Tim Farrell of Roseland on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tim Farrell. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Tim, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What battle are you avoiding?
One battle that I can say I’m avoiding is the battle with my procrastination simple task that typically would take 15 minutes to take me up to 15 days it stems from having ADHD, which is something I was diagnosed with recently, but I struggle with for most of my life.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello,

My name is Tim Farrell, also known as Timmy F. With the special help of Arne Duncan and Laurene Powell Jobs from Emerson Collective, as well as Virgil Abloh and Don C from RSVP Gallery, I co-created a streetwear brand called Swindle and Brute during my fashion designing internship in Chicago Cred back in 2017. After the program ended, some of my cohort members didn’t want much involvement with the brand, but they still supported me from a distance. From that moment on, I hit the ground running.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Prior to external influences shaping my identity, I was merely a follower, conforming to the actions of my siblings and peers. Inspired by movies and rap music, I lacked a distinct sense of self. I embarked on numerous projects and ideas, yet never fully realized them. However, as I matured, the world conveyed to me the imperative to share my knowledge and inspire those around me. Unbeknownst to me, this was the world’s way of guiding me to lead the generation under me, demonstrating the path I had traversed and the challenges I had overcome.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The most significant obstacle that has hindered my progress has been my apprehension regarding self-belief. Although I cannot recall the source of this quote, it states, “Success is on the other side of fear.” Fear can prevent individuals from achieving their aspirations and goals. I recall experiencing apprehension about creating merchandise, participating in pop-up shops, or taking a box of merchandise to a different state. However, I eventually overcame my fears, and the outcomes were consistently positive. Similarly, I was hesitant to perform on various stages in front of different audiences until I finally took the plunge, and most of the time, the audience responded well to my performance.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie the industry tells itself is that you have to be perfect. That if you make a mistake, then it’s the end of the world, and that’s not true. That narrative alone puts so much pressure on folks, and it hinders them from wanting to go to that next level because we become too caught up on what folks think of us.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
Upon encountering the brand name “Swindle and Brute,” individuals may instinctively associate it with the literal definition of the word “swindle,” which implies depriving someone of their financial resources. However, I intend to present a nuanced interpretation of this narrative. There has been a misconception regarding a brand that embodies perseverance, leading to the erroneous assumption that my brand signifies a desire to physically harm and exploit others. This notion is entirely inaccurate. The term “Swindle and Brute” encompasses the use of subtle cunning to overcome challenges in a resolute manner. Growing up in a challenging environment, I was compelled to adopt this version of myself.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Rick_Dawg23
_jamari0

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee? Workouts? Hitting the snooze button 14 times? Everyone has their morning ritual and we

Highlighter Series
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?

Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than