Meet Tamara Rochelle Boyd | Fashion Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tamara Rochelle Boyd and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tamara Rochelle, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I came up with the idea for my business after my experience of working as a fashion designer for a small business apparel manufacturer. The advantage to working for a company of this size instead of a major brand is that I had an opportunity to fill many different roles as a designer. So considering my skills and abilities, I had found my niche market in small business apparel manufacturers, retailers, and start-ups. Companies of this size could benefit from contractor design services to ensure that the job is complete professionally in a timely manner without too much expense. I also provide consultation services which have come to benefit clients who are new to the industry or lack an understanding of technical aspects to apparel design.

What should our readers know about your business?
My company T.Rochelle Designs LLC specializes in providing fashion design services in the areas of creative design, technical design, and consultation. I believe what sets my company apart as a fashion design firm is that I’m here to support the smaller brands in the industry within a city that does not have a dominate place in fashion. However, I have learned that there is an advantage to focusing on middle American companies with a steady consumer base. Another aspect that makes my company stand out is that I also place emphasis on the need to develop a sustainable design process. The journey in building my company has not been easy given the huge pause placed on the world in response to the pandemic. However, this time has been beneficial to enabling me to consider ways to revamp and re-strategize my plan for success in what I do. The most valuable lesson I’ve learned along the way is that in anything you do be sure it aligns with the purpose of your company. If it does not align, and especially if cannot generate a substantial profit, don’t waste time on it. Nothings worse than putting time and effort into initiatives that are unprofitable.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would have to say that one of the best places to visit in Pittsburgh for the best time ever would have to be to visit the Point. In the summer time it’s a beautiful place to visit to get a glimpse of the city where all three rivers meet. For more of a bird’s eye view I would suggest visiting the top of Mt. Washington and then taking the Incline down to Station Square where you can also catch a boat ride for a tour of the city. I love museums, and one of my all time favorites is the Mattress Factory located in Pittsburgh’s Northside. Their motto itself, “Art you can get into” says it all. Also the Carnegie Museum of Art has come up with really innovative exhibits that celebrate art from all cultures. I’m a bit of a foodie and when it comes to food, though I don’t mind fine dining, I love street food. Starting in Pittsburgh’s strip district are where you can find great chicken on the stick. Moving eastward for the best chicken curry with garlic nan visit People’s Indian Restaurant in Pittsburgh’s Garfield neighborhood. Then further east to my hometown community of Wilkinsburg, is where a couple of my favorite places to eat are located which includes Salvatore’s Pizza House for pizza, wings, and salads and Fireside Caribbean Restaurant for jerk chicken and cabbage with beans and rice. When in the mood for Mexican I can go next door to the neighborhood of Regent Square for the best shrimp tacos and fries from El Burro. Directly across the street is my favorite go to spot for lattes at 61B Café. Then further east in Swissvale is where the best hoagies hands down can be found at Triangle Bar & Grill,; known for their famous battleship.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to my family, friends, and loved ones for their support. To my father who showed me that I was a fashion designer, my mother who let me know I had the strength to pursue, my brother here on earth who always celebrates my achievements, and my brother resting in heaven who assured me “You’re gonna do it.”

Lastly, for this one I cannot go without recognizing the one who always gave me words of encouragement, advice, and love. Not only did he sacrifice the time to be there for my first fashion show while in college but him and his wife also introduced me to the love of ATL. This person is none other than my Uncle Bill. In celebration of my 25th birthday, him and his wife took myself and my mother to the Atlanta Botanical Garden. One of the most memorable parts of that day is that it gave me an opportunity to see a lotus flower for the first time. The logo for my company T. Rochelle Designs LLC contains a lotus flower within it as a symbol for the meaning of my first name; Tamara. I dedicate this shoutout in memory of my Uncle Bill who touched the hearts of everyone who knew him. I hope I make him proud while he too rest in heavenly peace.

Website: www.trochelledesigns.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/t.rochelledesignsllc/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-r-boyd/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/trochelledesignsllc

Image Credits
Photographer Brittany Beasley of Brittany Leanna Productions LLC, Courtesy of Tamara Rochelle Boyd of T.Rochelle Designs LLC