Toyin Omisore , top left , owner of Roam Loud , designs active wear for women to feel confident and empowered .
Roam Loud
The locally founded active wear company encourages customers of color , and all women , to move through the world with confidence . By Edelinda Baptista
Roam Loud ’ s founder Toyin Omisore dubs herself the “ Wanderer in Chief .” In March of 2020 , the thirty-five-year-old entrepreneur created the athletic and athleisure wear company called Roam Loud on the South Side of Providence , and word about her brand is traveling across the nation .
“ We had developed in-person connections through pop-up shops in Atlanta , Georgia , Washington , DC , and Boston ,” says Omisore . “ Our first major publication feature with HuffPost was what took the brand recognition from select states to nationwide recognition .”
Roam Loud has now been featured in Women ’ s Health magazine , Cosmopolitan , Marie Claire , Harper ’ s Bazaar and more . It is more than just an activewear brand , and her title as “ wanderer in chief ” reminds her of the company ’ s philosophy .
“ Roam Loud is a call to action and a public service announcement to move through the world on our own terms …. Each day provides me moments of opportunity to do something outside my comfort zone , create and build a life that brings me happiness , and unlearn old behaviors and thoughts ,” says Omisore .
When customers , known as “ Wanderers ,” step into Roam Loud ’ s clothing , Omisore wants them to feel free , encouraged , empowered and , most of all , represented .
“ While Roam Loud is for all women , Black women are often left out of authentic , non-trauma-related conversations and storytelling ,” Omisore says .
Sharing the brand and her story with other supporting Black and women business owners also helped shine a light on Roam Loud . The Wanderers , however , are the backbone of the company . It brings joy to Omisore when she sees them guiding others towards a path of health and wellness while wearing the activewear , and she says their messages of approval and support give her strength .
“ The moments where I am doubtful or unsure about something business related are when I receive an email from a Wanderer sharing how they love the brand , everything I am doing , and to keep going ,” Omisore says . “[ Their ] messages always come at the perfect moment and provide the exact amount of encouragement to push ahead .”
Omisore wants Roam Loud activewear to make Wanderers feel confident , however , she says she ’ s not stopping there . “ Encouraging freedom , confidence and representation is an ongoing mission for the brand ,” she says . “ I will always move the goalpost a little further . I believe we have and are setting a strong foundation and we have only scratched the surface .” roamloud . com �
RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l DECEMBER 2021 17