AN INTERVIEW WITH MEDORA’S JOSHUA POLLARD: Hailing from DC, Joshua Pollard aka JDollaSignP has built his name working in the music and fashion world. Having established his own brand Medora, he’s on a mission to put on for the DMV…
Can you introduce yourself and explain your role within Medora?
My name is Joshua Pollard aka JDollaSignP, 202 Baby Lakeisha’s Baby, Ya Favourite Cancer. I Am Owner of Medora and a creative composer.
What is the meaning behind Medora and what does the brand stand for?
The meaning behind of Medora is “Gift of Mother.” While using my gifts to create things that I want to see and feel, to represent the uniqueness of individuality and taste.
How do fashion and music influence each other in your creative work?
I was born in Ralph Lauren and my mom was listening to Sade and Santana before I was born. Fashion and music influence each other in my creative work by just being apart of me. Especially being born in DC, it’s an everyday lifestyle. The music I listen to feels like the background music to my life and the fashion sets the tone of how I’m feeling.
What inspired you to pursue a career that merges fashion and music?
The DMV Culture, Tumblr, my Mom. But at the same time I feel like I was born for this.
Can you elaborate on the values or causes within your industries that you care deeply about?
Everyone is focused on money and everyone is scared to be a fan. I am really passionate about This Shit. I care about helping people reach outside their limitations, showing and telling. Coming from the DMV, we don’t really have a creative infrastructure like London. With me seeing that was a problem for me, I decided to take upon myself to make it a goal for people in similar situations.
How does your personal vision shape the direction and mission of Medora?
Ya know I have to be honest, I’m still articulating that. A lot of my influences come from being raised by a lot of Queens. In a way I want to use Medora to highlight how I see women and how they see me.
What is the ultimate goal you aim to achieve through your creative endeavors?
AT ONE POINT IT WAS JUST A STORE IN GEORGETOWN, WASHINGTON DC. NOW I WANT MY OWN BLOCK IN GEORGETOWN AND THEN AN MEDORA ECOSYSTEM. I hope Medora inspires people to feel like “YOU CAN DO IT TOO.”
How do you stay motivated and passionate about what you do, even during challenging times?
By reminding myself Who TF I Am [laughs]. I have my tumblr page, my friends, and I have sooooo many references that I use as reminders to keep me on track. I think that I am so cool and the ideas and inspirations that got me here in the first place helps me during any times. I feel like I am the source so it’s kinda hard to not be motivated and passionate.
In what ways do you believe your work at Medora has an impact on the community or the industry?
I feel like I use Medora to motivate people within the community to think bigger and for the industry to care more. Everyone cares about money, but no-one cares. My work is to inspire, to not limit yourself and to actually want more out of life.
Can you share a specific project or collaboration that exemplifies the synergy between fashion and music?
This is a very cliche answer [laughs] but the truth, Dipset x Supreme. I feel like for me that was a synergy just inspired me, Dipset Influence x Supreme time in culture, it was like they came together at the right time.
How do you envision the future of Medora and your role in shaping that future?
The future of Medora will be a lifestyle. I envision Medora being bigger than just a brand. With me having so many interests, I want to use Medora to bridge entities that are missing that tasteful creative edge. As well as place Medora subconsciously in people’s lives. Oh and I want my own Medora city.
