We’re looking forward to introducing you to Darrell Jamaal Thomas. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Darrell Jamaal, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
What’s misunderstood is people see me as just a brand owner, when really I’m a curator and connector. I started in fashion with two of my own brands. Leveraged that knowledge with a strategic partnership with a production studio, which takes ideas from concept to consumer — design, production, marketing, you name it. I also connect brands with talent, businesses with each other, and partnering with a youth basketball development program and mentorship . At the core, I’ve built a house of value that blends creativity, business, and community.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Jamaal Thomas from South Central LA, and I see myself as a curator. I’ve always been into style — what I call ornamental behavior — because how we dress reflects how we feel and the environments we step into. That passion led me to start my first brand with partners, then later my solo brand, Dezineyurself.
Over the years, I’ve built a network across fashion, sports, technology and entertainment, and I’ve become a connector — helping brands, talent, and entrepreneurs come together to do good business. Right now I’m also working on “Athletes in Fashion”, a project that will consist of an app and content where we share our perspective on style and culture. At the end of the day, I’m just creating, connecting, and building projects that bring value.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
The only answer to that question is God. He saw me before I ever saw myself. This whole journey was already mapped out and written for me — I just had to go through the bumps, the bruises, and the experiences to realize my purpose and who I really am. Of course, I’m thankful for my parents, my partners, my family, and my friends, but ultimately it was God who walked me through the valleys and showed me the way to the mountaintop. For that, I’m just grateful.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have definitely been times where I thought about giving up. Being an entrepreneur is one of the hardest things you can do, because at the end of the day you’re solving problems and often doing it on your own. Just like the gym — I go five or six times a week — it’s about showing up, even when it’s tough.
Of course the thought of quitting crosses my mind, but I remind myself this is a marathon, not a race, like Nipsey Hussle said. Books like “The Third Door” by Alex Banayan and others have given me perspective, but honestly, it’s my faith that keeps me going. I pray for endurance, I keep creating, and I snap out of those low moments quickly. Because the truth is, I’m closer to where I need to be — and I’d only set myself back if I stopped now.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely — the public version of me is the real me. I don’t change who I am for likes or clicks. My goal is to show my kids who I am and what this journey looks like, and I use social media to document that. I’m open about the wins and the lessons, and I’m the same person in business as I am with friends — if I can help, I help. This is who I am, and it’s who God made me to be.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When it’s all said and done, I want people to say Jamaal was a great person — a God-fearing man, a very present father, a loving family member and friend, and a creator at heart. Someone who cared about people, cared about character, and believed in giving and receiving respect. But above all, I want to be remembered as a man of the people
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d3zin3yurs3lf?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrell-jamaal-thomas-b14496158?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
