Our Creative Founders.
This is the space to introduce the team and what makes it special. Describe the team culture and work philosophy. To help site visitors connect with the team, add details about team members’ experience and skills.
Co-Founder
Deidra Collins
Co-Founder
James Thorton
About Deidra
f they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” Is a famous quote made by Shirley Chisholm. During my high school years, PBS aired a documentary featuring Shirley Chisholm.
Learning about her historic achievements as the
first black woman elected to Congress and her US
presidential campaign was truly enlightening. As
a young black woman in Southern Indiana, her
story deeply resonated with me. It inspired me to
always make room for other women at the table
whenever I had the opportunity.
After years in corporate environments, I aspired
to become a catalyst for change. How could I
translate my advocacy into tangible actions? I
pondered ways to elevate women and support
their entrepreneurial paths.
In 2022, I introduced The Collins-Thornton Collective (TCT). This Collective encompasses businesses, collaborations, & community. Our mission is to create visibility in unconventional spaces and leverage our talents and resources to generate economic prosperity for the Collective and our community. I currently reside in Houston, TX, & Jeffersonville, IN with my husband James Thornton. Our interests include Fine Arts, Live Music, and revitalizing spaces. We actively support notable organizations such as Sickle Cell Anemia, Dare to Care, Boys & Girls Club, Special Olympics and Dress for Success.
About James
People in James' inner circle often say,
"James meets no strangers." His outgoing personality enables him to engage with any social group and build enduring relationships. James is recognized for his mentoring, teaching, and willingness to provide second chances. In all his endeavors, James has involved labor from Dismas Charities of Louisville, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals reintegrating into the workforce after incarceration. James currently resides in Houston, TX & Jeffersonville, IN with his lovely wife Deidra Collins. When he is not working on projects you can find James enjoying a ride on his custom Harley. James enjoys live music, corn-hole, & sports. He supports many charities with his wife in Houston, Southern Indiana & Louisville.
James serves as the visionary driving the
initiatives of TCT Collective. His remarkable ability to enhance Deidra's concepts with visionary acumen propels them to exceptional levels. With a wealth of experience spanning 25 years in operational leadership, James has played a pivotal role as a builder in Louisville & Southern Indiana, shaping exquisite residential & captivating commercial spaces.