We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamaal Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamaal, what’s your definition for success?
I define success as freedom–the freedom to create and access in all arenas of one’s life. And, right behind that is inspiring another on their journey to success.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is creating and developing brands. I take a person’s vision and create a design/logo. Then, I manage the product through production. The final outcome is merchandise that aligns with their brand. I am most proud of bringing someone’s vision into fruition.

Where I am today is a consequence of me consiously choosing to stay focused. I kept my heart in it. I felt every emotion humanly possible when becoming an entrepreneur and developing who I am as a product manager and brand developer.

Was it easy? Hell No! But… it is easy to do the things you love. And, I love what I do! I overcame many challenges by keeping my eye on the prize. I always keep the end goal in mind. I meditated, I manifested, I stayed grounded by rooting myself in the vision I was blessed with.

The main lesson I’ve learned along the way is to respect TIMING. Things fall into place on their own and not when you want it to, per se. Crazy as it may seem it has always worked out beautifully.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The homie is pulling up! For a week!? I’d hit them with a little itinerary like this:

Outdoor Activities: Go hiking at the Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook at Fryman Canyon. Enjoy driving through the canyons! Or, enjoy the hike and ocean view over at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park in Ranchos Palos Verdes.

Eateries: Stuff I Eat in Inglewood, M’dears on Western, Orleans and York, Hot and Cool Cafe, LaRayia’s Bodega, Tandoori Pizza in Hawthorne, Simply Salad on Slauson, and Simply Wholesome. Of course, I would have to put them on to several mom and pop joints on wheels like Energy Smoothie Bar Truck, Fraiche, and Benihibachi.

Visits and hang outs: Culver City Stairs, Venice Beach before bike riding down to Santa Monica beach area and promenade, Lakers’ game (post quarantine) at the Staples Center, and Pop-up musuems all over the LA area, shopping on Melrose.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate my shoutout to my village. Foremost, my wife and kids. They are who I do this for! My parents, siblings, friends, and peers have all contributed to my efforts through words of encouragement and love, and working with me and for me. Many have been a light in life. I thank you all! Last but definitely not least, I’m shouting out my faith! I thank God for blessing me with the lessons that catapulted my faith to this level. It’s the highest and strongest it’s ever been.

Website: dezineyurself.com

Instagram: D3zin3yurs3lf

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/darrell-jamaal-thomas-b14496158

Other: email: dezineyurself@gmail.com

Image Credits
Marcus J. @directormarcusj Jordan Jamal @jordannjamal Abdulaziz @amq.visuals Janae @janaebydesign

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.