Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rashod Armon Stanley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Rashod Armon thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?
At The Trenches Global and Armon Rashod clothing store, I once saw a team member go above and beyond in a way that left a lasting impact on a customer—and it was a simple but heartfelt gesture. A regular customer had come in looking for a specific jacket that had been out of stock for a few weeks. She was frustrated because it was a limited-edition piece she had been eyeing, and she had been checking in every few days, hoping it would be restocked. The store had no immediate plans to get more, and she was visibly disappointed.
Rather than just apologizing or letting the customer walk out empty-handed, the store manager took a proactive approach. He went through the back inventory and found a similar jacket from a past season that was just as stylish and in her size. But instead of just offering this as a substitute, the manager called the customer by name, personally explained the situation, and suggested they do something special. He offered a free personal styling session and gifted her a small accessory from a new collection as a token of appreciation for her patience and loyalty.
What made this so great was how the manager made the customer feel seen and valued—not just as a buyer, but as a person. The gesture wasn’t just about solving a problem; it was about making the customer feel like their satisfaction mattered more than the sale itself.
The customer was genuinely touched, and you could see the relief in her face. She left the store not just with a jacket but with a sense of being truly appreciated. Her experience was so positive that she shared it on social media, tagging the store and expressing how much she appreciated the personal attention. She became an even more loyal customer, often bringing friends into the store, and even sent a thank-you note, which is rare in retail.
This moment was impactful because it went beyond the typical customer service routine. It showed that the store wasn’t just focused on transactions, but on creating lasting relationships. For the customer, it felt like more than just a shopping experience—it felt like an acknowledgment of her loyalty, and that’s something that sticks with people.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Rashod Armon Stanley, the founder and creative mind behind The Trenches Global and Armon Rashod, unique clothing brands that blends high fashion with streetwear culture to create pieces that make a statement. My journey into the fashion industry wasn’t a straight line, but rather a series of experiences that combined my love for art, design, and storytelling. Growing up, I was always fascinated by the way people express themselves through the clothes they wear. It wasn’t just about fabric and cuts—it was about identity, culture, and personal narrative.
After being incarcerated and always dressing to empress when I was free, I saw an opportunity to build something that wasn’t just a clothing line, but a platform for creative expression. I started The Trenches Global and Armon Rashod as a way to offer high-quality, limited-edition pieces that give people a sense of belonging—whether they’re wearing it on the streets or at a high-profile event. The brand is a celebration of individuality, blending influences from global streetwear trends with luxury aesthetics. We make clothes for the dreamers, the doers, and those who aren’t afraid to push boundaries.
At The Trenches Global and Armon Rashod, we offer a curated range of exclusive apparel—ranging from custom jackets and hoodies to sleek street-inspired suits and accessories. Every piece is crafted with an emphasis on quality, craftsmanship, and bold design. I pride myself on creating garments that are not just worn but lived in, designed to make you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin.
What I Do and the Problems I Solve
The mission behind The Trenches Global and Armon Rashod is simple: I want to help people express their individuality through fashion while providing products that are both timeless and innovative. Many customers come to us seeking clothing that stands out, but more importantly, they seek quality and authenticity—something they can’t find on every street corner or in a fast-fashion chain.
The problem we solve is two-fold: first, helping our clients feel confident in their style choices, and second, providing high-end streetwear that’s built to last. Our pieces are carefully designed and produced in limited runs, so they’re not just trends—they’re timeless investment pieces. We make sure every product we release tells a story, resonates with our customers’ lifestyles, and gives them something they can’t find elsewhere.
What Sets Us Apart
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to storytelling and authenticity. We don’t just create clothes; we create experiences. The Trenches Global and Armon Rashod isn’t just about selling apparel; it’s about creating a community of like-minded individuals who express themselves with intention. From our handpicked materials to the collaborations we curate with local artists, every aspect of the brand is steeped in purpose.
Additionally, our customer service is second to none. We go out of our way to make sure our clients not only love the products they purchase but also feel appreciated and valued. We’re not just a brand; we’re a lifestyle, and we want to be a part of our customers’ journey, whether they’re discovering their personal style or pushing boundaries with the clothes they wear.
