We had the good fortune of connecting with Sydney Thompson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sydney, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
One value that truly stands out to me would have to be integrity. What is integrity exactly? Integrity is when one moves with wholeness, honesty, and unwilling to compromise their beliefs under any circumstances. When you create a foundation that is so solid with in your self nobody can degrade your character because you are confident in who you are. Integrity allows you to create boundaries and boundaries creates clarity. I stand on integrity so strongly because your word is everything. At the end of the day you have to live with your self and your truth, nobody else. Being able to make healthy decisions not only for yourself but for others around you. I feel people with strong integrity are leaders. They can build and lead others and create a path for success for their community. I am a strong believer in Christ and when you do right by others and move with selfless intentions you will be rewarded. You have to ask yourself at the end of the day if everything that is attached to you, your career, your brand, materialistic things were to be taken away, who are you? and what do you stand for now? I tell people those things do not define you because they can so easily be taken away. But your character, the person you decide to be, the way you decide to impact others, lives forever. I will leave you all with this Titus 2: 7-8 “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started my Engineering career August of 2020. I currently work for Bechtel, one of the largest Engineering, Construction, Procurement companies in the world. I am so grateful for the opportunity to build my career with such an established and high valued company. Post graduation I was placed on my first assignment contributing to the design implementation of a Nuclear Power plant as a Field Engineer. I am so proud to be an Engineer especially a Black Female Engineer. Our presence is slim to none with in this field and to be able to have the opportunity to represent us in a positive light is one reason why I take so much pride in my work and job title. Gaining experience and knowledge will allow me to help and guide other young black women wanting to enter into the STEM world. Becoming an engineer was very challenging. I often think it was all apart of the plan as I shift into entrepreneurship. It allowed me to gain a different perspective of life, adversity, and how to pivot and still excel after numerous failed attempts. You become numb to failing, getting back up and trying again until success.

Our Brand is a clear representation of life itself. The challenges, obstacles, the highs and the lows. The process is what makes reaching the goal so rewarding. “No pressure no diamonds” is one of my favorite sayings. The work is going to come to light, its just a matter of time. With that being said the story is still being written and I’m enjoying every step of the way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Houston is full of so much diversity and opportunities. I believe that is what makes the city so unique. The different cultures, food and entertainment. I would definitely take them to some of the hottest food spots such as the Famous Turkey leg Hut, Lotus seafood and Tita’s Tacos for sure. I like to drive through the super wealthy neighborhoods, they are so beautiful and inspirational, especially the ones in Rice Village. Obviously if we were to go shopping I’d take them to the Galleria Mall. I have yet to visit another luxurious mall like ours. I think the minute maid park is always something to experience as well as the rodeo! If they were to come when the rodeo were in season that would be at the top of the to do list. So much fun, food and culture. Maybe visit memorial park and the Houston Museum district. As far as night life the sky is the limit! So many options I cant even count. I love Houston.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many factors have played an important role in my life contributing to my success. My parents first and fore most instilled strong core values within my siblings and I, that I practice till this day. Belief in yourself no matter the circumstances, always finish what you start and so many more. My Bestfriend Chrissy Augustine has been one of my biggest supporters and inspirations since the 6th grade. Who is also my business partner in Gemloyalty. To build this business together was a no brainer because of who she is and what she believes and stands for. She is also the reason I made it through Engineering school! My personal mentors have impacted me tremendously. They taught me to expand my mind and truly think outside the box. They helped me realize that your dream life is not that far out of reach. I am forever grateful for them. Growing up playing AAU basketball taught me how to handle adversity, create discipline and routine. Being an athlete has more life lessons than I think people give credit to. The last thing I want to highlight is the Book Rich Dad Poor Dad. This book is very known and the hype behind this book is valid! Your perspective on life will forever be changed.

Website: glfapparel.com

Instagram: Personal IG: @Sydneyjanai Business IG: @gemloyalty

Twitter: @SydneyJay_

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.