Daily Inspiration: Meet Olandus “Odus” Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Olandus “Odus” Smith.

Hi Olandus “Odus”, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started in 2019, finding myself deep diving into runways shows, fabric and product research, designing and ran with it. After having my best friend teach me how to sew things became natural and fluent where I could fully grasp ideas and bring the to life! Memories of November speaks about that moment when you find freedom in your heart and mind. It helps you create on another level, to be free and enjoy life to the fullest! those moments that inspired you to create something newer, better, unique! MON, stands for those times where i would take risks, run through open doors and different opportunities to put myself in a better position. those times where my grandma would say “this november, i know you’ll be exactly where God wants you”, it’s about those dreams you stand strong during the storm for. the times you fight off negative opinions and focus on what you want! It’s about living in your passion and bringing it into fruition like the fall harvest! From there we began “Only God Can Bench Us” telling the story that God only wants us to be successful and see everything through no matter the storm. He wouldn’t bless you with talents and gifts if he didn’t have plans for you to go far! The only person stopping you from achieving your wildest dream is you! God Blessings always hit on time! IM UP AT BAT, ONLY GOD CAN BENCH US! After 2 years we transitioned into “Only Him” with the message, “ No matter the storm, the doubts, the obstacles, it’s Only Him. God helps us see through everything we put our minds too. Win or lose. For growth or to slow you down. God makes a way and open doors for his children. He prepares us whether he throws us in the fire or sits us down. He shows us whether we are ready for what we’re asking for or not! Just stand strong through the storm knowing that whatever it is you want to come into fruition, it’s him by your side. Only Him!”

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not! I’ve endured the highs and lows of being a brand owner! Yet, it took me years to realize rejection is redirection. Times i felt like it was over, I realized what all was happening in me and around me! God was working! In order for me to be the designer i pray about or the man He designed me to be, i have to go through seasons of learning and development! I lost thousands on products, lost products, lost collab opportunities. I’ve postponed collections, shows, and events. Dealt with backlash from guest or customers but it all made me into who i am today and taught me how to elevate!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a men and womenswear designer whose main focus is Knitwear. I utilize different knit materials to translate the 3 chord bond that we create with God! Using knits to showcase the strength of the bond and give testimony of my journey, I build community around the brand in a spectrum of ways! I am the creative director and designer of the brand, I curate shows and make the clothing in a region where the main focus is hoodies, tees, and sweatpants, bringing a real Fashion Week experience to the locals. I was able to host my first solo show last year and it sold out on top of the year before i was able to Gift Dapper Dan with a mink piece from a prior capsule!

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
One thing i’ve learned that i should’ve done in the beginning was take the risks and try! Don’t let the doubts win! Do it because you love to do it. Don’t chase people, people will always be on the lookout for what’s next. So make what you love and the audience will
come. Rely on community, not everybody will support but there are those who will go above and beyond for you. Be open to learning and experiencing, it’ll help you become who you are working to be! Talk to God first before you talk to your friends and family, He’s all the confirmation you need, you just have to do the work and lean on Him!

Pricing:

• Custom products: $150+ (depending reference)
• Clothing rentals: $100
• Designing: $35 per product
• Products: range from $15 to $200
• Creative Director: $150

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/00.slimm?igsh=eHQxMmFiNzN3dmw%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/onlyhim.mon?igsh=MXJjbjFwZTRxcjFxdw==

Image Credits
Court Cobain
Studio Slimm
00.slimm
Only Him