What I’m Most Proud Of
The thing I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built. From our loyal customers to the young creatives who get inspired by our work, the connections we’ve made through fashion are what keep me going. Every time someone puts on The Trenches Global or an Armon Rashod piece and shares their story, I feel like we’ve done something meaningful.
I’m also incredibly proud of the design integrity of our products. Each piece is a labor of love, crafted with precision and care. It’s an amazing feeling when people recognize the attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into every item.
What You Should Know About Me/Our Brand
Quality Over Quantity: Every The Trenches Global or Armon Rashod piece is made with the highest-quality materials, and we produce in limited runs to ensure exclusivity and long-lasting value.
Community-Focused: We’re not just selling clothes—we’re building a culture. When you buy from us, you’re joining a movement of individuals who value creativity, craftsmanship, and authenticity.
Innovation Meets Tradition: We blend the best of streetwear and luxury, creating timeless designs that speak to the next generation of fashion-forward thinkers.
If you’re someone who believes in the power of self-expression, appreciates premium quality, and wants to stand out from the crowd, The Trenches Global and Armon Rashod is where you belong.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Absolutely! Building the audience for The Trenches Global and Armon Rashod on social media was a journey that required patience, strategy, and an authentic approach. Here’s the story of how I did it, along with some advice for anyone just starting out in building their own social media presence.
How I Built Our Audience
When I first launched The Trenches Global and Armon Rashod, we didn’t have the budget for massive ad campaigns or influencer partnerships. Instead, I focused on what mattered most: authenticity, storytelling, and engagement.
1. Founding a Community
From the beginning, I knew that the most powerful way to grow our social media following was by creating a community, not just a customer base. We started with a small, highly engaged group—people who were genuinely interested in my background designing clothes with limited resources (scraps, dental floss, & a paper clip) while incarcerated … my designs and the story behind the brand. I made sure to engage with everyone personally, responding to DMs, liking comments, and really listening to what people were saying. It wasn’t about just pushing products—it was about building relationships.
2. Visual Storytelling
The next step was developing a strong visual identity. Fashion is incredibly visual, so the content needed to reflect the quality and creativity behind The Trenches Global and Armon Rashod. I started sharing behind-the-scenes content, like design sketches, fabric selections, and production processes, showing our audience the craftsmanship that went into every piece.
In addition to this, I focused on storytelling. Instead of just posting product shots, I shared stories about the inspiration behind each collection, the vision for the brand, and the journey of building The Trenches Global and Armon Rashod. People love feeling like they’re a part of something bigger—so sharing these authentic moments made the audience feel connected to the brand on a deeper level.
3. Collaborations and User-Generated Content
As we grew, I realized that collaborating with influencers, artists, and other brands would help us amplify our message. But it wasn’t just about partnering with anyone—it was about finding people who genuinely aligned with our values and who would authentically wear and promote our pieces. These early collaborations were pivotal in reaching a broader audience.
We also encouraged user-generated content by creating branded hashtags and incentivizing customers to share their The Trenches Global/Armon Rashod looks. The more people posted their photos, the more they felt involved in the community, and the more organic visibility we gained. Seeing customers proudly showcase their pieces on their own social media helped build credibility and trust in our brand.
4. Consistency and Quality Content
Consistency was key. Whether we were posting new product drops, style tips, or inspirational quotes, we made sure to stay consistent with the look and feel of our feed. This not only reinforced our brand identity but also helped our followers know what to expect from us. The content wasn’t just about selling—it was about entertaining and inspiring our audience.
We also invested time into producing high-quality visuals—professional photoshoots, short video clips, and behind-the-scenes content that showed the true essence of the brand. People are more likely to engage with and follow accounts that present themselves in a polished, visually appealing way.
5. Engagement and Building Relationships
One of the most important aspects of growing our social media presence was engagement. I made sure that every comment and message was acknowledged. This wasn’t just about answering questions; it was about forming real connections with people who supported the brand. Whether they were asking about sizing or sharing their own The Trenches Global/Armon Rashod-inspired style, I made it a point to be there, creating a sense of personalized customer service through social media.
