The Power of Two

Trent and Ashley Cox share a passion for business — and community. Their brands, Roostas and Bluecrest Clothing, are just the beginning of their journey together.

Written and Photographed by Lindsay Pace

Nearly 10 years ago, Trent and Ashley Cox — founders of Oxford-based apparel brands Roostas and Bluecrest Clothing — sat on the floor of their loft in Memphis, Tennessee, packing $10,000 worth of video games for customers. It wasn’t their first time working hard together, and it wouldn’t be the last.

The video games? They were the result of practicing pricing arbitrage, a theory they’d learned during their stint as Master of Business Administration students at the University of Mississippi two years earlier. Trent spotted an opportunity to resell in-demand titles, like Madden NFL and NBA 2K, at a higher price on Amazon. To their surprise, sales soared.

At the time, both Ashley and Trent held successful corporate roles at FedEx but were notorious for having side hustles. So, in 2018, when they noticed golf fashion shifting toward more relaxed, casual wear, they left video games, and a new venture emerged.

The idea became Roostas, a belt company with playful yet polished designs. The products are durable, and thanks to materials like spandex, they stretch without losing shape.

Launching Roostas was no easy feat — their firstborn was 3 months old, and the move was a gamble. But when their retail accounts quadrupled at a tradeshow, they knew the leap would pay off.

“Something flipped (at the tradeshow),” Ashley Cox said. “At the end of the day, we were selling belts, but people were also buying into us and the relationship we could offer them. They were buying into our story, and that was really meaningful.”

By 2021, Roostas was solid, and the Coxes left their full-time jobs at FedEx to return to Oxford. It was a fortuitous move, since golf was one of the most popular sports in play after COVID-19 lockdowns were lifted, and players were seeking fresh performance wear.

With Roostas thriving, the Coxes saw another opportunity. Their retail partners — of which they now have 800 — began asking for apparel. Bluecrest Clothing was the answer.

“These are retail partners that run their own stores, so we don’t take their trust lightly,” Trent Cox said.

Bluecrest Clothing offers collegiate-themed polos, hoodies and quarter zips with lighthearted patterns and understated designs. It’s not uncommon for the Coxes to spot a product in the Grove or around town, and it never ceases to delight them.

“Pretty soon after we started our [first] business, we were in the Atlanta airport, and somebody was wearing one of our belts,” Ashley said. “It’s legitimizing.”

Beyond creating quality products, the Coxes foster a workplace culture that values employees — one where team members are encouraged to discover passions, remain curious and have room to be fully engaged in life outside the office.

“Those relationships mean the most to us, and that’s why we still strive to do as much as we can now,” Trent said. “We want to build something that they’re proud of.”

And as for working together? The pair genuinely loves it.

“You always have somebody on your team,” Trent said. “Having somebody that you trust more than anybody in the world being that co-founder is pretty valuable.”

Style that Celebrates

From tailgates to nights out, Roostas and Bluecrest Clothing bring personality and polish to every occasion.

The Coxes love a good celebration, and their brands are designed for exactly that. Whether tailgating in the Grove or gathering with friends for dinner, here are a few ways to make their products your own.

Shop Your Style: Roostas’ vibrant belts are flecked with patterns like herringbone and chevron. Pair a simple shirt with a pattern-heavy belt, or keep it refined with one of the brand’s two-toned or solid designs.

Check the Weather: Feeling chilly? Throw on a Bluecrest Clothing hoodie, which is built to hold its shape and never sag at the wrist. Or opt for a quarter-zip, made for Mississippi’s unpredictable weather. They’re warm enough for a crisp fall morning, but breathable enough for rising afternoon temps.

Dress It Up or Dress It Down: Bluecrest Clothing’s polos are cut for versatility in length. Wear them tucked or untucked, depending on the occasion. Better yet, tuck one in and add a Roostas belt.

Mark Your Calendar: Need inspiration? The Coxes occasionally host community events. Previous pop-ups have included a sip-and-shop style celebration at Circle and Square Brewing. Keep an eye out for limited-edition drops.