Meet Rakiya Trout of GENIUS WRLDWIDE

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rakiya Trout

Hi Rakiya, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Things have an amazing way of aligning. In the fall of 2017, I started my first semester at California State University, Northridge. My major was Kinesiology, and at the time, I thought I would graduate with a degree in that field. But as I navigated college, I began to truly discover who I was.
There were so many developments happening in my life, and I found myself falling behind in certain areas needed to continue studying Kinesiology. I was given a choice either get back on track or switch my major. After reflecting on what truly interested me, I decided to explore the fashion world in the spring of 2019.
I had always been passionate about fashion and creating in general, but it wasn’t until then that I really embraced it. At the time, I was staying with my cousin, who was studying Apparel and Merchandising the very major I was drawn to. While in the program, I took an apparel construction lab, where we learned how to assemble garments. It was my first time ever using a sewing machine, a world I had always been curious about but never imagined I’d get to explore so soon. My professor was amazing and patient, which made all the difference for a beginner like me. Our first sewing assignment was a tote bag, and that experience changed everything. I was so proud of what I had created so excited to make more. I immediately shared the idea and the bag with one of my close friends in college, and we ended up brainstorming business names. For some reason, BagLady came up. We were huge fans of Ms. Erykah Badu, and what better way to combine two things I loved? Boom the name was set in stone. From there, I created an Instagram account, officially launching The BagLady. The “LA” in Lady was emphasized because we were born and raised in Los Angeles it was only right. I immediately started posting my work and taking custom orders. It felt like a dream, a childlike adventure no fear, just adrenaline and an unstoppable urge to keep creating. A beautiful journey awaited.

That fall, I made the life-changing decision to drop out of college to work and build my business originally called The BagLady, now Genius Wrldwide. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road was far from smooth, but I think that’s what made the journey so special. In the beginning, everything felt fresh and exciting pure passion and creativity driving me forward. But once reality set in, I realized that building a business from the ground up, especially as a self-taught designer, came with its own set of challenges. One of the biggest struggles was learning the technical side of things. I didn’t have years of sewing experience or a formal fashion background, so I had to teach myself a lot. I made mistakes, wasted materials, and spent hours figuring things out through trial and error. There were moments of frustration, but I never let them stop me I just kept going. Another challenge was balancing my business with real-life responsibilities. I had bills to pay and had to figure out how to sustain myself while still investing in my craft. There were times when money was tight, and I had to get creative with resources. I wasn’t always able to buy the best materials or the latest equipment, but I made it work with what I had. But in the midst of the struggles, I was also reminded that when you’re walking in your purpose, the universe will send you signs, gifts, and blessings through people. One of the most unforgettable moments happened in November 2019. I was sharing my story with a complete stranger at a revolt event, and they believed in my dream so much that they gifted me a brand-new sewing machine. I was shocked. It was one of those moments that reassured me I was on the right path. That blessing fueled me to keep going even when things got tough. On top of that, self-doubt would creep in. Social media makes it easy to compare yourself to others who seem to have it all figured out. I had to remind myself that my journey was my own and that growth takes time.
Despite the struggles, I wouldn’t trade any of it. Every setback taught me something valuable, and every win no matter how small kept me motivated. The road wasn’t smooth, but it was necessary, and it made Genius Wrldwide what it is today.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
(What should you know)

Genius WRLDWIDE is more than a brand, it’s a mindset, a movement, and a lifestyle. We stand for self-expression, creativity, and breaking boundaries. Every piece we create is intentional, designed for individuals who embrace their uniqueness and move through life with confidence. Our brand is about more than fashion; it’s about believing in yourself, your hustle, your divine timing, and your ability to transform your reality.
We also recognize that many ideas aren’t new ideas. Creativity is a continuous cycle, and we honor those who came before us, inspiring our craft. Along this journey, we come across countless influences that help shape our vision, and we simply add our 3% that unique touch that makes it ours. Genius WRLDWIDE respects the roots of creation while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

(What do we do, specialize in and what we are known for)

At Genius WRLDWIDE, we specialize in creating one-of-a-kind, high-quality pieces that stand out. While custom work is part of what we offer, our focus is on crafting innovative, durable travel items and statement pieces that align with our brand’s ever-evolving creative vision. We don’t just follow trends; we bring fresh ideas to the surface, honoring the process of creativity and making each piece a reflection of bold, fearless self-expression. Our supporters recognize and appreciate the time, effort, and craftsmanship that go into every design, and that’s what keeps them coming back.

(What sets us apart from others)

We’re not just selling products; we’re selling a belief system. Genius WRLDWIDE is for those who reject limitations, who test the norms of life, and who live unapologetically. Our brand is for people who don’t care about fitting in but instead embrace standing out. We believe that if you wear Genius WRLDWIDE, you see yourself as a Genius—someone who trusts their path, breaks generational curses, and demands more out of this lifetime. Every piece we create embodies that mindset, making our designs more than just fashion; they’re symbols of resilience, ambition, and authenticity.
Beyond our products, we also honor community and giving back in ways that we can. We know that no journey is walked alone, and just as we are inspired by those before us, we aim to inspire and uplift others. Whether through creativity, collaboration, or direct action, Genius WRLDWIDE stands for building something greater than ourselves.

(What we are most proud of)

Resilience is at the core of Genius WRLDWIDE. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has made the brand stronger. I’m incredibly proud of the dedication, the creative evolution, and, most importantly, the people who have embraced and believed in this vision. The ones who have supported me, my ideas, and my team—who see something special in what we create—are the heart of this brand. Their love and belief in Genius WRLDWIDE fuel everything we do.

(What we want readers to know)

If you wear Genius WRLDWIDE, you wear confidence. You wear ambition. You wear the energy of someone who knows they are meant for more. Whether you’re traveling, making moves in your daily life, or stepping into new opportunities, we’ve got you covered with durable, high-quality pieces that fit every moment.
Genius WRLDWIDE is here for the visionaries, the risk-takers, the creatives, and the unstoppable forces who know their worth and move accordingly. We exist for those who challenge the status quo, who recognize that inspiration is all around us, and who understand that true greatness comes from adding your own voice, your own perspective, and your own 3% to the world.

If that’s you, welcome to the WRLD.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The creative and fashion industries are constantly evolving, and over the next 5-10 years, I see a major shift toward authenticity, sustainability, and intentional design. People are moving away from fast fashion and mass production, gravitating instead toward brands that tell a story, create with purpose, and build real connections with their audience.

Customization and individuality will play an even bigger role in fashion, with more people wanting pieces that reflect their personal style, values, and experiences. Genius WRLDWIDE is already ahead of that curve we’ve always been about creating unique, meaningful designs that resonate with those who wear them.

Additionally, as technology continues to advance, we’ll see more integration of digital tools in the design and production process, from AI-driven customization to innovative materials that enhance durability and functionality. However, no matter how much technology evolves, the essence of creativity and craftsmanship will always remain at the core of what we do.

Community-driven brands will also thrive. Consumers want to support businesses that align with their beliefs and give back in real ways. Genius WRLDWIDE is built on that foundation we honor those who came before us, and we believe in inspiring and uplifting those around us. Over the next decade, I see us growing that impact, creating more than just products but a movement that speaks to those who dare to be different.

At the end of the day, while trends may come and go, the desire to express oneself boldly and unapologetically will never fade. Genius WRLDWIDE will always be here for those who choose to move through life with confidence, purpose, and originality.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @geniuswrldwide

Image Credits
Andrew Alabi (Ski)