Advice for Those Just Starting
If you’re just starting to build your social media presence, here are some key takeaways from our journey:
1. Be Authentic
People follow brands they can relate to. Don’t be afraid to share your story—why you started, what drives you, and what your brand stands for. Authenticity goes a long way in building a loyal following.
2. Build Relationships, Not Just Sales
Engagement is crucial. Social media isn’t just a place to advertise; it’s a tool for building relationships with your audience. Respond to comments, thank your followers, and make them feel like they’re part of something special.
3. Develop a Consistent Visual Identity
A strong visual identity is essential. Your content should have a cohesive aesthetic that represents your brand’s personality. Whether it’s the colors, fonts, or photography style, consistency helps make your brand instantly recognizable.
4. Quality Over Quantity
It’s not about posting every day—it’s about posting content that’s meaningful and of high quality. Invest time in creating thoughtful posts that speak to your audience. Whether it’s a stunning image, a behind-the-scenes video, or an inspiring message, make sure your content resonates.
5. Collaborate with Like-Minded Influencers
Partnerships can help expand your reach, but don’t just collaborate for the sake of exposure. Find influencers or creators who align with your brand values and have an audience that will genuinely appreciate what you offer.
6. Encourage User-Generated Content
Get your followers involved! Encouraging them to share their own photos with your products helps create a sense of community and acts as social proof for your brand. Plus, it’s a great way to show how your products are being worn in real life.
7. Be Patient and Consistent
Building a loyal audience takes time. Don’t get discouraged if growth is slow at first. Focus on creating great content, staying engaged with your followers, and being consistent, and the results will come.
In Summary
Building a social media presence for The Trenches Global and Armon Rashod was about creating an authentic, engaging community and staying true to our brand’s mission. It wasn’t about chasing quick growth—it was about forming lasting connections and providing value to our audience. By focusing on storytelling, high-quality content, and authentic engagement, we were able to build a following that felt genuinely invested in the brand.
For anyone starting out, my best advice is to be consistent, stay true to your vision, and prioritize building relationships with your audience. It’s not about the numbers—it’s about creating a community that believes in what you do.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Absolutely, I’d be happy to share that part of the journey. My story with designing clothing for The Trenches Global truly begins in an unexpected place: prison. Although I had my own clothing store at the age of 20 in a low income high crime area, I didn’t start designing clothes until I was incarcerated. I got caught up with the wrong crowd and did 7 years for unarmed robbery. I now mentor young kids about the importance of staying on the right path. I also teach them how to sew. My motto is “Don’t Let Your Location Determine Your Destination”.
Before starting to design clothing for The Trenches Global, I was incarcerated, and while many would see this as a setback, for me, it became a moment of reflection, determination, and, ultimately, a turning point in my life. During my time in prison, I had limited resources—no access to high-end fabrics or the latest design tools, just basic materials and a lot of time. I used dental floss, scraps, and a paper clip to create my ensembles. But in a way, these constraints gave me the space to think deeply about what I wanted to create and how to use my skills and creativity to carve out a new future for myself.
The Beginning of My Clothing Journey
At first, I wasn’t sure how to start. I always was the freshest on the streets and kept that same appearance up while incarcerated. My fashions were for me but eventually other inmates started to purchase clothing from me. They were impressed with what I could design with limited resources. I had almost the entire dorm in my fashions. I used a pencil for my sketches, scraps of paper, and prison scraps. I began designing. I’d take whatever I could find—mattress padding from my bed, the cotton from inside my pillow, scraps, prison uniforms, and even bedsheets—and start experimenting, cutting, stitching, and piecing things together. It wasn’t glamorous, but I loved the process. I didn’t have a fancy sewing machine or the luxury of designing in a studio, but I had resilience and creativity. I taught myself to sew by hand, cutting fabric with whatever tools I could get my hands on. Every piece of clothing was a work in progress, not just in terms of the design, but also in the sense of where I was headed in life.
