2022 40 Under 40: Brina Thomas

As co-owner of clothing and home accessories retailer Five Pound Apparel LLC, Brina Thomas says she’s living a dream come true.

She and husband Ben bought the business in 2017, just weeks after Thomas graduated from Missouri State University.

“I love being my own boss,” she says. “I love problem solving and the daily challenges. Every day is something new, and I love every minute of it.”

She says the company in 2020 emerged stronger amid the coronavirus pandemic, during which it introduced a T-shirt club, free curbside pickup and local deliveries.

Aside from Five Pound Apparel and being a new mother, Thomas, 31, also is involved in the community, including service with the Downtown Springfield Association and Downtown Council of Champions.

Proudest moment? A tie between buying a business right out of college and becoming a mother.

Best productivity hack? Outsource the things you don’t like to do. Set timers – lots of timers!

Most treasured possession? A stuffed giraffe my grandma bought me when I was 3 or 4 years old.

Favorite hobby or creative outlet? I love to cook and try new wine.

Favorite local order? Pesto Peru “Tallarin Verde” and a pisco sour at Cafe Cusco.