Meet Rashod (armon Rashod) Stanley

We recently connected with Rashod (armon Rashod) Stanley and have shared our conversation below.

Rashod (Armon Rashod), appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

My journey from designing clothing in prison with minimal resources to owning my own business is a testament to creativity’s power to thrive even in the harshest environments. The ingenuity I displayed while incarcerated—using dental floss, paper clips, and prison scraps—wasn’t just about survival; it was about transforming limitations into opportunities. These humble materials became my medium, and in them, I discovered a deeper connection to my craft.

Creativity, for me, wasn’t just about having the best tools or the most freedom; it was about finding a way to create, regardless of the circumstances. The limited resources I had in prison didn’t stifle my creativity; instead, they forced me to innovate and think outside the box. Every item I made was a reflection of my resilience, my ability to take whatever I had and make something beautiful out of it. These early designs were raw but full of spirit, and they showcased my skill in transforming ordinary materials into works of art.

The experience taught me a crucial lesson: creativity is not confined by space or material wealth. It’s a mindset, a habit of seeing possibilities where others might see barriers. As I moved from my life behind bars to the freedom of entrepreneurship, I carried with me the same determination and ability to make something from nothing. When I transitioned into owning my own business making custom-designed clothing, I wasn’t just building a brand; I was continuing the legacy of innovation that began with scraps in a cell.

What kept my creativity alive was not just the desire to design, but the deeper understanding that creativity is about resourcefulness, persistence, and adapting to what life hands you. My journey shows that sometimes the hardest moments in life—those that seem to limit us—can be the very experiences that cultivate the skills, habits, and mindset needed for success.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m Rashod Armon Stanley also known as Fashion Designer Armon Rashod, and I’m the founder and designer behind my custom clothing brands called The Trenches Global, The Trenches Sports, and Armon Rashod. My journey in fashion started in the most unexpected place: behind bars. While incarcerated, I found ways to express myself creatively, using materials like dental floss, paper clips, and scraps from the prison environment to design and craft one-of-a-kind pieces. Those early experiences were a crash course in innovation and resourcefulness. I learned that creativity isn’t confined by circumstance or resources—it’s about vision, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of your craft.

What excites me most about what I do now is the ability to bring those early concepts and lessons into the mainstream world. Every piece of clothing I design carries that same sense of resilience and originality that defined my journey. It’s about more than just fashion—it’s about creating something that tells a story, reflects individuality, and breaks boundaries. What makes my brand special is that it represents a fusion of struggle and triumph, of turning adversity into art. My designs often incorporate elements of my life experiences, but they also speak to anyone who’s ever faced challenges and found ways to push through.

As for new developments, I’m excited to announce that we’re expanding our range of custom-designed clothing. We’re focusing on limited-edition pieces, with exclusive collaborations and collections that reflect not just my personal growth, but the growth of my brand as well. It’s a chance to involve more people in the process and share that journey of transformation with them. I also have plans for new events that will bring together fashion, art, and community, creating spaces for people to connect, learn, and get inspired.

At the heart of my work is the belief that style is a form of self-expression and empowerment. My brand is for anyone who understands the power of resilience, creativity, and the will to overcome. Every piece is a reminder that your past doesn’t define you—it’s the steps you take forward that do.

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?

Looking back on my journey, I’d say three key qualities had the most impact on where I am today: resourcefulness, resilience, and vision.

Resourcefulness: Early on, I had very limited materials to work with—dental floss, paper clips, and scraps from the prison environment. But instead of seeing these limitations as obstacles, I learned to think outside the box and make the most of what I had. Resourcefulness is about finding creative solutions even when you don’t have the ideal tools or conditions. It’s a mindset that turns challenges into opportunities. My advice for anyone just starting out is to embrace your current circumstances, however limiting they may seem. Get creative with what’s in front of you, and build from there. You don’t need the best materials or resources to get started—just the determination to make it work.
Resilience: The ability to push through difficult circumstances was crucial for me. In prison, I faced physical, mental, and emotional challenges every day. It was a grind, but I had to keep moving forward, learning, and improving. Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from failure, but about staying focused and persistent in the face of setbacks, no matter how many you face. My advice: embrace the tough moments as part of the process. Growth doesn’t happen without struggle. When things get tough, stay committed to your craft and keep pushing forward, no matter what.
Vision: Even though I was in prison, I had a vision of what I wanted to create. I wasn’t just designing for the sake of it—I was imagining a future where my work could reach others. Vision gave me the purpose and direction to stay focused. It helped me make choices that aligned with the bigger picture, even when the immediate circumstances didn’t seem to offer much hope. For those starting out, don’t just focus on the day-to-day grind. Develop a vision for what you want to create and where you want to go. Having a clear sense of purpose helps keep you motivated and grounded when things get tough.
To anyone early in their journey: Start small, stay focused, and don’t be afraid to be resourceful with what you have. Build resilience by embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, and keep your vision clear—it’ll guide you through the hard times. With patience and persistence, you’ll see the fruits of your efforts, even when the road seems uncertain.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes, I’m always open to collaboration and partnerships, especially with individuals and brands who share a passion for creativity, resilience, and self-expression. I’m looking to collaborate with artists, designers, influencers, community leaders, and like-minded entrepreneurs who understand the value of storytelling through art and fashion. Whether it’s creating exclusive collections, working on unique community events, or co-hosting experiences that celebrate creativity, I’m interested in working with people who bring fresh perspectives and a shared commitment to innovation.

If you’re a designer, artist, or creator with a unique vision, or if you’re someone who wants to help push the boundaries of fashion and art, I’d love to connect. I value authenticity, and I’m excited about collaborations that push both the craft and the culture forward—where we can inspire others to embrace their individuality and express themselves through what they wear.

The best way to reach out for a collaboration is through my social media channels, or you can connect with me directly via email [email protected]. You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @armonrashod or @The Trenches Global . If you’re interested, send me a message, share your ideas, and let’s see how we can create something unique together. Let’s build something that tells a story, connects people, and creates lasting impact.

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