The designs I created were a mix of streetwear influences—simple, functional, and bold—but they also carried meaning. I started to pour my experiences into these designs, infusing them with themes of strength, resilience, and transformation. I knew that fashion wasn’t just about the clothes—it was about the message they carried, after all I was born and raised in “The Trenches”.
Finding Resilience in the Process
There were days when I thought I’d never make it out. The environment was tough, the circumstances were limiting, and the future felt uncertain. I seen and experienced a lot. Some lost their lives there. But what I learned in prison is that resilience comes from within. The designs I was creating weren’t just clothes—they were reminders to myself that I could rise above my situation, that there was a future beyond the walls.
In the evenings after a long day, I’d sit in my cell and sketch designs. I had other duties to fulfill during the day. I’d make prototypes out of the limited materials I had, stitching by hand. Even though the clothes weren’t perfect by any means, each piece represented something bigger than just fabric—it was about self-expression, survival, and hope. These designs gave me purpose in a place where so many others were just trying to get through the day. You have to be in control of your own destiny and keep your mind occupied. You can easily lose yourself in that environment.
The Turning Point
One day, I was talking to a fellow inmate who had a talent for drawing. We decided to team up—he’d help me add some intricate designs and embellishments to my pieces. Together, we created a small collection. It was a way to pass the time, but it also helped me build confidence in my craft. The designs weren’t just for me anymore—they were a symbol of possibility. I started to believe that this could be more than just a hobby or a way to cope with being incarcerated; it could be a foundation for a new life once I was out.
Even though I was in prison, I started seeing the clothing as a way to tell my story. When people asked about the designs, I’d explain how I’d taken scraps and turned them into something meaningful. I saw that the clothing I was making wasn’t just something to wear—it was something that carried a story of overcoming adversity.
From Prison to The Trenches Global and Armon Rashod
When I was finally released, I knew that The Trenches Global/Armon Rashod was my next chapter. It wasn’t about escaping my past, but about using my experiences to fuel my future. The same drive that kept me designing in prison, with nothing but my bare hands and determination, was what kept me pushing to build a real clothing brand in the outside world.
I took the lessons I learned from those days—how to adapt, how to make something out of nothing, and how to stay focused on a long-term goal—and applied them to the business. The brand grew from resilience. Every design, every piece of clothing, tells a story of overcoming obstacles, of transforming limitations into opportunities. I wanted the brand to be a symbol that no matter where you start, no matter how limited your resources, you can create something remarkable.
The Resilience That Drives The Trenches Global and Armon Rashod
Looking back, the time I spent incarcerated was a defining period in my life. It taught me that resilience is about resourcefulness and mindset. The limited materials I had in prison weren’t an obstacle—they were the canvas for my future. That mindset is at the heart of The Trenches Global and Armon Rashod today.
The brands aren’t just about fashion—it’s about the resilience to keep moving forward, no matter the circumstances. Every time I design something, I think about those early days and the countless times I had to make something from very little. I want our customers to feel that same resilience when they wear our clothes—that sense of overcoming challenges and turning the impossible into reality.
To anyone starting out or facing difficult circumstances, my advice is simple: Don’t let your environment define you. Whether you have everything or nothing, use what you have and keep pushing forward. Resilience isn’t about waiting for things to get easier; it’s about making something happen, no matter the odds.
The Trenches Global and Armon Rashod is a testament to that. Every piece of clothing, every design, represents the strength to rise above, no matter where you start. It’s about turning struggle into strength and vision into reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thetrenches.global/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armonrashod?igsh=MTJjM2tlbW9jYXQzNQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetrenchesglobal?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/rashod-stanley-409b86188
- Twitter: https://x.com/trenchesglobal?s=21&t=ePVFLFr7a5LYRXxx_N64iQ
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCDBp-IFNxmmC6yKJzqNh7jA
- Yelp: https://www.snapchat.com/add/trenchesglobal
- Soundcloud: http://www.fanbase.app/@rashodstanley
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@armonrashod?_t=8pWUk6AHKCR&_r=1
@thetrenchesglobal http://twitter.com/armonrashod
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