.

I really love the Ponce area. So hitting the Ponce City Market is a must!

We’d chill out…Allow inspiration to find us…While enjoying a bird’s-eye view of the city!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First of all I would like to shout out my Aunt Emma. She has played a vital role in my devolvement as a designer. So much of my success is in debt to her. She is the reason I landed in ATL. When my life was turned upside down…My aunt put the pieces back together and gave me love/direction/and developed my passion for fashion.

Shoutout my brother, my sister and my father. Shoutout to them for never giving up on me. I know I may have been difficult to love at times, however the three of them have always found a way to love and support my dreams.

And lastly, shoutout to my Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Eddie for gracefully accepting parenthood when tragedy struck. The life lessons and love the two of you gave us will forever light our paths. Thank you for raising us and being the support system we needed. Thank you!

Instagram: @poolofdreamsgarments

Image Credits
@maudeimages

on IG