SOUTH FULTON, Ga. — Rashod Stanley has no problem standing out, and that's by design. The fashion designer had dozens of models hitting the runway Friday night, showing off his line The Trenches Global. Stanley said the name constantly reminds him that his current location doesn't determine his destination.
"I feel a sense of accomplishment to actually be able to get out here and do it," Stanley said. "A lot of guys come from my environment or were just in the same circumstances I came from and don't get a chance to make it out. I've seen folks die in prison."
By the age of 20, Stanley owned his own store. But then his location changed. In 2016, he was arrested on robbery and gang-related charges. Even standing behind bars, wearing the same white and gray outfit and eating the same food as the other inmates, Stanley stood out.
"It really just took a turn for me, but you know God has to sit you down sometimes for you to pay attention," Stanley said. "I made clothing out of paper clips and dental floss. I just took the time and perfected my craft, so everyday I'd sit in there and make outfits. There was no need for me to complain. I just had to make the best out of a worse situation.”
Stanley said he was determined not to let his dream die behind bars. He used whatever resources he could while in prison to progress his fashion line. Now, he's able to make a living off his creations.
"It's a lot of pain that comes with my time in prison," Stanley said. "You see the part where you're driving cars and having the women and having the money. But they don't tell you about the part where you go down the road, seven-and-a-half years, and the people you love are dead and gone when you come back."
Even in prison, in the trenches, and after losing his grandmother while behind bars, Stanley never lost his purpose. After his release six months ago, he's made new uniforms for some of the kids in Gwinnett County's youth athletic program. Stanley is also mentoring other students across Metro Atlanta. He's teaching them to stand out and design their own path.
"If I can do it, you definitely can do it," Stanley said. "You just gotta want it and have the discipline to go get it. Just knowing the people around me are motivated by me going. I can’t quit because they’re looking at me to keep going. I’m in position to put a lot of people around me in position to succeed."
Stanley plans to open a new store in East Point this summer.