Ellington

From the time he was elected Mr. Best Dressed in both middle and high school, Thomas Wayne Roots knew he had a future in fashion and design. "I've always liked clothing, design and all-around beautiful things," Roots says. "(In school) I gravitated to that kind of thing, and it eventually turned to the design aspect."

The 40-year-old Jackson native runs a clothing and interior-decorating business called Thomas by Design and owns an exclusive women's boutique named The Savoy. He attended Lanier High School and later went on to Hinds Community College and Belhaven University. He graduated from Belhaven in 1994 with a degree in marketing and business. Roots worked at McRae's department store, now Belk, while in school, where he was in charge of visual merchandising and men's accessories, ties and suits. He says this experience made the transition into running his own clothing business much easier.

Roots started his business in 1991 and opened The Savoy a year ago. He started out doing freelance work from his home office and by appointment, which is how he still conducts most of his business today.

"I started by working parties as an event planner," Roots says. He said he still plans events from weddings and graduations to receptions and charity events, such as the United Negro College Fund Ball at the Jackson Convention Center.

The UNCF Ball isn't the only big-name event Roots has worked. Roots recently coordinated the 4th annual White Party, a benefit and fashion show for the National AIDS Association. He also organized events for celebrities such as Danny Glover, Morgan Freeman and Oprah Winfrey, whom he met when he planned a party for her in 1993 and has worked with several times since.

Roots says he does everything from setting up and decorating to hiring the caterers and selecting the food.

As an interior designer, Roots' work includes the offices of the Federal Courthouse in Jackson, Judges James Graves and Carton Reeves, and Herbert and Sharon Lee of the Lee and Associates law firm. He's preparing to host an upcoming holiday trunk show to promote his store's fall collection.

Roots' commitment to quality and helping the community has earned him great word-of-mouth recognition. It is being able to give back that makes him enjoy his work.

"It's something I like to do, so it's not like work all the time, but it is still hard work," Roots says. "I enjoy getting to help people whether it's through charity or fashion."

The Savoy is located at 4956 Old Canton Road. Contact Thomas Roots by cell at 601-506-7545, in his store at 769-233-7776 or at his home office at 769-251-5919.