We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Derek Lott a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Derek, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
I was 17 just moved to ATL from Upper Marlboro, MD for my last year of High school after being homeless the previous year. I get the opportunity to start sketching again (Mainly Sneakers) & was uninterested in making friends with new people because I planned on leaving after graduation. I just was trying to figure out my path. As a part of my business final I designed an online business that I have now but just for sneakers at the time. It was called “Diamond Dreams Movement” at that time but after getting older & going through more homelessness in my life I based the name off of: My name Derek (The Ruler (Biblical)) & I been a dreamer since I could think.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Derek Lott, Founder/Owner/Creative Director for Dream$ Of Ruler$ Street Fashion, I started as an Intern Fashion Designer for James Baldwin in Philadelphia in 2011. Later, After a Short stent with Baldwin learning the industry, started to do my own research in 2013 on the industry & where it we going. In the process developed a love for writing & in May 22, 2018, self-published my own book called Views From the Trap (Surreal Poetry Ebook on all Platforms). That help me launch my first Mini Collection “Views From the Trap” not out anymore. At Dream$ Of Ruler$ Street Fashion, We provide Lifestyle Fashion for Men, Women & Kids with Abstract & Surreal Imagery & Messaging that I’ve gained thru the trials & tribulations I’ve faced in life. Our Motto is “Visualize Your Purpose.” We want to inspire each person to work to be their better self. To Live Like the Kings & Queens they are while We provide the garments to accentuate those feelings.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Ever since I’ve been 16 I been in moments of homelessness while having to pivot through family members & former associates stealing from me, being criticized for my ideals, bridges I’ve burned with family & former friends & knowing myself, I learned when You are going thru life you have to be able to adjust, be consistent, work your ass off everyday on so aspect of your purpose/Dream & only associate with people that love you for you & what you bring to the table & don’t care about the outside voices
We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.
I currently sell on My Own Website. Thank You to Squarespace they have been able to give me the opportunity to showcase a lot of the things like Gift cards, Accessibility for customers & luxury design for my Web Store to have it’s own personality. I would say the only downside is it’s not the trendy platform like Shopify from a promotional standpoint but still has the tools you need & very easy to use.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dreamsofrulerstreet.com
- Instagram: @dreams_of_rulers
- Facebook: Dreams Of Rulers
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC-xZCYyzVrfojSm0GwbfDsw
- Other: TikTok @dreams_of_rulers
Image Credits
Models Amber Powell Bam Rapper Tino Valentino (Instagram @tinovalentinotv) Paige Michelle (_paigemichelle) Cherry ( Bapz) Dx$ (Derek Lott) Photographer Noah Sommer (@shotsbysommer) Videographer Breezy (@BreezyDigital) Designer Derek Lott aka Dx$