Meet Piragio Thompson

We recently connected with Piragio Thompson and have shared our conversation below.

Piragio, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

The way I’ve learned to be successful when I’m the only one in the room who looks like me is by being unapologetically myself, because honestly, who’s better than me? When I walk into a room, the energy shifts towards me. Eyes turn, whether I want them to or not, and I lean into that presence instead of shying away from it.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My story has always been about standing out, not just for the sake of attention, but for impact. I don’t believe in blending in. Fashion and creativity have been part of my DNA for as long as I can remember. What excites me most is the power of style and self-expression to transform how people perceive themselves and navigate the world.

At the same time, my background in mental health and social work shapes everything I do. I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for people, especially those who often feel unseen, to have spaces where they feel empowered. That’s why my work expands beyond fashion into writing and advocacy. This year, I published two books: one focused on guiding parents in conversations with their kids about sex, drugs, and alcohol, and another offering insights and resources on autism. Both projects stemmed from my desire to bridge gaps, share knowledge, and equip people with tools to navigate real-world challenges.

Professionally, I’m focused on expansion, finding new ways to merge my passions for social impact, fashion, and creative expression. My brand isn’t just about products; it’s about movement. It’s about walking into a room and having the energy shift, capturing that boldness. That’s the future I’m building.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, influence, and authenticity. Resilience comes from knowing how to keep going even when the odds feel stacked against me. Influence is about using my presence and voice to inspire change. And authenticity has been my anchor; it’s the reminder that I don’t have to shrink or mold myself to fit in, because my uniqueness is my power.

I’ve also learned not to strive to be liked; if people don’t resonate with me, that’s their choice, not mine. For anyone early in their journey, my advice is simple. Build resilience by embracing challenges instead of running from them; every setback sharpens you. Develop and hone your skill(s), whatever they may be. Lastly, I would say just be yourself at all costs. The moment you start trading pieces of yourself to fit into spaces, you lose the very thing that makes you-you.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

The book that has played an important role in my development is “The 48 Laws of Power.” Three of the most valuable lessons for me are: Use Absence to Increase Respect and Honor, Re-Create Yourself, and Avoid Stepping into a Great Man’s Shoes. Each of these has shaped how I show up, influence spaces, and define my own path rather than following someone else’s.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.piragio.com
• Instagram: piragiothebrand
• Facebook: Piragio Thompson
• Other: https://piragiothebrand.gumroad.com/l/xyuqs- Autism book link also available on Amazon

  https://piragiothebrand.gumroad.com/l/kywqc- A guide on how to talk to your kids about sex, drugs and alcohol book link