Like every idea that grows into something bigger, there’s always a story behind it. For me, it started with a simple frustration: I was searching for high-quality sweatshirts with artistic, uplifting designs—but I couldn’t find what I was looking for.

The high-end pieces I found were either plain or carried only the brand’s logo. The ones with inspiring designs and artwork were usually poor quality, and the prints would peel or fade after just a few washes. At first, my goal wasn’t to start a business—I just wanted to make clothes for myself. But when I had a few designs made, the positive feedback from friends and family planted the seed of something more.

About six years ago, the idea of starting a brand was born. I partnered with a friend who was an artist, but with both of us working full-time jobs, the project never really took off. Then, about a year ago, I realized that if I didn’t truly commit to this dream, I would regret it.

At the same time, I had always dreamed of living in Europe—so I decided to combine the two dreams: moving abroad while launching this company. I knew nothing about the fashion industry, but I was fortunate to meet a mentor who guided me through many of the challenges. She warned me it would take much longer than I expected—and she was right.

My products were originally meant to be ready by July 1, 2025, but unexpected delays forced me to wait. Instead of stopping, I used that time to build other aspects of the company—like developing partnerships with charities, creating a unique NFC chip interface for our garments, and refining the brand’s mission. Looking back, those delays were a gift. Without them, I wouldn’t have had the chance to create the “extras” that make Lofted Thoughts truly different.

Over the past year, I quit a very lucrative job, moved across the world, and started over in a completely new industry. The fact that I had no prior experience in fashion actually worked in my favor—it allowed me to dream freely and build a brand unlike any other.

The bottom line is this: I sacrificed a lot to bring Lofted Thoughts to life, but I didn’t do it for me. I did it to spread positivity, inspiration, and motivation through meaningful artwork and high-quality garments that last.