TV: What is the name of your brand?

RJ: Right now it’s still a work in progress, but the brand is called Broken Patterns.

TV: When do you plan to officially introduce Broken Patterns to the world?

RJ: My goal is to launch it before the end of this year. Ideally, I’d love to launch it on my birthday, September 4, as a way to celebrate turning 20. It feels like the perfect moment to finally start my own brand and put everything I’ve been working on out into the world.

TV: A Virgo! That’s actually a perfect timeline because it’s right around Fashion Week. Hopefully everything aligns, because I know there are always challenges and hurdles when you’re building something new. I realize Broken Patterns is still in development, but I’m interested in how you would describe the brand and what you want it to become.

RJ: More than anything, I want it to inspire other creatives to chase their dreams. I think there are so many obstacles for people who choose a creative path instead of a more traditional one. A lot of people feel pressure from their families, their backgrounds, or society to pursue safer options. Being creative is often the riskier path. I want my brand to encourage people who want to create to actually go for it. That’s really the foundation of what Broken Patterns is about.

TV: There’s definitely a constant push and pull between doing work that funds your life and doing work that builds your creative vision. I think a lot of people can relate to that. Who would you say you’re designing for?

RJ: I’m designing for people who feel stuck. Maybe they’re working a job they don’t love. Maybe they know they want something more but they’re afraid to pursue it. I’m designing for people who aren’t fully satisfied with where they are and who want more out of life. Those are the people I connect with the most.

TV: Do you have a dream collaboration?

RJ: I think it would have to be Nike.

TV: That would be incredible. I was just in Paris and visited the Mowalola x Jordan pop-up. It was amazing.

RJ: I saw that too. It looked insane.

TV: I know! I need those shoes.

RJ: Same. Especially the mules. I’m obsessed.

TV: What are some things you’ve learned—and maybe unlearned—since entering the fashion industry?

RJ: One thing I learned is how important execution really is. Before fashion school, I think I was a little naïve about how the industry works. You can have incredible ideas, but at the end of the day, execution is what matters. An idea only has so much value if you don’t actually bring it to life.

TV: What about things you’ve unlearned?

RJ: I think I’ve stopped believing that one opportunity is going to completely change my life. When I was younger, I would look at certain opportunities and think, This is it! This is the thing that’s going to change everything. Now I realize that building a career is usually the result of many opportunities stacking on top of one another. It’s rarely one magical moment.