We recently connected with Ryan Thomas and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Ryan with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I believe my work ethic really began to take shape during middle and high school. My school followed a block schedule—half of my classes on one day, the other half the next—so I quickly learned to complete assignments the day they were given. That approach allowed me to enjoy my evenings and weekends without stress, and it built a strong foundation for managing time effectively.
When I was accepted into FIDM, the workload increased dramatically. Weekly assignments often felt like final projects, and actual finals were on an entirely different level. I relied heavily on the habits I developed in my earlier school years, but refined them further. I learned to tackle smaller tasks first to clear my schedule, giving myself the space and mental energy to dive into larger, more demanding projects.
Now, running my own business, that same work ethic plays a huge role—especially when developing a new collection. I usually spend 2 to 6 weeks on the creative process: designing, selecting colorways, and sourcing fabrics. Production can take anywhere from 2 to 7 months, depending on the complexity of the collection. One key lesson I’ve learned is that you can’t put a strict timeline on quality. Success often comes from patience. If you’re in a rush, focus on the big-picture tasks and clear your mind of the small distractions—they’ll only slow you down.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Tell us about Ryan Thomas Designs and what makes it unique.
I’m the Creative Director and sole force behind Ryan Thomas Designs—a one-man operation where everything is done in-house. What makes this setup so special is the level of creative control I have over every single piece. From the initial concept to the final stitch, every design reflects my personal vision without compromise.
Most people outside the fashion world don’t realize how complex the process really is. Fun fact: the shirt you’re wearing right now likely went through over 100 steps before it ended up in your hands—and that’s just the design and production side of things.
What truly sets Ryan Thomas Designs apart is our fearless use of color and prints. In a city like Los Angeles, where minimalism often dominates, we’re one of the few brands championing bold, vibrant designs. Our mission is to bring haute couture back to the forefront—redefining what luxury fashion can look like today by blending craftsmanship with daring creativity.
We currently have our archives and new Mens Resort collection available at PR Solo Public Relations, for more info pls contact: assistant@prbpr.com
Additionally we are thrilled to announce our new Haute Couture Collection is now in the works to celebrate our 5 year anniversary as a brand.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three qualities that had the greatest impact on my journey were a fearless mindset, adaptability, and a resilient willingness to learn. Fearlessness gave me the courage to pursue my dreams in Los Angeles, step into unfamiliar spaces, and take risks that pushed me outside my comfort zone. Adaptability allowed me to keep up with the fast pace of the fashion and entertainment industries, pivot when plans changed, and embrace unexpected opportunities. And my combination of resilience and a hunger to learn helped me push through challenges, grow from failure, and continually build the skills I now use in my business. For anyone early in their journey, my advice is this: be brave enough to take the leap, stay flexible when the path changes, and never stop learning—especially when things get hard. These qualities not only shaped my path but also gave me the strength to keep going and growing, no matter what came my way.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had the unwavering support of my parents throughout my journey. They not only made it possible for me to attend college, but also gave me the opportunity to move to Los Angeles to pursue my dreams. From a young age, I knew LA was where I wanted to be. The allure of Hollywood, the vibrant fashion scene, and the excitement of the film industry sparked my imagination and inspired me to dream big. What kid wouldn’t want to be in the heart of it all?
Thanks to my parents’ belief in me and their financial support, I was able to live in LA and attend college—an experience that played a crucial role in shaping who I am today. It was during my time in school that I discovered and developed the majority of the skills I now use to run my business. Every class, every late night of studying, and every project brought me closer to the career I had always envisioned.
Looking back, I truly don’t know where I would be or what I would be doing had I taken a different path. This journey has not only been about personal growth and professional development, but also about gratitude.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ryanthomasdesigns.com
- Instagram: officialryanthomasdesigns
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas–oconnor
Image Credits
Photographers: Johnny Bean, Raul Francisco, Daniel Iso
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
